Life is a journey of continual growth and renewal, and the beautiful thing about reaching your 40s is that it feels like a fresh start—like the spring season. Spring symbolizes rebirth, new beginnings, and possibilities, reminding us that it’s never too late to evolve, learn, and make an impact.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that life never stops teaching us if we’re willing to learn. This understanding has become especially apparent as I’ve navigated my 40s. In many ways, it feels like the spring season, where everything around you is constantly evolving, growing, and blooming. For me, this means embracing new knowledge—learning things I never thought I’d pursue, like exploring new technology or diving into deeper personal growth. It can feel daunting at times, but I’ve found that the more I challenge myself to grow, the more I unlock the potential that I didn’t even know existed.

I draw inspiration from many figures in my life, such as Miss Fabros, my high school math teacher. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students instilled in me the importance of perseverance and a deep love for learning. Another source of inspiration is Peter, my CEO at my current company. He constantly inspires me to stay optimistic, be hungry for knowledge, and seek innovative ways to solve challenges. His kindness, understanding, and diplomatic approach, even in difficult situations, have taught me how to remain grounded.

When I reflect on my own journey, one thing that stands out is how much clearer my sense of purpose has become in my 40s. I used to feel uncertain about what direction to take in life, but now I’ve come to realize that understanding your purpose is a continuous process. Just like spring, which marks a fresh start in nature, our lives also present new opportunities to revisit our goals, reevaluate our priorities, and set a clear vision.

I know I’m not the only one who has spent years trying to figure out what truly matters. However, looking at figures who live with deep purpose, like my mother, who embodies boundless love, patience, and care, I’ve started to reflect more intentionally on what drives me. Her unwavering support has been a guiding light in shaping my path.

In my own life, I’ve had moments where I’ve doubted the bigger picture, but the older I get, the more I realize that living with purpose gives you direction, and that direction brings fulfillment. Just as spring provides the clarity of the season after the cold and harsh winter, I now understand how crucial it is to stay connected to your vision and keep moving forward, no matter how uncertain the journey may seem.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 40s, it’s that resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a quality we develop through experience, especially through facing challenges head-on. I’ve been through my own share of setbacks and tough moments, but when I think back on them, I realize that each one made me stronger and more capable of handling whatever comes next.

This theme of resilience reminds me of my wife, who has always been there to listen to my weird ideas, be patient with me, and give me daily inspiration. Her unwavering support through thick and thin has given me the strength to bounce back from any adversity, knowing I’m never alone in my struggles.

Looking back, I can see how moments of adversity have shaped me, just like how the earth in springtime rebounds from the harshness of winter. For me, the key has been to embrace setbacks as stepping stones and to recognize that they’re not permanent. Life always moves forward, just as the seasons do, and with each challenge, there’s an opportunity to come back stronger.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that leadership is less about titles and more about actions. In my own life, whether at work or within my community, I’ve found that the most impactful moments of leadership have come when I simply led by example. I try to be the person who shows up, puts in the effort, and maintains integrity—even when no one is watching.

Peter, my CEO, has also shaped my perspective on leadership by showing me that it’s about inspiring others to become the best version of themselves, rather than just holding a position of authority. His way of leading with kindness and understanding has shown me how powerful a leader’s actions can be, even without a title.

I’m also deeply inspired by my team. They always listen to me, keep their smiles despite the multiple tasks at hand and tight deadlines. Their ability to remain positive, creative, and driven, even when under pressure, motivates me to become better at handling matters to keep them inspired and engaged. Their resilience and creativity, even during challenging times, make me proud to lead them and challenge me to keep improving for their sake.

Reflection has become an essential part of my life in my 40s. As I look back on my journey, I can see how far I’ve come, and more importantly, where I still want to go. I’ve learned that regular self-reflection is key to improving oneself, whether it’s letting go of old habits or simply refining how I approach challenges.

The more I reflect, the more I realize how much I’ve changed. I remember being unsure of myself in my 20s, but in my 40s, there’s a sense of clarity and confidence that comes from embracing the lessons learned along the way. The seasons, much like our lives, evolve over time, and with each new season, there’s a chance to renew yourself, just like the fresh start that spring offers after winter.

As I’ve gotten older, the concept of legacy has started to take on more significance. What kind of impact do I want to have on the world? What kind of person do I want to be remembered as? These questions have shaped many of my decisions in recent years.

I often reflect on how I can create a lasting impact—not just through big actions but also through the everyday ways I show up for others. Like the blooming of flowers in spring, these small efforts can collectively create something beautiful that endures long after we’re gone.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned in my 40s is the importance of hope. The years before this time in my life were filled with moments of uncertainty, but as I’ve moved into my 40s, I’ve realized that hope is a constant companion. There’s a future ahead full of possibilities, and I’ve learned to embrace it with open arms.

In my own life, I try to hold on to that hope—especially when things feel uncertain. It’s this hope that fuels new beginnings, much like the first warm days of spring that signal a fresh start.

In my 40s, like spring, I’m in a season of renewal and growth. Drawing inspiration from the lessons of great leaders and the people who inspire me daily, such as my high school math teacher Miss Fabros, Peter, my CEO, my loving mother, my ever-supportive wife, and my dedicated team, I’m embracing lifelong learning, living with purpose, reflecting on my journey, and leading through action. This chapter of my life is about continuing to grow, change, and make a meaningful impact, just as spring brings new life and growth to the world around us.

For me, this is just the beginning—a season filled with potential, renewal, and endless opportunities. Just as the earth regenerates in spring, I, too, can embrace new beginnings and continue to shape the life I want to live. My 40s are not the end, but a new chapter, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.