Another Year Older ...

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Since becoming an adult all those years ago, at this stage of my life I have not achieved the following, even though I really wanted to:

  1. Meet the right guy
  2. Get married, with a kid and a white picket fence
But I have achieved the following: 
  1. Started and ran my own business, which I still do but only on a part-time basis. 
  2. Lived in a major metropolitan city on literally the other side of the world. Even if it was only for a short while. 
  3. Travelled the world extensively, and yes I do recognise my privilege in being able to do so. 
  4. Completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at University and technical college. 
  5. Was diagnosed with a serious illness and came out the other side alive. 
  6. Picked up a camera, which started my newfound obsession with photography. Consequently, I've had my photographs featured in different publications around the world. 
  7. Got the Dream Job. Who knows how long I'll keep the dream job but the point is, I got it. Glass ceilings, here I come. 
  8. Invested in a property. Made mistakes in doing so but at least I gave it a go.
  9. Was nominated for an award that recognises the achievements of women in STEM in my city. 
  10. Overcame insecurities, self-doubt and the fear and went ahead and pursued a career in IT. 
So it turns out, I didn't do too badly at all. And even though I bragged about all the things I achieved, life's not a race. A wise person* once told me, "Even if it took you a little longer to get there, it doesn't mean you've failed."

It's now the 5th February in my time zone. That means it's my birthday. 

Happy Birthday to me. Here's to many more adventures. 

*A meme on Facebook. 

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