When I turned 50, I had a
big birthday celebration to mark the milestone. During the party, I heard the
familiar statement: “You know, age is just a number.” Over the years, this
phrase kept popping up, especially from people younger than me.
More recently, when I
turned 60, and was planning another big celebration, I found myself reflecting.
In the past, birthdays were not only about celebrating milestones but also
about making resolutions and planning ahead.
This time, however, I
realised something different — if I were to view my life as a financial year, I
am now in the last quarter.
A simple calculation
brought this home sharply — if I live for another 20 years, I have 1,040 weeks
left. Even with 25 more years ahead, that’s only 1,300 weeks.
The numbers are not large,
which raises a question: should I plan extensively or simply go with the flow
and take life one day at a time?
More importantly, what
should I do — and what must I avoid — to make the most of this final quarter?
My Dos
- Start each day with gratitude and look for ways to give back.
- Learn to forgive — perhaps not forget — but lighten the emotional load.
- Care for my health and fitness, but don’t forget that great food is a source of joy.
- Follow my passions, keep exploring, and never stop learning.
- Invest in relationships that matter — make the effort to stay connected.
My Don’ts
- Stop wasting time on things that no longer spark joy.
- Avoid setting endless goals — now focus on the journey, not just the list.
- Step back from toxic relationships — not necessarily break away, but not feed them either.
- Don’t let the inner child die — continue to find joy in small, everyday things.
