When Will It Be My Turn?

“It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to be.”

These words resonated in my mind like a haunting melody—lingering in my thoughts—as I delved into the pages of Mitch Albom’s “The Timekeeper.” Albom’s sentiment, while meant to inspire, stirred a more probing question that often surfaces in the quiet recesses of my mind: But when will it be my turn? 

As a child, my mind was captivated by enchanting tales where every main character found their way to “happily ever after.” In the innocence of youth, I even believed that my own life mirrored those tales. However, the sands of time have revealed a different truth. My life is not a fairy tale but an ongoing series, unfolding with countless conflicts and pauses, as if the author seemed to be on hiatus, leaving chapters unfinished. 

My heart genuinely swells with happiness for others’ victories. Their success stories often inspire me to do better. However, amid my wholehearted cheers, a part of me yearns to step onto that stage and play my role. 

As I watch others stride confidently, the feeling of being left behind creeps in. It is as if everyone else is moving forward on a determined path while I remain stuck in a loop of uncertainty. With each step they take, I cannot help but wonder if I am losing the race against time. 

In these moments, impatience festers within me, and I find myself racing against an invisible foe, desperately trying to catch up with the progress I perceive in others. 

As a result, a pervasive restlessness blankets my being, and I remain in a degree of constant dissatisfaction. The weight of waiting becomes more tangible. It is as if I am trapped and drowned in an endless cycle of conflicts without ever reaching that elusive “turning point.” 

But then, Albom also said, “When you are measuring life, you are not living it.” These words surfaced in my thoughts like a gentle awakening, reshaping my perspective. It made me realize that life is as much about the journey as the destination. 

Life is intertwined with mess, lived in unexpected glory. It is a journey filled with precious moments, each brimming with significance. By solely looking at the goal, we often overlook the richness of these moments. 

We must understand that life is not a race but a marathon, where each of us has a unique path, complete with twists, turns, and detours. 

So, for others who also often seek answers to the question, “When will it be my turn?” understand that every chapter of our lives is, indeed, our “turn” — our turn to grow, our turn to be better, and our turn to fully experience and enjoy life. 

Above all, our journey must flourish and not be centered on one grand achievement but on many little victories and moments of gratitude that mark our everyday lives. 

Life, as I now see it, is about embracing and celebrating these smaller joys and appreciating the richness they bring to our unique narratives. 

LAYOUT ARTIST(S): ZILDJIAN NERY