"Freedom 55" is a term that London Life Insurance used for their marketing campaign many years ago. Back in the 1990's, I used to work in an insurance-related industry, and I took evening courses to become an insurance broker. It did not work out, and I never became a licensed insurance broker. Moreover, I did learn some important concepts during that episode of my life. One of them is that we should save as much as we can when we are working. Do not squander on material things such as designer clothes, expensive cars or eating out regularly. Spend money wisely on experiences that would open your mind and eyes. More often than not, we get sucked into unnecessary competitions that would drain our resources and energy.
Today I turn 55. I reflect back on the treacherous journey that took me to where I am now. From being made to feel like a failure by my family, peers and bosses to shrugging off the hiccups along the way and moving on, it has been a continuous series of disappointments, struggles and failed attempts. Many would have turned into bitter beings who would not have the courage to try new experiences. I am grateful that I did not. I still believe in miracles and try out new things. The sense of optimism revives my spirit and provides me the power to carry on until my expiry date. I have learned to give every challenge my best shot and then leave it in God's hands. If it is not meant to happen, it will not happen. If it is in God's plans, it will happen regardless of my input and I cannot avoid it.
And that is my definition of Freedom 55.
Freedom is defined as the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. I grew up in a very conservative Chinese Catholic family. My parents and teachers taught me discipline, traditional values and morals. But at the same time, I was imprisoned in an archaic, restrictive frame of thinking. The invisible shackles had greatly altered the course of my life. I had always worked hard and not indulged in physical pleasures. Being independent and free translates to not relying on luck or someone else to make things right for me. I do not have to ask permission from my parents to do anything anymore because they have disowned me. I do not have to worry about any dependants because I do not have any offspring or even a pet. I am not tied down by fixed assets either because I do not own any. As the Protestant Christians would say, I am also "departure ready".
And that is my definition of Freedom 55.
