50 Lessons that Life Taught Me

 50 Lessons that Life Taught Me

As I count the days before I reach my golden years (April 2022 to be exact), I've gathered my thoughts during this pandemic to manifest extreme gratitude for the life that has been gifted to me. Here are the first 50 salient realizations. More will be added as I journey along. 💖

1. Faith and prayers are as important as breathing. They are weapons in overcoming any challenge and in nurturing a gentle spirit amid difficulties.

2. Kindness to your self and to others makes life light and pleasant.

3. The love of self and of family allows space for mistakes and their acceptance as learning curves for personal growth.

4. Being Filipino is to serve the country and the people in any capacity.

5. Friends from different age groups provide happiness and learnings that create a balanced view of life.

6. Work is important for well-being. It creates an environment for service as well as a venue to enhance skills and talents.

7. There is no need to prove yourself to others.

8. Never ever take things personally. Other people are also struggling and searching for themselves.

9. Reach out to those who need your presence and your compassion.

10. Starve your feelings of envy, jealousy, and insecurity. Instead, transform them into productivity and compassion.

11. Being alone does not need to be difficult. Your alone time is an opportunity to know your self deeply. Embrace it because not everyone is given this chance.

12. Loving a man does not mean that you need to give up your independence. It only means to enrich your relationship by sharing a life with him who can join your adventures and create stories together.

13. Helping family members to finish their studies does not mean incapacitating them or removing their ability to be self-sufficient. It only means that you want them to succeed on their own after helping them.

14. Life is full of challenges and surprises. Overcome and accept them as part of your growth.

15. Asking for help from others is okay.

16. Reconnecting with friends after 20 or more years is good for your soul.

17. Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine for your weary mind and body.

18. Pamper your self often. Go to the spa and have a massage.

19. Adopt a growth mindset. Every difficulty, problem, setback, and criticism is an opportunity for self-improvement.

20. Perfectionism is an illusion. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Move forward.

21. Compassion is the root of all the goodness in this world.

22. Travel. Meet new people. Enjoy the places. Have stories and adventures to tell.

23. Write about everything. Be curious and discover the answers.

24. There are times when you get lonely. Embrace your loneliness and develop an inner life through it.

25. Generosity is not always about material stuff. The smiles of those who receive your gift are enough.

26. There is so much love to be had in the world from the smiles and laughter of children.

27. Time is irrelevant when you are having fun.

28. Being kind to those who are unkind to you makes this world a better place.

29. Asking questions should not be that scary.

30. Other people's rudeness reflects their state of mind and heart.

31. Being single has its benefits. For one, you don't need to clean up other people's mess. Haha.

32. Drama is only for the movies. A peaceful life is what you need.

33. Choose people who choose to be around. Forcing others to like you is a futile exercise.

34. Live your own life. Let others live theirs without judgment.

35. Honor your rest time. Set aside your laptop or your phone and be with nature as much as possible.

36. Treat everyone equally and respectfully. No exceptions.

37. Don't hoard stuff. Collect memories. The happy ones will get you through the hard times.

38. Stay in contact with the people who add value to your life. They are the ones who nourish your soul and add joy to your days.

39. Cook your own food and enjoy it. There's nothing like knowing which herbs and spices to use to make it taste heavenly.

40. Live a minimalist life. Having a few stuff to clean and arrange lets you go out and have adventures.

41. Don't let your own limitations hinder you from achieving your goals and dreams. Nothing is impossible.

42. Be a mentor. Allow others to grow and develop their potentials with your guidance and help.

43. Sleep for 7 to 8 hours a day. Missing sleep robs you of your well-being.

44. Listen to your heart, not other people's opinions.

45. Read and learn. They are lifelong activities that reward you endlessly.

46. Being a good friend means being a "no matter what" friend.

47. Live without regrets. Life experiences make you wiser.

48. No one is ever alone. You have yourself to enjoy and appreciate life with.

49. Age is just a number. What matters is the youthfulness of the mind and the spirit.

50. Never harm anyone or any creature. They are nature's manifestation of the wonders of creation.