It’s here. Another tick mark on my tally of time. A page turned. I’m a year older.
Yesterday, the 26th of January, 2015, marked the last day of my 26th year. I always dreaded turning twenty-seven, having never really been a seven fan. Then I conversed with one of my dear sister-friends, who pointed out something which flipped my view on the number completely. Sister-friend stated: “You know Destiny, this is your Golden Birthday.”
Mid sentence into inquiring, “What’s a Golden Birthday?” (assuming it was a term of symbolism) I recalled the meaning… it is the birthday when you turn the same age as your birthdate.
Okay, so that is the formalized meaning, though my heart and mind translated it into my most EPIC YEAR OF LIFE yet. And it is. Every day is my Opportunity to make myself my best version. I truly believe I have only gotten better with the chronological passing of age. Better shape. Better focus. Stronger purpose. Better lover. Better friend. Better sister. Better snorter. A more meditative yogi. Greater patience. Greater understanding. Deeper acceptance. And the strongest passion to seize my life and all of my dreams in it — to go for what I love, and inspire others while doing it. If these characteristics come attached to a creeping number, a few lines, wrinkles, and scars etched upon my skin, not to mention some straggling gray hairs, then I landed myself a pretty damn good deal! I feel proud. I feel wiser. And although I may not reside exactly where I thought I would be when I was such and such an age, I journeyed exactly where I was meant for.
I wrote a letter recently to someone near to me who is facing some challenges. The letter was inspired by a lesson taught to me long ago:
My seventh grade Algebra teacher, Miss Jepson, referred to our math tests as Opportunities; they were an Opportunity to demonstrate what we had learned in a given section. It felt empowering when I would enter the classroom to see “Opportunity Friday” scribed on the blackboard. A tweak on an old term inspired me in a new way. At times I have forgotten Miss Jepson’s term, though when I recall its presence in my journey, I am reminded of how pertinent it is to life. Some believe that life ‘tests’ us to see what we are made off. I think life is more comparable to my seventh grade Opportunities, a little more complex yes, a little more trying perhaps, but nonetheless, these so-called tests are Opportunities to demonstrate Faith, Love, Gratitude, Humility, and Kindness.
I know this Opportunity, with its face twisted like a seventh grader encountering the worst of any Algebra problems, has met you holding these virtues, along with Optimism and Wit. It is simply the kind of man you are. You keep a smile on your face, wear any haircut with style, and you move forward with a pep in your step knowing ain’t no thing going to keep [you] down! I admire this about you. Thank you for being an inspiration. Keep moving forward the way you do, digging down deep to reflect on what life is inviting you to learn. These Opportunities hold so much for us when we remember what they are intended for.
I trust you will ebb and flow through this Opportunity with Grace and rebound with greater Poise and Knowledge than you ever possessed before. I love you. Know I carry you continuously in my heart.
Days after I sent this, I experienced validation — serendipity of sorts, on my mat in a Yoga Flow. Our instructor led us with words to the tune of: Life is full of tests; they are Opportunities for us. What we learn in yoga allows us to move with more ease and grace.
Confession: Twenty-six erupted with trials. Twenty-six also opened doors to life accomplishments, passionate goals I checked off my bucket list. I am blessed with Opportunity all around, every day. This Golden Geburtstag of mine is bound to continue in trend, and it is so worth celebrating.