fortified at 45

im a certified middle aged woman. i think i belong to the generation x (born between 1964-1982)

at 45 i have lived morethan half of my life..and .... maybe...most of the years in my life are behind me rather than in front of me now. gosh...am really old.

though i wish i could bring back time so i could look younger...& prettier...

....the wisdom i have gained through the years is a great reward compared to my carefree younger years. and though life is not always a bed of roses i felt so thankful for having been born with supportive parents and spoiling granny.

high school graduation 1982

learning comes with age...
and i'd like to share some insights about life and a favorite quotes that goes with it.

" you reap what you sow " after all the hardships and sacrifices in medical school and the gruelling residency training, i was equipped with knowledge and  experience that made me ready in my chosen field and face the challenges ahead.

bs biology graduate

 this is what i like to instill  in the minds of my children...
"if you study now you will play later but if you play now, you will pay later"

ob gyn resident

"never compare yourself with other people"  i think each person is given a distinct and special talent and how one uses it will make the difference.  what is important is at the end of the day you will say that you did your best in any given situation.

"to whom much is given, much is expected" ...my career had made my life fruitful and id like to share  my talents  ...be it rendering services to others or helping the envirovment. i think each one of us can contribute in our own way to make this world a better place.

 "We never know the love of our parents for us until we have become parents."

Now i know why my mom was strict with us when we were young.

 i love seeing my eldest sons transformation from being tiny naughty toddler to an an  awkward teenager.
i knew the date when my only daughter had her first period and was so excited to tell her about menstrual cycle...and im still looking forward to the day she  will go on a diet.  
i still enjoy the little tantrums of my youngest son for he will always be my baby.

for every hardship and trial that i went thru i always say..."this too shall pass" ....and  "behind the dark clouds is a silver lining". my life had been a series of ups and downs but the crisis i faced made me a stronger  person . the hardships we experience makes life worthwhile if we face them bravely.

through the years...i had experienced the noisy and confusing life of a teenager, read a lot of books and took so many examinations during my medical years,  been through different tasks as a young mother and wife ... but now i enjoy  the calmness of night for it  gives me a chance to appreciate life whether spent with prayer or time with my family.

fine lines and wrinkles may seem visible on my face but i enjoy the respect and admiration
of my juniors though sometimes i find it "insulting?"  when people call me "nanay".
id rather be called "tita".

middle age is another phase in my life and im thankful because i never felt so stable, grounded and  comfortable as i am now. happy birthday to me !!!

for everything there is a reason..and there is a season.

at 45..im energized and fortified!