Life Begins at 40 (Birthday)

What do people go through once they hit the big four-zero? What goes on in their minds? What about their lifestyle, does it change? Their relationships, their worries, problems and secrets. Life begins at forty. This is the revolutionary outcome of our New Era. Today it is half a truth. Tomorrow it will be an axiom

In the coming 2 days from now, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday here in Kabul Afghanistan with much hope and wish that I will be safe. They say that by the time you are forty years old, you have enough experience and skill to do what you want to do with your life. (Often said as an encouragement to those reaching middle age. also, by that time we had enough financial security to enjoy our-self now and then, rather than having to work all the time.

If you are running thirty nine, it means that your count down has begun for turning into forty; you need not unduly worry about your aging and you are getting into in your forties. There is an English proverb ‘Life begins at forty. How true it is! In fact it is a prophecy. There’s something about turning forty that brings out the philosopher in us all. “You’re only as old as the person you feel”

The liberation of the big 4-0 has enabled me to look at myself and my own needs from not so much a selfish point of view but an assured and settled one. This in itself is quite magical from an ‘inner sanctum’ point of view as it offers us, for perhaps the first time in our adult lives, freedom from the weight of others’ judgement that we have perhaps unknowingly carried around with us since our childhood. Suddenly, in our forties we acquire the liberating understanding that no-one’s judgement really matters except our own. That, instead of feeling responsible for other people’s happiness, we can simply choose to embrace the understanding that we can’t change the world after all and that, instead of watching our life go by through the expectant eyes of others, we can actually start living it on our own terms.

So, to all of you about to turn forty I say this: be prepared for the unexpected - you! Enjoy your fortieth birthday and the years to come with all their magic, miracles and above all the understanding that life really has just begun. Happy Birthday to me on March 10.

Farewell

As i began to rest for the whole day from work as usual Payroll week preparation,  I decided to write this in behalf of my direct superior last day of job supervision in the office.  He has been so supportive and a believer that any person can be somebody regardless of his chosen gender. He has help me to become who I am now and he did not look at me as to what I am in my physical appearance thus, he measure my capabilities and strength to cope up with the pressure and toughest job being in the finance department only Gay handling straight and multinationals across Afghanistan. With his expectation, I gave my dedication and hardwork, loyalty and honest supervision of the financial of the entire company. But sad to say his leaving the Afghanistan for good to embark on another journey. I say thank you for the support you have given to me for without you, I would not be here in my position. Let me share the letter he wrote to the finance personnel which is very heartwarming to me as follows:

Dear Finance Team:

There always comes a time in life when another stage of development comes often quicker than you want.  The almost three years in Afghanistan for me is coming to a close as I begin the next phase of life.  Ping and I will be returning to the US permanently.

My last day of work will be this Thursday.

With that being said I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work in the Accounting department.  Without your support and dedication nothing could have been accomplished.  We have all seen many changes here not only with more new people and even some returning, but with many issues arising daily.  Not only have you been a part of a team, but have become a family in my mind.  We will miss each of you and will have fond memories of the good times we have shared.

Never look back in life, but look to the present and future in your quest for whatever goals you have set for yourself. Keep a positive attitude and you will achieve those goals.

Again, thanks for your hard work and friendship here in Afghanistan.

God Bless,

Tom K Stiles

Thank you for everything that you have done to me, My life changes from the start that you have fought for me from the beginning, from all the struggles and difficulties i have been through, you were there to support and even defended me to all my detractors.  Indeed, you will be truly missed.