As my 30th birthday approaches, I feel both cynical and contented. Cynical, because I believe that my life is finished; contented, because I believe that my life has just begun. I have seen a lot of ups and downs, and have faced a multitude of challenges over the years. ''

I felt cheated as I lived through each one of those grueling moments, but when I look back today, I am truly grateful for those experiences. I have finally grown up. I have finally realized that while life is definitely a bed of roses, I cannot ignore the thorns. With each prick, I just have to work harder to avoid the next sting. And, ultimately, we just have to keep believing that the fragrance of the flowers will overpower every other negativity.

Anyway, enough of my half-baked philosophical rambling. With tears in my eyes, I present to you a poem that was written in honor of my life so far:

Remembrance

As I turn 30, I look back at my life

at my successes and failures

at my joys and sorrows.

at my tears and smiles

at my dreams and delusions

And thank god for all these experiences

for bestowing me with perseverance

for bestowing me with confidence

for bestowing me with patience

for bestowing me with tolerance

And most of all

for bestowing me with love