At 26, I was the best kind of confused. I was emotionally and mentally spent, physically vulnerable, and socially inept. I quit my six-year-old job, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t have a plan. Everyone, especially the people who are close to me, thought it was madness. I was always the girl who knew exactly what she wants from life and goes for it. But at 26, all I really wanted was to… Well, I just wanted to take a break from adulthood! I basically overthought things and it drained the hell out of me! I grew tired trying to take control and convincing myself that I can drag my feet one more day.
Admit it, if you’ve got bills to pay, you don’t have the right to complain and quit! But, I lost the fire in me. On top of my health challenges, I was emotionally drained, too. I was convinced I needed to change my direction.
I was ready to face the unknown, albeit I was practically clueless as to where I was headed. But (even this surprised me) I was completely fine with getting lost.
I embraced the fact that I will disappoint a lot of people, even those who are dear to me. I acknowledged that it will be uncomfortable, bothersome even. And it dawned on me that some people will never understand why I chose to chart an unfamiliar, unconventional territory. But, while these things were difficult to swallow, I courageously faced it because I know they are essential for my growth.
I didn’t dodge the “process”, I went through it. It required a lot of goodbyes and uncomfortable (sometimes even awkward) situations, but I learned a lot. At 26, I was struggling. But, I gained 26 beautiful lessons from the hurdles, too. And I know that my 27-year-old self will be grateful for these things as I move forward. So, here they are, and I hope you can pick something valuable from what I have learned, too:
- If you can’t give it your hundred percent, don’t do it at all.
- You can love people from afar. It’s hard sometimes, but still possible. (Looking at you, GNN Family)
- If you feel the need to change something, do it. It will be difficult at first but it will be worth it.
- If you should, leave gracefully.
- If you shall quit, quit trying to be perfect.
- Never be sorry for doing what means to you (even as petty as writing a lengthy post such as this one. Hey, you’re always free to unfollow me. )
- Your family is your rock. (Thanks and love you, fam.)
- Pay close attention to those who ask how you are even when you’re no longer beneficial to them. They are your real friends.
- Take a leap of faith.
- There’s beauty in not knowing. Let life surprise you.
- REST. IT’S IMPORTANT.
- Believe in yourself even if the odds push you to believe otherwise.
- Surround yourself with people who likewise believe in you. They will keep you going!
- Listen to what people say about you. If it’s constructive, learn from it. If it’s destructive, consider it as noise then move forward.
- MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
- Respect your pace. Just because you’re not there yet doesn’t mean you won’t get there.
- If you want to cut weight, lose the dairy, the junk, and sodas. (Note to self when I turn obese.)
- Never pressure yourself. If something is meant for you, it will come at exactly the right time.
- When you lose something it’s because you’ll receive something bigger.
- Major in DEADMATOLOGY. It saves you time and effort.
- Try to discover what feels like therapy for you and do it when you’re stressed. For me, it’s mopping the floor!
- ACT MORE, ANNOUNCE LESS.
- Nothing is worth risking your well-being for. Nothing.
- It’s okay to not look pretty all the time. Everyone has flaws, nobody’s perfect. Embrace your imperfections and appreciate those who love you despite it.
- Embrace the unfiltered life!!! YOU AIN’T FOOLING ANYONE BUT YOURSELF IF YOU TRY SO HARD TO PROJECT A LIFE YOU ACTUALLY DON’T HAVE.
- “This is really the hard part, and then it gets better, and then it gets hard again. But never mind.” – 20th Century Women (Read: Life ain’t pretty at all times, but you’ll survive.)
27-year-old life, how else can you surprise me? Quota na ko sa challenges this year, baka naman may chance na all is well tayo this time? Aaaaahhh!!! Lord, bahala ka na po sa akin. Just praying for a more resilient soul to weather all the storms life throws my way.
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