Twenty Five

I'm 25! I turned twenty five two weeks ago. I don't feel any different; only more aware of my age. Twenty-five sounds old until you reach that age. Anyway, I'm gonna share my learnings so feel free to click X now. hehe


1. I spent my year of being 24 learning how not to give a shit about what others think. There are opinions that matter and there are opinions that qualify as mema (me-masabi lang). At 25, I'd like to think I got the hang of filtering opinions. Of course there will be 'off' days, sucky days, well, shitty days but I have learned to handle these situations properly. Defend yourself if you must. Speak your mind if you can't help it but don't lash out each and every time. Pick your moments! Feels pretty awesome. :)

2. Find time to do the things that make you happy. Cliche, I know! But hear me out. It doesn't have to be something you earn from. I'm not saying leave your job. Your job and your passion need not be one and the same.  If it is, well CONGRATULATIONS! In my case, my job is an enabler. It allows me to do the other things that make me happy. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist - specifically a painter and sculptor. But I realized I cannot draw to save my life. My mom proudly displays my first ever painting at our Iloilo home. It's a small garden with three 'front-view' butterflies. Not elegant at all! I cringe whenever I see it but she loves it so fiiine. HAHAHA! I also remember drawing a forest for art class with a snake that looked more like a very healthy worm. Since then I just set aside the creative part of my life. I guess if it's in you, it'll nag you until you nourish it. I started with small DIY projects like painting an old pair of shoes. I rediscovered watercolor, and recently started to dabble in calligraphy. I am lucky to have a bunch of legit artist friends who I can consult when I have a new project. Looking forward to pottery classes too!

3. Take control. Manage what you can. Be it feelings, your temper, expectations; Choose your words carefully. It saves you from so much unnecessary stress. If need be, hold back. Not because you're afraid, but because you know (deep inside) it's not worth it.

4. Stick to core. Everyday, our principles are challenged. And when I find myself in a 'situation', I go back to my core- what kind of person I want to be, which decision will allow me to sleep at night, and which decisions let me to 'live with myself'.

5. Love yourself. You cannot give what you do not have. You cannot fully love life, love your friends, love someone else when you do not love yourself. And me not listening to irrelevant people, doing what I love, taking control and standing by my principles are all because I love myself.

It's not a lot of lessons at 25. But I'm posting it as a reminder. :)