"Kids Only- 11 and Down"

That was the sign the kids this Sunday wrote on the sidewalk today.

I told them I can still fit within those boxes but they're very strict!

Age is just a number.

In God's kingdom, 100 years of age is just a pup. 

I'm turning 50 soon and wow, how time flies! 

I was just 25 last time thinking about what I'm going to do with my life, where should I live, what career should I pursue, will I marry, have children? Will I go abroad like the countless Filipinos who have ventured outside of the country and pursue their ambitions?

I had lots of questions.

As I look back at those years, I knew a few things.

That 25 year old me will be proud of the 49 year old me.

I had moderate success but the best of all, I have made good decisions.

I thank God for these good decisions, good parenting, good siblings, good friends, good experiences, influences, and jobs.

Without this goodness that I experienced in my life, I will never be able to appreciate that perspective in times of struggles, frustrations, and trials.

Because of the goodness of God in my life, I never feel that I'm alone, or in control because I'm not, and that He holds my future.

Because of this goodness, I learned from mistakes and lessons, and persevered when times get tough.

And because all of these seasons I went through, I'm reminded that life is not a race. 

We don't race with each other, or with machines, or with technologies or with time itself. 

Everyone goes through life differently. So there's really no need to look at the neighbors.

And third, acceptance is key to real contentment.
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I receive contentment, joy, and kindness, and I freely give as well.

"Kids only," says the sign. Yes, I'm a Child of God!

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I told a leader yesterday that she shouldn't aspire for her organization to be a normal brick-and-mortal organization, a virtual one is not just acceptable but also innovative.

It's like saying to the fish: Why not be normal and walk on the ground like the rest of the animal with legs? 

If they end up being a normal organization, they lose their individuality, sense of value, and advantages of virtuality.

There are more cases of dysfunctional and mediocre outfits within a normal mold.

These outfits are embroiled with admin, nitty-gritty, how to look good publicly, and social washing.

Whereas being virtual means more focused on impact, getting things done, and being the best version of themselves, less frills.

But also not perfect, or put-together, or cleaner.

Did I forget the word 'stable' too?

Okay, I think what they need to learn is to be good risk takers.

They need to own their game.

They need to devise their playbook and stop comparing themselves with others.

And they need exemplars all around them.

In short, don a new suit for the times because times are changing. 

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I have this rule that I kept to myself:

If people are not honest with themselves, they're also not honest with others.

You can't fake honesty.

You can't fake courage to be self-aware. 

Either you have it or not have it.

The courage to address the issues that are eating away at one's effectiveness. 

The word salad and all their accomplishments don't reflect the real person.

These are facade to cover all the insecurities and fears within.

A grown man can have a self-esteem of an amoeba.

A kid can have the self-confidence that can kill giants, ala David.

It's never in the exterior, it's from within.

The real power and self-worth comes from within the core of the person.

If you don't have the self-esteem necessary to enjoy your success, you'll forever undermining that success and shrinking your power to the point of disrespect. Then you don't really have success, to the full measure of the word. 

Again, you can't fake courage if you don't have it. 

​Decide now to be self-aware, confront your issues, and grow up quickly.

Fortunately, the world is not waiting for anyone.