Wide-Eyed No More

Friends seem to possess a unique ability to make the heavy burdens we carry on our shoulders a little bit lighter. Today I met up with my friends from UST, people I have known since 1991! I must say we are no longer the 16-year-olds we once were. The innocent look we had in our eyes when we first met has been replaced by wisdom, sincerity and joie de vivre that can only be possessed by people who are somewhat advanced in years. I'm not saying we're old, far from it! We're not about to pack our bags and head off to the Home for the Aged. I'm sure you all know what I mean. Isn't it great to be at the age we're in? I love the freedom and the common sense being 33 affords me. The gravity of the problems that plague us has increased a few notches but so is our capability to bear them with dignity and grace. Gone are the days of crying our eyes out over the petty and insignificant. Now, the focus is to make the most of what we have, to enjoy the life we live and to strengthen the bonds and relations we have with important people in our lives. Now we know that our civil status doesn't define us. We may be single but that doesn't mean we go it alone. Life is so much more enjoyable (read: bearable) when we share it with people who deserve our attention. Again I stand with open arms welcoming the coming year with common sense and a hopeful heart.