LIFE unfolds in phases, each one bringing its distinct triumphs, challenges, and lessons. From childhood to adulthood and old age, every stage is a fleeting moment. And if there's one truth we can't ignore, it's this: time waits for no one.
Take a quick trip down memory lane; when we were young, we had no worries. Our concerns and thoughts were far simpler, perhaps centred around toys, food, and the next popular game. As we grew, our thoughts began to shift from these carefree things to more critical decisions—like how to pass the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or what course to choose at University. Just like a thief in the night, the gigantic thought of settling down and starting a family of our own dawned on us.
As a poet once said, "Life is a tapestry woven with threads of dawn, noon, and dusk, each phase a testament to the beauty of growth, decay, and rebirth." This is a fanciful encapsulation of the different phases of life and their impermanence. Dawn represents the time of birth and the formative years; noon mirrors the middle of a person's life, often marked by a state of flux; and dusk refers to the phase when all that a person has done in their dawn and noon is evident. It’s the time to enter into rest after a lifetime of labour.
But why does each phase of life seem so fleeting and brief? Several factors contribute to this sensation:
TIME: One gift that has been given equally to all is time, and it never stops or waits for anyone. Time is ever fleeting, which is why each phase of life feels so brief.
CHANGE: It's said that the only constant in life is change. Life is designed in such a way that change occurs continuously. Today’s child is tomorrow’s adult.
GROWTH: As we mature, we move from the old into the new. I recently reflected on how Christmas felt when I was younger. In the weeks leading up to the festival, I eagerly anticipated my Christmas outfit, often checking it in my wardrobe daily. This year, I realized how much I’ve grown since then!
MORTALITY: Every person is subject to death, which reflects the impermanence of life. Our time on earth is finite, which makes every stage of life precious.
While the fleeting nature of life can feel bittersweet, it’s important to make the most of each phase. Here's how:
EMBRACE THE PRESENT: We must always remember that each moment in life is a gift. It should be savoured, appreciated, and cherished. Staying mindful of the present can help us do this.
CULTIVATE GRATITUDE: Gratitude is the language of the wise. As we journey through each phase of life, it’s essential to reflect on how far we've come and be thankful for every moment—good and bad, smooth and rough.
STAY SELF-AWARE: One must be deliberate in one's journey, paying close attention to where one has been, where one is, and where one is going.
CHERISH RELATIONSHIPS: Strive to form and maintain meaningful connections at every stage of life. These bonds enrich our experience and are invaluable throughout each phase.
CREATE LASTING MEMORIES: Seize every opportunity to make meaningful experiences that will last a lifetime. These memories serve as treasures we can revisit time and again.
The impermanent and fleeting nature of life’s stages should motivate us to make them count. We do this by celebrating every win—no matter how small—learning from every loss, facing challenges head-on, staying present, remaining grateful, and cherishing the people and moments that make life truly unforgettable.
Embrace the impermanence of each phase, and you’ll find beauty in every chapter of your journey!