They say life begins at 40, but at 43, I’ve realized life doesn’t just start—it evolves, surprises, and occasionally hits you with a plot twist. And while technology has made many things more accessible (thank you, Google Maps, for not letting me get lost in Italy), it also serves as a reminder that no matter how advanced we get, some things just can’t be replaced. So, let me share four life lessons that will matter—whether in this lifetime or the next—with a few highlights from my recent birthday month trip to Italy.
1. Embrace the Chaos (Because Control Is a Myth)
Technology has given us tools to organize, plan, and streamline our lives. But no matter how many apps I use to track my tasks or plan my day, life still finds ways to throw me off course. Standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I couldn’t help but marvel at how this crooked, imperfect structure became an icon—because of its imperfection, not despite it.
Life is much like that tower—leaning, slightly off-kilter, and utterly unpredictable. You can plan, organize, and try to control every detail, but sometimes, you just have to lean into the mess and trust that it’ll all work out. The Leaning Tower of Pisa taught me that it’s okay to surrender to the unknown and embrace the chaos, lifting everything to Him and letting go of the need to control everything. Technology can help us organize our lives, but we can’t fix what isn’t meant to be perfect.
2. Prioritize Yourself (But Ask, "Are You Not Entertained?")
As I stood in the Colosseum, I thought about how much technology has revolutionized entertainment. We can stream, scroll, and consume content all day long. But then I remembered that iconic line from Gladiator: “Are you not entertained? Is this why you are here?” It hit me. How often do we get so caught up in the race to meet deadlines, get likes, or produce more that we forget to ask ourselves if we’re even enjoying it?
Prioritizing yourself in this digital age means more than just unplugging for a day. It’s about stepping back and asking, Am I truly entertained by this life I’m living? Am I doing things that fill my cup, or am I performing for someone else’s applause? Technology has given us many tools to connect, create, and learn, but we still need to ensure we’re doing it for us—not just for the validation of others. Technology should enhance our lives, not define them.
3. Fail Big, Fail Often (The Universe Has a Funny Way of Bringing It Back)
I’ve always loved roller sports, but I never pursued it how I wanted to. Life, work, and responsibilities got in the way, and before I knew it, that passion had taken a backseat. It felt like a failure. But as I’ve learned, failure is never the end—it’s just part of the journey.
Fast forward to today: I’m the General Manager of Skate Pilipinas, a role that brings me back to my passion for skating. It’s funny how life and the universe find ways to give you second chances. Technology played a part in making this happen, too—connecting me to people, opportunities, and the larger skating community. But, while technology can open doors, it can’t do the hard work for you. You still have to show up, take risks, and embrace failure.
4. Trust Your Gut (And Always Choose the Gelato)
One of the things I love about technology is how it helps us make decisions—from restaurant reviews to mapping out the best travel routes. But as I stood in front of a gelato shop in Italy, staring at all the flavors, I realized something: no app or algorithm could tell me which flavor was right for me. My gut could, though. (And for the record, it’s always pistachio.)
In life, no matter how much technology we have at our disposal, there are still moments when you have to trust your instincts. Whether it’s a big career move, a relationship decision, or choosing which path to take next, sometimes your gut knows more than the data. Technology can guide us, but it shouldn’t replace our human intuition. And when you trust your gut, you’ll find that things tend to work out—even if it’s just picking the right gelato.
Technology’s Role in Our Lessons
Technology has undoubtedly made life easier. It helps us stay connected, makes tasks more efficient, and opens doors we didn’t know existed. But here’s the thing: it can never replace our human need for connection, intuition, and creativity. Technology is a tool, but it can’t replace the lessons we learn by living life authentically, embracing the chaos, and trusting our inner compass.
I’ve found that the key is to use technology to enhance our lives, not replace what makes us human. Adapt to the new, embrace the inevitable changes, but don’t lose sight of the things that ground us—the relationships we nurture, the passions we pursue, and the intuition we trust. At 43, I’ve learned that the future is always coming, faster and more tech-driven than ever, but it’s up to us to remain anchored in what truly matters.