50 and Still Making Dreams Come True

I woke up this morning to the non-stop buzzing from my phone. It is Saturday, 11th of July- and I am 50.

I have so much to say. After all, it has been five decades of a life well-lived- despite the challenges, the heartbreaks, the failures and the disappointments. But I will save those stories for when I have the photos that go with them. It will be more meaningful that way, don't you think?

Today, I want to focus on a few things that brought me here- and the people and moments that have helped, and continue to help, make my dreams come true.

First of all, my parents. I wouldn't be here today without them, and I certainly wouldn't be the person I am without their guidance. As imperfect as they were,  and still are, each of them taught me valuable lessons that no one else ever could. 

It is those strong core values that gave me the confidence and strength to face life's battles with grace and optimism. I witnessed my parents struggle- both separately and together. I saw my mother in moments of desperation, yet she remained positive and grateful despite the pain.

The discipline they instilled in us taught me to always do the right thing. The different ways they expressed their love taught me how to love without expecting anything in return. Their sacrifices meant that my brother and I were able to live a comfortable life despite our working-class background, pursue an education, and ultimately fulfil my dream of living abroad.

My brother- my first friend. He stepped into my father's place when he went to work abroad. His version of tough love taught me discipline and how to follow the simple rules of life as I navigated my teenage years.

He was gentle in his own way- steady, protective, and quiety shaping the person I was becoming. Now that we are both in our fifties, I look back with even greater appreciation for all that he was to me then. In his own way, he was guiding me, just as much as he was looking out for me.

I didn't grow up with a sister. In fact, I grew up surrounded by boys. For a long time, I longed for a sister- and then my sister-in-law came into my life. 

She became the sister I never had- the glue that binds us all, the strength we lean on, and a presence we always need to see and feel. 

Together, my brother and sister-in-law, helped make one of my biggest dreams come true- by bringing my niece and nephew into this world. Through them, I am experiencing the joy of becoming a mother in my own way.

J, my life partner- who has helped me experience some of the most beautiful things in life- even those I never dreamed of. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to celebrate this milestone with him by my side.

My friends, across different stages of my life. Each and sinlge one of them has contributed to the kind of friend I am today. Some may no longer be in my life, but I still value the lessons they have taught me. Some have been there from the very beginning and witnessed my dreams come true. Others continue to stand beside me, helping me bring new dreams to life.  And for this, I am deeply grateful.

My professional mentors who helped me reach this far in my career. Without their reassurance, trust and guidance, I would not be where I am today as a leader.

They saw potential in me, even in moments when I doubted myself, and gave me the confidence to keep going. They challenegd me, supported me, and shaped not just the way I lead, but the kind of leader I continue to strive to be.

The people who continue to believe in me, and  those whom I have inspired in my own little way. They have been instrumental in helping me realise my dream of becoming a TED talk speaker.  Through them, I was able to fulfil this dream- simply by sharing my experiences and the lessons I have learned along the way.

And to those who continue to doubt me and challenge me, thank you for playing a part in shaping the person that I am becoming. Without  you, I wouldn't know how far I can go or how much strength I truly have. So, bring it on!

Most of all, I thank God for not giving up on me, even in moments when my faith has wavered. I believe He has greater plans for me. Although I may not always express my faith openly, I know He has been there for me when I needed Him most.

Not every dream I've carried has come to life- but I am still here, still believing that the best is yet to come. As I step into a new decade, I choose to say yes to the adventures that bring me joy and no to anything that disturbs my peace.

At 50, I hope life continues to surprise me in the most beautiful ways, and that I always have the courage to follow my dreams, wherever they may lead.

And so, this is 50- grateful for all that has been, and hopeful for all that is yet to come.

Tintin x