A 60th birthday is usually celebrated in style because it is special to many. Somehow, the number ‘60’ signifies a very important milestone in one’s life. To some, it is the passing mark into old age. To another, it is crossing the danger zone of not ‘leaving this world’ too young. And yet to others (which I want to associate with), it is ‘Congratulations, buddy, you have made it there!’ 
So my 60th birthday celebration was really special. No, it was not like the usual traditional birthday bash with many friends, enjoying sumptuous meals and drinks, receiving presents, cutting the birthday cake and getting lots of well wishes through e-cards, text messages, phone calls, etc.
Mine was much more and longer than that. It was a most cherished 3 week journey that kicked off with Christmas, then the New Year, and finally right into the day itself of 11th January, finishing off at Melbourne Airport for home in KL. The most wonderful of it was spending a 24/7 with 4 special people in my life: my wife, Angeline, my 2 sons, Joo and Jin, and my mother-in-law, Dulcie. The place was exotic too; it was in Melbourne where Joo stays and works.
What made this profoundly special was : it was simply doing things together as a family. Quiet and golden moments, sharing laughter and private tales, poking fun at each other, eating and drinking, exercising, enjoying the moody hot and cool weather in Melbourne, and very importantly, praying together as well.
I deliberately chose to celebrate it this way because I am usually the culprit who forgets to ‘smell the flowers’ along the journey. For a long time, getting the goal had often been more important than the journey. As I start on my 60th birthday journey, I want to be reminded of the adage that ‘the journey is just as important (if not more important) as the destination’.
We all need some ‘signposts’ to remind us of doing (or not doing) certain things. Mine is my 60th birthday.
This 3 week birthday journey was a kaleidoscope of activities that embodied everything about a healthy life balance in symphony with all its integrated parts.
My resolution for 2012 will be anchored on : enjoying life’s journey, staying steadfast on my goals, while finding and spending quality time with very important and special people in my life.
What will you be doing to ‘smell the flowers’ in the journey of your life?
