My life had many changes in 2016.  In January, my brother-in-law passed – not to mention my baby sister had just died in August 2015 – six months prior.  Then, the unthinkable happened.  My mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s, had a drastic decline in her health.  I watched her stop eating and survive with no food for eight days.  Not a pretty sight.  Around the same time, it was rumored that my job would have a lay off.  I wasn’t too concerned because I felt that I was safe, and I was.   Something inside of me began to stir because I wanted, and needed, a change in my life.

The company rumor of a layoff became a reality and during a company town hall it finally hit me.  I was unhappy because I was not living out my full potential.  And guess what?  In my job as a project manager, I would probably never live out that potential. In fact, I thought I had missed out on my goals in life by growing old in a job I really didn’t like.  During this town hall employees were instructed to meet with their manager to express concerns of retirement or a voluntary severance package.  Usually before making decisions – no matter how small – I pray.  However, I had been praying for a few years for a change and I felt that my prayers were being answered. On the elevator ride back to our floor, I looked at my manager and told him I was interested in the package and early retirement.  Of course, the first thing he said was, “Sylvia, you are too young for retirement.”  I thought to myself – age is just a number.

On October 15, 2016, I received a severance package, along with early retirement.  Although I wasn’t sure of my next move, on October 16, 2016, I woke up feeling empowered and ready to fulfill my dream.  Even when you think your dream may be impossible, don’t let others define you by your age or anything else.  Too often, individuals project their fears on to others.  I say this because when my manager, who is four years older, realized I was serious about leaving, he confided in me that he was proud of me because I knew what I wanted and wasn’t afraid.  He wanted to take the retirement, and probably could have, but was afraid of the unknown.  He didn’t realize I was afraid of the unknown as well, but I also understood that fear would keep me from moving forward.  My thoughts ran to what if I leave and have to get another job.  I was thinking at my age it might be difficult to find employment.  But then, I was reminded that – age is just a number.

Something many people did not realize was that I had been planning for the day I could leave this particular job.  I had already obtained my life coaching certification, as well as family and workplace mediation.  I knew what I wanted but didn’t know how to get there.  I often wondered why I was spending time getting the certifications because I was getting up in age.  Then, I reminded myself that “age is just a number” and that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  God does not stop strengthening us just because we get older.  God is actually planting more wisdom into us to share with others.  In fact, in March, I became a Certified John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker. I have to say – age is just a number.

We should live everyday intentionally no matter how old we are.  According to John Maxwell, “Where you are in the process doesn’t matter.  As long as you are engaged in it and anticipate positive results, you’re on your way.”  So, don’t focus on age so much as you focus on the journey because AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.