Big Birthday

As a lot of you are probably aware, the “Friend” celebrates her 150th birthday next year – yay! Naturally, we’re all excited, and preparations are already underway to mark the special event.

I have a big birthday coming up, too. And, to give you a clue, I am 100 years younger than our favourite magazine. So how do I feel about approaching my milestone birthday? To be honest, it’s doesn’t faze me one way or the other. It’s maybe a cliché, but age, after all, is but a number.

I am of the mindset it’s what you accomplish through your life that’s important, rather than the life stage you are currently at. And you don’t need to hold popularity status or have X-amount of pounds in the bank to achieve this. (Or perhaps have a fancy birthday cake?) 

Second Chances

One thing that springs to my mind is education. I left school at 16 with no qualifications, as I couldn’t wait to get out into the world and earn a living. And I did just that. However, by the time I reached my early twenties, I felt I wanted a change of career. This involved me going back to college and earning an education second time around, and ultimately leading me to the doorstep of the “Friend”.

Two things I learned from this – it’s never too late for a second chance, and though things don’t always go as planned, it’s how you negotiate life’s twists and turns which can make all the difference. By appraising the various choices available to you at significant junctures, trust that the decisions you make can work out for the best.

After all, it’s not about climbing the highest mountains that matters – it’s the journey itself that counts, whatever life stage you are at.

From The People’s Friend archives – read Katrina’s Story of the Perfect Birthday Present