30 Things I Learned Turning 30

So today I turn 30. 

Huwat?! 

Yup, just like that. 

And while I've gone through a crazy, shit-I'm-turning-30 phase in the past months; today, I feel nothing but gratitude. For another year - the experiences, opportunities, and people that got me through. But mostly, I'm grateful for the realisations, and in-your-face lessons that I had as I enter a new decade (ta-da-da-duh!). 

I've put them together, so I won't forget; and for anyone who needs a reminder that he/she's not doing such a bad job in life. 

Cheers to 30! :)


30 Things I Learned Turning 30

1.     Never invalidate your feelings.

2.     Don’t let your feelings take over you, either. Being an emotional mess is... well, messy.

3.     Toxic people are not worth your time and attention.

4.     Life is short. Don’t waste time on bitterness, anger, hatred, self-pity.

5.     Make time for family, friends, and people who matter to you. Don’t make excuses – work, traffic, conflict of schedules. Make time. You’ll never know until when they’ll be around.

6.     Tulad ng kapares ng foot socks, at USB na hiniram ng officemate, may mga bagay at tao na hindi na babalik sayo. Kahit anong pilit mo. Learn to let go.

7.     Travel every chance you get.

8.     And if you have a choice, don’t fly Cebupac.

9.     Travel solo. You’ll learn more about yourself in eight days travelling on your own, that eight years living day in, day out.

10. Sometimes, you have absolutely no idea what’s your next move in life – and that’s okay.

11. Adulting sometimes means you just have to swallow the bad stuff and live another day.

12. Most of the time, it means paying the bills, your car, insurance, and getting your nails done.

13. Being a Tita (literally, a tita to your pamangkins) is cool. Someday, you’ll cash in all the pasalubongs, treats, drive to’s and pick up’s. Hehe. Kidding.

14. Real friends don’t judge you for your mistakes, stupid decisions, crazy life phases. They judge other people with you.

15. On writing, if your story was able to change one person’s life, or how he/she views life, then you’ve done your job.

16. It's a privilege, not a duty, to serve your country. 

17. Do one thing that scares you - not everyday, OA ‘yun. Every once in a while, take that leap of faith.

18. Erase “regret” from your vocabulary.

19. No matter how big and scary the challenge is, you are always, always, made of better stuff.

20. God will never give you a mountain you can’t climb.

21. Don’t be reckless with people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. 

22. Be thankful for transient people. They passed through your life for a reason.

23. Be thankful for people who stick around. Others are not so lucky to have them.

24. Be thankful for people who are kind to you. Someday, you’ll return the kindness to someone else.

25. Be thankful for people who do you wrong. Someday, papangit/tataba din sila.

26. You may not realize it, but you are a blessing to another person.

27. Be kind. Always.

28. Knowing what you want in life – even if you have no effin’ clue how to get there – is already a win.

29. Don’t beat yourself up too much. You’re doing a good job. 

30. God’s timing is always perfect. Not a second late, never a second early. What is to happen, will happen. The fact that you’re here, you’re alive, means you've still got a lot life's wonders to discover. The years behind you are springboards that propel you to the amazing plans in the years ahead of you. This age is an end, but also a beginning. It’s a deadline past due, it's new chalked up plans. It’s a messed up worksheet, it’s a clean slate. But ultimately, it’s a gift. From the One Above who gave you another year to live, to love, to make mistakes, to make a difference. To fulfill the purpose you were put on this earth for. This is here. This is now. This is 30.

Embrace tita-hood, calories, and everything in between. <3 #thisis30