I am approaching the big 4-0 and I am beyond excited. I have been looking forward to 40 since I was 33. . At 33 it seemed so far away enough that I would have sufficient time to do so much. One main thing that stuck with me is the desire to take a sabbatical, or what I would call my Jonser year. If you are a Bahamian, then you know who or what a Jonser is. If you are not, then a Jonser is a vagrant or someone who seemingly lacks ambition or purpose.

I know, I know, I know!

You are thinking that I have lost my doggone mind!

No, I did not lose my mind

Nor did I forget that I have 2 financial dependents.

No, I do not take any drugs, prescription, or nonprescription drugs.

So let me go ahead and explain the Jonser Year concept.

My Jonser year will be a time of reflection: Do I take a chance on myself
and pursue my dreams, or do I continue to answer to the “people” aka
stay “secured” to a job?

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? And for some, I can imagine it is. For me, it requires just a tab bit more deliberation and planning, and in honor of almost 4 decades of roaming this earth here are four simple, yet profound lessons I have learned,

You Must Prepare for What You Pray For

We have all heard that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. And it is really that simple. Prepare by knowing what you want and consistently putting in the time and effort to acquire it.

You Miss Every Shot You Never Take

While planning is important, at some point planning STOPS and IMPLEMENTING STARTS. Take a shot at those brilliant plans you have laid out and adjust as needed

The Only Person Stopping You, Is YOU

Everything that you need to get what you want is already in you. Everyone has faith until it’s time to have faith in themselves. Stop the negative self talk and realize that the goal is to be better than you were the day before. The goal is to collaborate with people who inspire you, never compare yourself to anyone else. Our journeys are different.

Do What Makes You Happy

Do what is best for you. Do what gets you closer to your goals. You will be judged and criticized no matter what you do or don’t do. Disregard the naysayers and focus on those who encourage and support you. Remove yourself from those who consistently, out of love or out of “I’m just being real with you”, discourages you or your dream. You may find yourself having to leave some A-1s behind for this same reason and this is A OK.

Leave. Them. Behind.

As I get closer to my 40th year, these 4 profound lessons are what resonated most with me. I am still contemplative about what my Jonser year will look like, but I do know that this journey will commence soon. The planning is done and the implementation has started. I am reminded daily that life is meant to be enjoyed and we’re meant to be challenged, stretched and I shall embrace these experiences. Understanding this, I am even more excited about my 40th birthday