Turning 36
As I turn 36 today, I'm struck by how the passage of time shapes our sense of self. The first 21 years of my life are still vivid in my memory—and then, as the years have passed, milestones like my first job, marrying the love of my life, and spending two years in the U.S. remain clear and distinct. Those significant moments seem to have grown fewer and farther between, almost like they’re slipping into the distance.
As my therapist once said, "your validation should not come externally, as they become fewer and slower as you grow older."
As I enter what I consider the second half of my life—something tells me I might live until 72—I find myself wanting to be more intentional about cherishing these fleeting moments. Life has a way of speeding up, and I want to ensure that, when I look back in the years to come, this reflection evolves into a rich, meaningful narrative. Perhaps when I revisit this at 72, it will have grown into a full, compelling story—one that captures a life well-lived.
Learnings/ Musings/ Reflections/ Guiding Principles:
- Few things in life match the joy of creating. Spend more time creating new.
- To the extent possible, put yourself away from the path of irreversible danger (i.e., jail, death, losing consciousness).
- Treat everyone with kindness, even when you are pushed.
- Be aggressive with actions (get to the finish line in the fastest path), be patient with results.
- Fit body (energy), conscious mind (awareness), and wealth (freedom) solve a significant percentage of problems (at least 95%) in life.
- Money in the wallet, if not anything, boosts confidence.
- Get away from abusive porn (visuals, words, opinions).
- Respond, don't react. Listen, think, speak: in that order.
- Know the why. If you can't figure it out, ask people.
- There are people who look up to you; say, dress, and behave the right way.
- Utility over aesthetics (not a universal principle).
- You have come a long way from your parents and ancestors. Appreciate the generational progress.
- You are the center of your universe. Don't aim to be the center of others' universe, even if it is your significant partner.
- Play your part, well.
- Move from low agency to high agency.
- (Build) Systems over (looking for) motivations/inspirations.
- If you resonate with an idea/thought (put forward by others—through discussions, podcasts, posts, blogs, whatnot), put it into action and gain personal experience (validate if it still resonates while you are doing it).