The tannins from the body of an old wine, breathes through the beauty of this new season.

Our years have been filled with stories, and the complex dance steps of trials and triumph.

At 56 – I AM BLESSED TODAY TO OPEN MY EYES

As many men have been swallowed by the unknown valleys 

Our world is a stage of fascinating actors, dressed in the make up of designer smiles, for there is so much that lies beneath the pleasant surface.

But today is another opportunity to look within.

Today at 56 – a new dawn visited a pregnant space in my heart and planted new seeds of a fresh encounter.

At first, it felt strange, but after some time, i felt fertile- ready to drink from this new silver season .

And i keep asking – WHO AM I TODAY ?

This morning  A new door opened – the birth of a childlike celebration.

The phone calls from my elders woke me up and reminded me of my purpose on earth

For today is just not any other day 

It is the present moment wrapped in the foils of ageless blessings.

Gratitude is our greatest prayer.

Time prepares us with the option to move and make choices.

Today at 56, i am able and blessed, 

feeding from the fruits of a constant beginning 

At 56, there are at least 4 valuable life lessons that are close to my heart 

1.The Importance of being yourself and aiming to be the very best version of yourself 

The essence of life has more value and spiritual fulfilment when authenticity unfolds every day.

There can be nothing more beautiful than to be yourself and to aim to be the very best version of yourself in a changing world of distractions and peer pressure.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where the expectations, lifestyle and trends of society play a strong role in influencing people of all ages .

We live in a world where many people struggle to be themselves and are greatly influenced by the need to belong.

But do we sometimes take time to slow down and think about who we really are and what makes us tick ?

Do we take time to slow down, question ourselves and look within?

What truly makes you happy and what is the definition of success in your own world ?

Being and knowing yourself gives us clarity, it gives you the opportunity to be true to yourself based on who you are.

It is a beautiful and bold feeling of self validation.

So if you are reading this birthday message to the world right now, my message to you is to aim to be the very best version of yourself and celebrate loudly what maker you different. 

But equally, also address your shortcomings and fallts in the process 

We should never ever be in denial of our short comings 

2.  What is your purpose and your calling ? Have you been able to find it ?

From the very day that we were born – our journey through time and the chapters of life was all for a reason.

 We have a short time to spend on earth and it is part of our duty to know our purpose and calling in life . 

The realization of this vision can be a very fulfilling journey

If we listen carefully, in the beauty of quiet moments,  God speaks to us about this .

Be rest assured that this does not come easily as one of the most difficult challenges can be the ability to know oneself and ones purpose. 

Knowing your purpose and your calling gives us more fulfillment in the journey in serving mankind and playing our part in the grand scheme of things.

At 56 , i feel as if i am still growing in my purpose and calling – and I speak to God each day in the process.

I share my thoughts, i share my fears but I also try to listen and when we listen carefully, the answers are revealed.

I have been blessed to serve others, inspire others  , listen , bring people together to celebrate their stories, promote, love, give and share .

I have also make mistakes, had many challenges and had many failures.

But i also sometimes feel that i have reached a point where God now has bigger expectations from me to explore a deeper story bigger than my box . 

But, Here is a question.

1. What is your purpose?

 2.  Who are you?

 3. How well do you know yourself? 

3 NOT EVERYONE HAS THE WISDOM TO SEE AND FEEL BEYONG PERCEPTION

We are all human and we all make mistakes , there are periods in our life when we go astray and do the wrong thing, however at some point, it is our duty to take ownership of our shortcomings and imperfections and try to change our ways.

One of the greatest mistakes you can ever make in the journey of life is SELF DENIAL

However there are also times in our lives that the perception people might have of us are totally wrong and what might appear to be very obvious might actually turn out to be a total opposite.

A wise man sees and shares beyond perception . He does not make assumptions based on reading in between the lines or observing from a distance.

He has the foresight to embrace understanding by coming closer and being a part of the full picture of other people by sharing in their space.

He is also not blinded by what he hears and understands that the essence of lived and shared experiences is a deeper classroom of growth.

In life, too many people are too quick to make assumptions . It is important that we get to know people for ourselves to experience the full picture of their world, simply through sharing their space.

We should always take time to experience people and situations for ourselves for there is always more that meets the eye .

I

4 BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF TO EMBRACE YOUR FLAWS AND SHORTCOMINGS

The more we are honest with ourselves, the more we are able to come to terms with the flaws and shortcomings that hold us back from becoming better people.

It is important to look within and work on our imperfections.

Self reflection opens new doors to a sense of understanding , clarity and the urgency to improve on oneself

How often do you have a deep and honest conversation with your inner self and evaluate your dark sides that needs to be improved on?

Liking yourself also entails being honest enough to look within and address those flaws that exist in each and everyone of us

Here is a question

1. Do you know what your faults are ?
2. How do you handle constructive criticism
3. Would you describe yourself as someone with self worth in spite of your flaws ?

TODAY AT 56 – I am still reflection over some of LIFE LESSONS.

I will always be on a journey to grow, relearn, evaluate, strategize, listen and grow

I will always be WORK IN PROGRESS

But one thing is for sure- I will always be there to serve you as a friend and a family member

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES

I LOVE YOU

TONY FERNANDEZ