10 Things I Wish I Had Learned Sooner in Life

It's August. Cheeses, where did time go?!

I have made it more than halfway through 2015 and thought it would be good to see how I'm doing. I know it's still early to say this but so far 2015 turned out quite well. Although turning 30 this year didn't seem to have a really big impact in my life like how I expected it should be. Perhaps I am still having a hard time realizing that I've lived three decades already because deep inside, I still feel like I'm in my early twenties or maybe even younger. But of course, for 30 years, I've seen how life can sometimes be sneaky in delivering valuable lessons right in front of me. And there were those times that I just wish I had known them sooner in life. Just like...


1. Being yourself doesn't mean you don't have to change. Simply put, just stop being a half-assed version of yourself and aim for a better you. Yes, it is true that you have to "be yourself", but don't use it as an excuse to stop working on improving yourself.

2. It's okay to say No. Just because you don't want to come off as rude, insulting, or in any way, you don't want to offend or raise a conflict doesn't mean you're obligated to say Yes to the things you'd rather turn down. If it doesn't enrich your life in one way or another, then learn the art of saying no politely.

3. Being selfish is not a bad thing. And sometimes it is even essential. You need to respect yourself too by acknowledging your own needs. If you don't, you run the risk of completely becoming stressed and burnt out that will eventually lead you to suffer the ill-effects of living a life of misery. Come on, be nice to yourself. Book for a vacation that you deserve.

4. No one is too smart or too tough for love.

5. You don't live to please everybody. Go ahead and try - and watch yourself fail miserably. Some people will hate you just because. And it's not worth wasting your time trying to please people who don't even give an eff about you. You will realize you are happier the moment you start not giving a f*ck about what others think.

6. Life is too short for reality tv shows, bad movies, social media, crappy jobs, and shitty people.

7. You don't have to be absolutely too forgiving. People always tell you to simply let go of the past and release all the negativity. Just forgive and forget, they say. But in reality and sadly, life doesn't work that way. Regardless of what the society and religion tell you about forgiveness, there are those times when you just have to take a stand against the kind of behavior you won't tolerate. And not forgiving easily is as good as sending a message that it's not okay to be treated that way. Don't be pressured to forgive just because you think it's the right thing to do. Give yourself a time not to forgive... until you're ready and when the time is right.

8. It's worth reading the instruction manuals, terms and conditions, and the fine print. It can save your ass, your money, and your life.

9. Sunblock is essential.

10. You will never know when you are "grown up". As I have mentioned earlier, I thought I would feel different when I become an adult. But the fact is, I still feel pretty much the same way I was ten years ago. I am still that same girl with eyes that sparkle at the sight of a Nerds candy. Adults miss life just because they're adults. Fun becomes underrated. Come on, it's okay to be silly and do something crazy sometimes. Sometimes it serves well not to think as an adult, it keeps life simple.

Perhaps, it's an "adult" thing when you contemplate about your life. Or simply because I don't have internet right now. Hence, this post. Either way, I can say life has so much to learn. And what makes it powerful is that you'll never know when you'll learn it and you will always learn it the hard way.