The Little Things

#2020vision #happynewyear #enjoythegood #improve #author

Another year has come and gone. As I wave goodbye to 2019, there’s a statistic that pops into my head sometimes.

“For every year an African-American male lives past 18, his life expectancy doubles.”

I think of that statistic, something I first heard in high school in the mid-90’s, and I find myself shocked at how young 18 is, and at the same time I’m happy that I’ve passed it, doubled it, and then some. And now, here I am at 41. I have all this stuff that 18-year old me would have never thought possible, never expected to live long enough to enjoy thanks to that stupid statistic.

I have a stable career that allows me the flexibility to pursue my passion.

I have a car and the ability to drive it. I know that sounds trivial, but I’m from New York. Trust me, it’s a luxury.

I have an appreciation for art, music and literature that I’ve cultivated over these last 23 years.

I have a wealth of experience that allows me to believe that better things are coming.

And I’ve accomplished a publishing dream.

If someone told my 18-year old self that I’d have done all this before I was 40, I would have assumed that I died young. Instead, here I am, looking forward to the future. And that’s something, according to that bleak statistic, that I shouldn’t be alive to do.

So, as we close out a decade, I find myself appreciating the little things. I’ll hold on to the lessons I’ve learned thus far and work even harder for the future. Nothing is guaranteed. If you pursue your goals as if you’re on borrowed time, who knows?

You might get something done.