What Is a Blessed Life?
A Reflection from My Seventies
What Is a Blessed Life?
Many people long for a blessed life. In our materialistic society, it is often associated with wealth and comfort — a large house, servants, a chauffeured car, financial abundance, designer clothes, fine dining, and endless travel. Some consider living in solitude a blessing, while others see having a large family as one. Some believe a long life itself is a blessing, whereas others feel that the length of life is irrelevant. Some equate a blessed life with a religious life, while others define it in purely secular terms. Indeed, many regard a life without problems or hardship as the most wonderfully blessed life of all.
So, what is truly a blessed life?
I am now in my seventies and have lived an eventful life. Was it a blessed life? This is my reflection…
Early Life and Family Background
I was born in 1952 in Hong Kong, in the years following the Second World War. My parents had lived through the horrors of the war. Before I was born, they left China and settled in Hong Kong to escape those difficult times. As I was born after the war, I was spared those sufferings.
My father started a tailor business in Hong Kong. At first, he struggled. But the year I was born, his business began to prosper. He often regarded me as his lucky star. For many years thereafter, his business flourished, and I benefited from his success. For more than two decades before I started to earn my own living, I never lacked pocket money. I always had enough to do whatever I wanted — but whatever I wanted to do never required a lot of money.
Education and Opportunities
Academically, I was not a strong student in Hong Kong. However, as my father’s business continued to thrive, he was able to send my siblings and me to the United Kingdom to continue our secondary education when we were teenagers. That opportunity shaped me profoundly. Being exposed to Western culture at a young age broadened my outlook enormously. After moving to the UK, my academic performance improved significantly. With my father’s generous support, I continued my education all the way to a Master’s degree. This later proved to be consequential in my professional career — as it led me to become a university professor.
Challenges and Career Setbacks
My father was highly intelligent and successful in business. My mother was deeply loving and devoted. They were protective parents, and I grew up in a sheltered environment.
When I entered the working world, however, I learned how the real world works the hard way. I faced challenges where integrity and professionalism were sometimes secondary to other interests. I lost my job and changed my career path more than once.
At the time, those experiences were painful. But they strengthened me. As the saying goes “What doesn’t break me makes me stronger.” They shaped my character. Even when I lost my job in my late fifties, with little prospect of securing another full-time position, I did not compromise my principles. I refused to beg for employment. I held firmly to my values. I have become a better human and a better soul.
Love and Family
In the midst of career uncertainties, I met a wonderful lady. It was due to an unusual turn in my career that we crossed paths. I regard her as my angel. Right from the start, we were like soulmates. Within months of meeting, we were married. Now, more than four decades have passed, we have truly enjoyed a long and happy marriage.
After we were married, our family began to grow: first one son, then two, and finally three. Then came three daughters-in-law, and four grandsons. We are now waiting for our fifth grandchild to join the family.
A Calling to Write
As I mentioned earlier, I lost my job in my late fifties. Then, something unexpected happened. I felt inspired to write books. I attributed the inspiration to a spirit I called the Great Spirit. At first, I thought it was just a passing impulse, but the inspiration persisted. One book led to another. Over nearly two decades, I have written more than thirty books. It was not only the quantity that was impressive, but also the depth of insight that emerged through the writing.
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Even now, in my seventies, the Great Spirit continues to inspire me to write. I consider this to be my greatest contribution to the world.
Insights from My Seventies
As you can see, my life has included both highs and lows. Were they blessings?
I believe they were.
Born after the war. Having a successful father and a devoted mother. Studying overseas at a young age. Facing adversity in my career. Meeting my angel wife. Having a growing family. Discovering a calling in writing. Remaining active and purposeful in my seventies.
A blessed life, I have come to realize, is not about wealth and comfort. Nor is it a life without struggle. It is a life in which we grow with each experience — whether joyful or painful — and make a positive contribution to the world. I am blessed with the opportunity to make the world better.
Yes, my life is a blessed life!
Thank you for reading.
If you would like to learn more about my life, you are welcome to read my articles on Medium:
From an Engineering Professor to a Prolific Book Author — Is It Worth It?
You are also welcome to explore my life in my autobiographies, available on Amazon:
How an Engineering Professor Becomes a Spiritual Philosopher
How the Great Spirit Shaped My Life
Approved and published by A Shayens Abran (Founder & Editor of Be Open — Writers & Readers Pub)
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