Another year older. Another chance to reflect.
Birthdays have a way of making us pause, even for a moment. For some, it’s a celebration with cake, music, and friends. For others, it’s quiet reflection, maybe even mixed with anxiety about what’s next. But here’s what I’ve come to learn: growing older is not just about aging. It’s about evolving. In a world obsessed with fast success and flashy lifestyles, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind. But let me tell you the truth that I’ve seen, felt, and lived: nobody really has it all figured out. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, a married person, or even a politician, everyone is sailing through life in their own boat, trying to stay afloat amidst storms you can’t see from the outside.
Academic Lessons: It’s Not Just About Books. As a foreign student, I’ve seen the grind. The sleepless nights, the deadlines, the pressure to publish, and the silent battles with self-doubt. Sometimes people think you’re “eating books” and life is smooth, but they don’t see the loneliness, the homesickness, the failures behind closed doors. ‘Your academic story doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be persistent’.
Friendships and Disappointments: Not All Connections Last. One hard lesson I’ve learned is that not every connection is meant to last. Whether it’s friends, colleagues, partners, or even family, you can pour your heart, time, and support into people and still be left disappointed. But that’s life. With time, you learn to recognize who’s truly in your corner and who’s only there for the sunshine. ‘Some people come with the season, not the reason. Learn to release without resentment.’
Strengths and Weaknesses: Embrace Both. I used to think I had to be strong all the time. But sometimes, strength is in accepting when you’re weak and still showing up. No matter what you are doing, your journey is valid. Take Ham Kiggundu, one of Uganda’s youngest billionaires. He didn’t start with riches. He made his first capital from small businesses, invested in real estate, and pushed through. Now he speaks about financial literacy and mindset growth. But behind that success were years of grinding without applause. ‘Real strength isn’t about having it all together. It’s about showing up, even when no one’s clapping’. Look at his mansion: Inside Uganda Youngest Billionaire $30,000,000 Luxury Home!
Regrets and Growth: It’s Okay to Start Over. I’ve made decisions I regret. Trusted the wrong people. Delayed dreams. But every new age is a reminder: you can restart. Regret should not paralyze you. It should shape you. Your scars can become someone else’s survival map. Also, hard work in the wrong direction gets you nowhere. You can wake up at 5 AM every day and still be stuck if what you’re building isn’t aligned with your purpose, values, or reality. Pause and ask yourself: Where am I going with all this effort? Is it even worth it? Is this really my calling, or am I just copying what others are doing? Sometimes what holds us back is not a lack of effort-but the lack of reflection. Is your character limiting your progress? Do you blame others without first examining your own behavior? Self-awareness is a superpower. And it’s free. Use it. ‘Regret isn’t a dead end- it’s a signpost. But only reflection turns it into a new direction.’
Dreams and Reality: Go At Your Own Pace. Your dreams are valid – even if they take longer to come true. Some of your friends may have travelled the world, own properties, cars, have kids, are married… while you’re still trying in one way or the other. But don’t let that discourage you. when the time is right, your boat will sail. ‘Your journey isn’t late. It’s unfolding at the speed of purpose. Wait for your boat, but prepare while you wait.’ And as many African proverbs wisely remind us, progress is personal, and patience is power:
Your Birthday Is a Mirror, Not Just a Party. Don’t just cut cake and pop champagne. Use your birthday as a mirror.
Each year you turn should be a checkpoint, not just a celebration. So, here’s to us: the dreamers, the fighters, the late bloomers, the quiet warriors… and the ones who keep Googling “how to get my life together.” We may not have it all figured out, but we show up, we try, and we keep going. One day, we’ll look back and say, “Wow… I really did that!” (And yes, me and you of course …. who else?) 😄.
What has life taught you over the past year? Don’t tell me…tell yourself.