BEYOND THE RUNWAY

Jan 11, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

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By Sonia Noel

(Kaieteur News) – The legacy of reflection, family, and time before I go any further this week, I want to pause and say thank you.

Since my New Year’s article was published, my phone has not stopped buzzing. I received private messages, calls, and notes from men and women across different age groups and from various parts of the world. It was deeply humbling to know that people not only read the article, but took the time to reflect on it and reach out personally.

In an age of fast scrolling and short attention spans, it reminded me that thoughtful writing still has a place. More importantly, it reminded me that when words are written from a place of truth, alignment, and purpose, they find their way to the hearts that need them.

That article was written during my recent sabbatical. It was a quiet season for me. A time of reflection, prayer, and realignment. I intentionally stepped back from noise and pressure to listen more closely to God, to myself, and to what truly matters. I wrote from that still place, not knowing how far those words would travel.

Adetula Abiodun in Nigeria wrote: “It is a thoughtful and uplifting reflection on gratitude, purpose, and spiritual alignment. I appreciate the beautiful blend of personal experience with practical wisdom, which encourages readers to slow down, reflect deeply, and enter the new year with clarity rather than pressure. Your introduction of the Vision Life Book adds a meaningful and structured approach to intentional living, making the article both inspiring and actionable.”

Another response came from a woman who said something that stayed with me deeply. She told me she was fifty-two years old and had never asked herself those kinds of questions before. She said the article would now be her guiding light. That sentence reminded me that reflection is not bound by age. It is never too early or too late to pause and ask meaningful questions.

The reach of the article extended even further when a senior journalist in Suriname contacted me to request permission to publish it in their newspapers as well. What began as a personal reflection during a sabbatical became a shared conversation across borders.

When my sabbatical ended, there were two people I felt called to see immediately. The first was my mother.

Before stepping back into meetings and commitments, I went to sit with her. Being in her presence grounded me in a way nothing else could. As I sat there, I reflected on the DNA I inherited from her. She is a woman who gives naturally. She gives her time, her love, her care, without needing recognition. That spirit of generosity lives in me because I watched it live out daily.

I felt overwhelming gratitude at that moment. Gratitude for her sacrifices. Gratitude for her example. Gratitude for the quiet lessons she taught simply by how she lived. Spending time with her reminded me how important it is to honor those who came before us while we still can.

The second person I spent intentional time with was my grandson, Jaidyn.

We had a scheduled lunch, and it became one of those moments you wish you could pause forever. We reminisced about his childhood, laughed about his earliest memories, and laughed about the long hair he once had and the many times he disrupted my office as a little boy. But beyond the laughter, there was depth.

At nearly fourteen, his maturity and insight amazed me. He shared how he sees the world, asked thoughtful questions, and told me he had read my previous article. He said the questions made him think. That alone reminded me how powerful words can be when they reach the next generation.

Time moves quickly. One day you are guiding little hands, and the next you are sitting across from a young man with his own voice and perspective. That lunch reminded me how precious presence truly is.

It also stirred memories of my grandmother. There are questions I wish I had asked her.

What shaped her resilience. What dreams she carried. Those unanswered questions are why intentional time with both our elders and our children matters so deeply.

Jaidyn is truly blessed to be surrounded by a dedicated and nurturing family. His mom and dad, along with grandparents on both sides, are deeply invested in his journey. I must especially commend his grandparents, Mr and Mrs Jordan, for their wholehearted devotion to his growth and wellbeing. Whenever he visits or calls my mother, so much joy is added to her day. He loves being reminded that he is her first great grandson, a bond that brings pride, love, and connection across generations.

At Christmas, I gave Jaidyn a gift that may have seemed simple at first glance. It was a ball. Not an expensive gift. Not something flashy. But it carried meaning.

Yesterday, during our conversation, we reflected on that Christmas gift and why I chose it.

I told him, “I’m giving you this ball not because of sports, but because of what it represents.”

I asked him to look closely at the black shapes on the ball. Each one has five sides. I explained that those five sides represent five things I pray will always guide his life.

Faith. Always put God first. There will be times when life feels confusing or heavy, but God’s presence will steady you. When you pray, listen, and trust Him, you will never walk alone.

Character. Do what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity will protect you, open doors, and shape the man you become.

Wisdom. Choose your words, your actions, and your decisions carefully. Learn from mistakes and seek understanding. Wisdom will help you navigate life with confidence.

Purpose. You were created for a reason. Your life has meaning beyond today. Discover who you are called to be and walk boldly in that purpose.

People. Be mindful of the peers you surround yourself with. Choose those who encourage you, respect you, and help you grow. Never dim your light to fit in.

As we spoke, I told him that as he grows, there will be challenges, distractions, and moments of doubt. When that happens, he must remember those five things. They are his foundation.

I told him how proud I am of him and that I see his heart, his growth, and the young man he is becoming. I reminded him that he carries strength, kindness, and potential within him, and that I believe deeply in who he is and who God is shaping him to be.

That Christmas gift was never about the object. It was about the conversation. It was about planting seeds. It was about legacy.

Legacy is not built only through accomplishments. It is built through conversations, shared moments, and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next.

Family time does not happen by accident. It must be protected. It must be scheduled. It must be valued.

As we move through this year, my encouragement is simple. Spend time with those who came before you. Spend time with those coming after you. Ask the questions. Share the stories. Pass the baton.

When we live intentionally, we design lives that reflect our values. Reflection helps us make room for what truly matters. It reminds us that time is sacred and that how we use it shapes our legacy.

Because in the end, success is not only measured by what we build, but by the love we give, the wisdom we pass on, and the presence we choose.

Legacy lives there.

We are just days away from the commencement of the Vision Life Book event, and I am grateful to have a front row seat to the visions of lives across Guyana and beyond. Feel free to share your vision for 2026 by emailing beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at 592 684 8129 as we continue this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway.

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• Adetula Abiodun, Runway, Sonia Noel

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