I never really thought much about myself being 30, prior to being 30. The few months before my birthday were especially a blur because of several hardships and life challenges, that the Big 3-0 nearing isn’t really that big of a deal. There were significant loss, several health issues, and some conflicts in those few months alone that when I look back, I can’t help but pat myself on the back for getting out of that, yes badly wounded, but stronger—and hopefully, wiser and better. I really believe that these scars are what makes us, us. The heartaches and the happiness build and strengthen us as a human person to help us take on and live life to the fullest. After all, isn’t our humanity the most beautiful thing? This year, as I turned 30, I’ve chosen a celebration of abundance, gratitude, and of self-worth. The tradition continues! Here is the list of 30 things with the most meaningful lessons I’ve gained or life lessons I’d like follow. FAMILYFamily is your fountain of strength First-hand experience: On my downest down and lowest low, my family keeps me afloat. Family is really everything Through the ups and the downs of our lives, our family is the only consistent physical and emotional structure present to support and help us. Become friends with your parents At this point, parents no longer need to parent us in the same way as when we were a child. There’s a wonderful freedom in getting to know, appreciate, and value each other as adults. That said, your parents are cool people and they could be your best friends too My sister and I are blessed to have a set of parents whom we can call our best friends. For some people, this type of relationship only comes during the children’s adult lives. I’m glad my sister and I had this to begin with. Whatever the quirks or troubles, embrace your family Not every day is rainbows and butterflies even for family relationships. But remember that at the end of the day, family is still family. You could lose everything else, the world may turn its back on you, and in the end, family will still be there for you. Appreciate your family more. LOVELove comes when you set the intention, and then let it go For the longest time, I was seeking love. But once I surrendered and let it go, love came unexpectedly. You do not need a knight in shining armor, nor a Mr. Perfect We do not live in the fairytale world. Nothing is perfect here. What you need is Mr. Right—specifically, Mr. Right for you. You do not need to sacrifice your standards just because you love someone Compromise is defined as an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. It needs two parties actively participating to be called that. Like the song, sometimes, love just really ain’t enough Relationships need hard work. But sometimes, despite all the efforts and the love, what would not work, would not work. Accept it and let go. You’ve already fought your battles. The greatest form of empowerment is knowing that even if a relationship ends, you will be okay You will be okay G. Promise. FRIENDSHIPFriendships in the adult life require diligent attention and effort Especially when you live in different time zones or on opposite poles, after being used to living near each other or working on the same company. Choose your friends, rather than letting proximity or routine choose them for you. Distance is never an excuse to listen and be there for a friend We currently live in a world where you can literally talk to a person from millions of miles away and from different time zones. Be there for your friends, especially when they need you. As a woman your girl-friends/boy-friends are your most divine source of grounding When you have amazing ones, they will be your support system through thick and thin. When you find them, hold on to them. As an adult, your best friends can totally be new friends Duration of how long you’ve known each other doesn’t determine the depth of a relationship. That said, hold tight to your longtime friends, too Your oldest pals, more than most others, can keep you on track and call it as it is. SELFThe world does not revolve around you Be mature enough and accept this fact. Get enough sleep You are no longer a child. At this point, sleep is a cave full of gold. Seek it, enjoy it. Set goals and reach them Also, enjoy the journey. You will appreciate the success more if you enjoyed the ride to it. Listen—more importantly, to yourself You have to be bold enough to listen to your inner voice--over and over and over again. Be yourself—all of yourself Hence, ensuring a life lived with complete fulfillment. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Life is meant to be lived and fully experienced. HAPPINESSSometimes a change of perspective is all you need Be it work, social, or spiritual aspects. Explore. Letting go of things, of people, does not always equate to sadness Sometimes, life or people are just plain toxic. Letting these go could lighten your baggage. Accept that in life, we literally just win some, and lose some. Strive to not be happy but to be content As a human person, being content is the most challenging task we have. But as we increase in age, we learn to appreciate the little things more. Happiness is more than just a feeling Being able to appreciate who you really are and what you have could bring you joy. Happiness is simple Happiness is a state-of-being and an active choice. Always honor where you are at but know that you have the power to change it. LIFEDon’t be afraid to ask for help Tell people, directly and specifically, how they can help you. It just feels lighter when you have someone to be there for you, even if you can handle it alone. Invite those people to lean on you as well. It’s fine to make mistakes It is not the end of the world to fail and commit mistakes every now and then. We’re human. It’s our norm—chill out! You are in control of your life, your destiny Life is not fair but that doesn’t mean you should slack or make excuses. Even when life fucks you over, get up and try again. It is your life. The hardships you endure are there to free you from yourself You will get tested and challenged in ways that can bare your bones, rob you of your joys, and break you completely down―and yet there is always the possibility to get back up again, stronger than before. Embrace the journey, savor the moments and prepare for the next chapter...It’s a new decade in your book What could be more exciting? I realized that the truth is that by 30, no one has anything figured out. Life may not be perfect, but nothing is! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to obtain the rewards that come from overcoming challenges, facing changes with an open heart, and letting go of empty expectations. Note to self: Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life. Time to start writing a new chapter worth reading!
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About GAn RN-turned-copy-editor, dreamer and lover of all life, taking on the world, G-style. Archives
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