I make reference to our conversation where both of you were counting down towards your birthdays. I quickly remarked, ‘…that’s a bad way to spend your days. Just waiting for one day in a year. What if you live every day as if it’s special? I call it ‘making the most’ of your time. Live. Do not postpone life waiting for an event. 

As I grow older, I recognise the value of a single day, hour, and moment. My deepest regret is the years I wasted waiting for something to happen. I waited for that opportunity to go and do postgraduate studies. I remember I was consumed with that goal to an extent that anything else did not matter. You may call it single-mindedness, but I think I missed out even on the joy of waiting, preparation, and anticipation. It was an all-consuming goal. It was my get-out-of-jail card. And oh boy, I invested all in it. I have no regrets, but I realise that most of my time was spent pursuing one target… at one stage it was an education, at another a job and promotion. Meanwhile, time and life go by while we wait for, or do, all these seemingly important things.

I reckon that a life well lived is about appreciating every day as an opportunity to be surprised or wowed by nature.  To immerse yourself in the present moment, enjoy the outdoors, the company around you, running around, being frivolous, and yes, tasting everything. Instead of waiting for the birthday, because that’s when you get presents. Instead, treat each day as a present from the Almighty. A blank canvas to fill with all sorts of activities. Life has to be lived. 

When I look at how you and other privileged kids live, I sort of feel like we have let you down. When I was your age, my parents’ burden was to keep me at our home. Today, our burden is to make sure you go outside at least for an hour. I am afraid you have become prisoners of the digital spaces that you were born into. We used to go out and play football early in the morning, only to return in the evening. Alas, even if I were to send you out, there would be no one to play with, most of you have chosen virtual realities as your new playgrounds. How I wish you would experience the thrill of winning at nhodo, pada, maround… all that looks something from another era. 

Even then, live to the full. No regrets. Enjoy each day. Although I am not sure what you will teach your kids.