28 Things I Learned on my 28th
I just turned twenty-eight on the 29th of September (2014) and I felt like I have some lessons earned from reaching this far.
Note: Lots of cliches but these things are true and personal. And I've put this post in the draft for so long that I just had to post it now.
1. Life goes on -- It won't stop for you. The world will continue spinning no matter how much you think otherwise.
2. People die -- At this age, I have lost my mother, a friend, relatives, acquaintances, mostly at very unexpected times. And it will make you think of your mortality just lurking around the corner.
3. You'll surprise yourself -- By doing things that you swore you wouldn't do and by changing gradually or immediately in your own eyes, for no reason at all sometimes.
4. Some things get old -- I have left occasional drinking (and getting drunk) a year ago and I don't miss it. It gave me fun memories but that's enough.
5. Certain things in the past will make you cringe -- Maybe past relationships or fashion preference or habits that you used to think were fun or cool. Take a look at your old posts on Facebook and you'll know.
6. You're not the best -- Is this list becoming more and more depressing? But yeah, someone will always be better than you so suck up your pride and act according to this reality.
7. Constant reflections -- I find myself frequently questioning about where my past led me and where I'm gonna go from here. And the possibilities are my fuel to go forward.
8. Faith is personal -- The faith or religion you were raised into doesn't have to be the one you should believe until the day you die. Never stop seeking.
9. Blood is not always thicker than water -- Sometimes the people that will inspire you and bring out the best in you are the ones who are not, in any way, related to you. Belonging to a healthy and supportive family is a privilege that is not given to all.
10. Quit the blaming -- Especially at this age. Stop blaming your family and other external forces that led to your bad choices. You have to stop blaming yourself too. The past won't change for your whining.
11. Keep a journal -- Write down your thoughts. Take snapshots of your everyday or extraordinary moments. You will thank yourself for these preserved memories years later.
12. Make memories -- Do things that will fill up your journal. My early twenties, which are supposed to be spent travelling and trying new things were, instead, gone to work and other mundane stuff that goes with it. Money was a huge factor that stopped me. But like I said, the past bid farewell a long time ago. Money will come and go, but this time won't ever happen again. We always hear this because it can't be more true.
13. Old habits die hard -- Some things are just hard to kick off, but don't let that stop you from trying.
14. Weeding -- By now, I have learned how to weed out the people from my garden of friends (and family sometimes). Some people aren't just right for you. The ones who truly care will stay and show it no matter what.
15. Health is everything -- In case you didn't know, we are and we will get older and older and so does our bodies. Maybe it's time to make smarter choices with our food and activities.
16. Go outside -- There are things in our lives that can be cured by spending time with nature. Feel the breeze in your hair, sleep under the stars, walk barefoot in the sand or grass, listen to the sea waves. Just spend time outdoors. It's very good for the heart and mind.
17. Treat everyone well -- At least try. I know that some people can be really annoying and some seem to exist just to make you hate them. But try to be and actually be nice to others. This might be the only thing that some people will remember you for.
18. Revisit and reminisce -- Reconnect with your childhood or any part of your past by revisiting your old hometown or school. It might bring you good and bad memories but it will also make you realize how far you have gone or if you're stuck, how you probably should move on. Also, these places will not be here forever.
19. Patience -- Learning this skill is really life changing. Patience is not just how long you wait, but it's also how you wait. I believe that some events happened to me just to make me learn this important lesson.
20. Know how to be alone -- You are born alone and will die alone. Don't expect that everyone or anyone will always be there for you. Be comfortable with yourself because you are your only companion every second of your life.
21. Keep some things inside -- Your feelings and thoughts shouldn't always be shared to the world or even your closest friend (okay, maybe your dog is an exception). Keep something for yourself.
22. Laugh at yourself -- Find humor in every situation. Laugh at your mistakes.
23. Accept criticism -- Don't take it personal but instead use that criticism to evaluate whether you need to change or improve something about you.
24. You can't plan your life -- Maybe some people had their lives happened according to plan. So what? Yours doesn't have to. There's an invisible director up there or some might argue that there's no such director. Nevertheless, be open to unexpected plot twists.
25. Prayer is powerful -- I admit that there were times that I feel that I'm just talking to the wind or God had turned His back on me, but that never stopped me from praying. Thanking, asking for forgiveness, begging to grant my wishes... ooops! I don't always get what I want but prayer never lets me down. He listens.
26. Appearance and social status does not define a person -- The people that are most likely to lend out their hands to help you are the ones you usually pass by at work, ignoring them because their are not your boss or colleagues. It's true that the ones who have almost nothing are the ones who will likely give everything.
27. Hope must not be abandoned -- Never give up yet. The impossible can be possible.
28. Never stop learning -- You're still alive. Don't be a zombie. Learn and being 28 is not too late.
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