I wrote this on a piece of paper on our way back from our Florida trip. This trip gives me itchy allergy patches all over my face,long walks that made my feet numb and turned me into a dark(er) version due to the scorching Florida heat.But even so, I must say,that this trip is one for the books.Long rides might be a little tiring in the ass but I love it in a sense that you play your favorite music and sing along with it, you tend to daydream and peep out to the future ahead and feel grateful for all the blessings from Him!Its good to say, it makes me feel alive!
My 27th had been splotched with a lot of learning,growing up and much fulfillment.I just want to share what I have learned so far.I came up with 8 lessons from the past year that made me who I am today.Learned it from every conversation I've had,places I've' lived and travelled &things I love and hated. Some I learned the hard way and some are still on the process of mastering it!
1. GIVE,GIVE,GIVE.
The secret of living is giving.Giving doesn't always involve money. It can be a genuine compliment, a cheap but thoughtful gift or even a good smile. The more you share, the more you have,really! I learned this best from my mama and papa. They are givers.Yung tipong isang maliit na lang ng kaldero ng adobo ang ulam namin pero mamimigay pa.As Ziglar used to say, "You can have anything you want if you can help other people get what they want." .
2. Life is not a competition.Really,it's not!
I used to be a competitive asshole.haha!But the older I get,the more quiet I become.This time I feel happier in letting go,smiling and saying, "Wow you made it,Im happy for you!" I learned to tell this more to my friends and let them know Im proud on how far they have become.
3. Practice the attitude of gratitude.
To be honest,i dont pray all the time.But every time I go to sleep I always say THANK YOU,Lord no matter how tired I am.Give thanks in everything.See the brighter side of the story and say thank you!It made me appreciate life a little more!
4.Quality > Quantity.
This is true in friendship.Im not the type of person with"squad goals".Im happy to say that I got a handful of true friends.Lucky enough to have 3-5 best friends.And I'd love to say I got the best ones!Someone to looked up to and uplift when they are down.As I grow older,I truly appreciate the gift of true friendship!
5. Live simply.
I wasn't impressed with luxury already.Simplicity does. I met few inspiring people who had the money but living low-key.I want to be like them.Invest not in 'ootds' but something you are comfortable with.I want to practice minimalism in its beautiful sense: owning only what you need.
6. Learn to appreciate the small things.
The cool side of the pillow, a $3 dollar good book, the smell of new books, the gesture of opening the door for you or you're off & heavy rain outside while watching criminal mind series.(hehe!) my list goes on.It's always in the small things.
7.Write down and make it happen.
I keep a journal with me for years now.And when I look back, most of the things I wrote there came true.I think I read it somewhere that when you pray,write it down.Be specific on what you want.And you will be surprised that in God's way it will come true!
8.Stay out of the social media as much as possible.
Travel.But dont do it because you want a new default pic in your instagram or in facebook.Do it to fill you life with new memories.I'm struggling with this but Im working on it.I rather give thanks to the food in front of me than to post it on my day.I rather hold hands with my husband enjoying the place than to have several takes for the perfect photo. The best ones aren't in social media no matter how picture perfect it is.Moments like,enjoying a beautiful sunset while in a long drive, having a good laugh til you cry,enjoying the moment and the present. (Believe me,I learned this from Mark.haha!)
I won't throw a party but Im happy to say that Mark& I simply shared a hot sinigang for my birthday dinner after a tiring 13-hr drive for my birthday trip. I think that's true love more than castles and fairytales.I got one in real life!Thank you for treating me like a princess! :)
"The best days are the days when you feel really soft and full of love and you want to make sure everyone you care about feels that way too." Today,is one of that best days.
I love how Ate kate put her greetings for me ,that I wanted to make as my mantra this year.
Less of me But More on Him!
Life is good and I will give thanks to you everyday Lord!
I dont have any wish for today,only gratitude na umaapaw!
But if you think it's the perfect time already,send 2 of your best angels to be our son and daughter.
I love you!
So here's to aging beautifully and opening beautiful doors and chapters!
