reflections on my 21st birthday december 23, 2020.

As we reflect on the passing of time, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of our existence on this pale blue dot we call home. The concept of time, as Albert Einstein famously stated, is relative, and yet we are bound by its limitations. We witness the passing of time through the growth of a boy, and yet the memories of years gone by feel as if they were just yesterday.

Now, at 21 years of age, this boy is guided by the principles of goal orientation and process-driven determination. His failures are seen as opportunities to learn, and his imposter syndrome is recognized and dealt with. As he grows and matures, he recognizes the need to take it easy on himself, to be patient with his progress, and to find comfort in the journey.

As we contemplate the passage of time, we are reminded of the words of the famous astronomer, Carl Sagan. We are the aggregate of all that has come before us, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer, every young couple in love, every mother and father, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every superstar, every supreme leader, every saint and sinner in the history of our species. We are but a small part of this grand tapestry, living our lives on this tiny planet spinning through the vast expanse of the universe.

So as we celebrate another revolution around the sun, let us cherish each moment, embrace the journey, and strive to make the most of the time we have. For in the end, it is not the number of years we live, but the quality of the moments we experience that truly matter.