When you arise in the morning…

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”

Those words were written by the most powerful man on earth about 2000 years ago. He was the absolute leader of the most powerful empire then, ruling over a lot of the known world. He commanded with absolute control one of the most efficient and ruthless armies humanity organized across many peoples and lands.

Although he could have anything he wanted, and he could do whatever he wanted, and had all the money in the world; it was not Power, Riches, or Control that he was appreciative of as he woke up. It was to be alive, to think, to enjoy and love.

I don’t have his power and influence (by a great length), but as I’ve just turned 50, I have come to appreciate the same things: to be alive, to think, love and enjoy. I have lived a very good life for which I am grateful. I love and am loved. I feel alive, and I can also enjoy many things.

And, because no one knows how much they have left on this tiny pebble floating on the Universe, I will live my life as the precious thing it is. Each day, as if it was the last, and each day better than the previous one.

Thanks to my wife, my sons, my parents, grandparents, my sister, my adopted parents and brothers and sisters, and my family. Thanks to my friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors, to my colleagues, clients, and competitors, who have all collectively made these first half of the century worth living and memorable.

And onwards to a better, exciting, and meaningful time to come. No matter how long it is.