11 Life Lessons In The Past 11 Years

You're really going to learn a lot if you are only mindful of your surroundings. If you are observant of everything that’s been going on around you, you can get some life lessons that you can carry with you as you navigate this journey called life. With that being said, here are some of the best life lessons that I've learned in the past 11 years. In no particular order. 

1. Save money. Practice delay gratification. Avoid impulsive buying. Always think before you purchase something. Think if you really need it, or you just want to have it. There's a fine line between wants and needs. You don't need everything that you want. Do not splurge on things that you will regret buying in the future. It's better to spend your money on experiences. Experience is irreplaceable. Every experience is unique. You might think that buying something will make you happy, but eventually you're going to lose interest on it. 

2. Respect your parents. I know I should have learned this since the day that I was born, but my knowledge of respect back then is still too shallow. You should really respect them in spite of their shortcomings. Show them that you appreciate them. Do not be stubborn. Be patient with them. Never take their presence for granted.

3. Keep on learning. Life doesn't stop teaching. As I've said, always be mindful of what life is trying to teach you when you are going through some tough times. You may not always see it, but there's always a lesson behind every circumstances. At the same time, don't settle with what you already know. Always aim to learn something new.  The internet is a very useful tool and can be a source of some helpful information. Take advantage of it. There are some free courses that you can enroll if you want to become better at something or if you want to be knowledgeable about something.

4. Every once in a while, it's necessary to prioritize yourself. Make time to treat yourself. Date yourself. Go to a place where you can just relax. Speak up if you don't want something. Learn to say no. Do not  agree to the things that you're really not okay with. You don't have to always be available for people, especially those who only take your presence for granted. Make them feel your absence. 

5. Always be ready for the changes that might happen. Nothing is permanent. Everything is uncertain. "Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody." There's also this one quote that I don't like, but it speaks volume and it couldn't be any more true. It says, "Always be ready to say goodbye." Being left is probably one of the worst things that can happen to someone. But I guess, it's really a part of life. You have to learn how to let go and accept that things change. It might not make sense at the time, but one day it will. You just have to be brave to face each day with the hope that you will be okay soon even when things aren't the same anymore.

6. You won't get anywhere if you always use your heart. I read this in one of Lang Leav's novel and I couldn't agree more. They say that you always have to follow your heart because it's always right. Perhaps it's true, but you have to learn also to use your brain. Because the heart is sentimental, but the brain is logical. 

7. Do not depend on anyone. Learn how to be your self's best ally. Not everyone will be in your life forever. Do not tie your happiness on people. Learn how to do things alone. It's not as hard as you think. Besides, you won't be totally alone. God is always by your side. He's the only best confidante that will ever have. 

8. Do not overshare. Because anything you say will be used against you in the future. Think before you speak. Not everything needs to be said. It's better to be silent than to regret something that you might say. You cannot take back words that are already out of your mouth. You are not the same person you were five years ago, but the things you said  five years ago might still be in someone's memory. Be careful with your words. 

9. Always try to be a little kinder to everyone you meet. It's not that easy to do especially if you are trying to be kind to those whom you think don't deserve your kindness. But the best thing that you can do is to be nice to them. Do not take their action personally. Someone's rude behavior towards you speaks of their character. It's just the way they behave in all the people that they encounter. It's not about you. Just try to be a little more understanding and patient with everyone you meet. 

10. Do not give up easily. Always think long-term. It's hard to accept rejection. It's even harder to accept that you settle with something you don't want because you gave up easily. Always try harder. If you really want something, you have to take it seriously. You have to exert extra effort and go the extra mile to get that thing that you truly desire. As the saying goes, "In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take."

12. Find humor in everything. Do not take life too seriously. Laugh as much as you can. Always find something to laugh at. If you cannot find anything, just look in the mirror. 😅 Kidding aside, you will never be this young. You cannot recover moments once they're gone. Challenges are part of life. Life isn't easy. It is full of unwanted circumstances. You cannot avoid them. Aside from prayer, the best thing that you can do is to shrug it off and laugh at it. Do not let your emotions get the best of you. As much as possible do not waste your time getting sad and angry over anything that doesn't concern you. When something upsets you, take three deep breaths and smile. Repeat until you totally forget all about why you're upset. 

Sometimes lessons are learned the hard way. The important thing is that you learn. You know how to better handle some of life's unprecedented situation. 

au revoir. 😊