26 Things I've Learned and Realized From My 26 Years Of Existence (Part One)

The year 1986 has been very eventful because a lot of things happened during that time like President Nixon's resignation, Snap Elections, and the EDSA People Power Revolution. But there's one thing that happened that is known to many but of least significance to popular culture: I was born.

An old photo of me, circa 1988

Growing up, I was practically a wallflower. Although I have friends, I find solace in being alone because that's where I get to think things over and look into things in another perspective. Well, it's a PSYCHO thing. Lelsss.

So in celebration of the 27th year of my existence, I would like to share with all of you 13 out of the 26 things I've learned and realized from the past years about myself and life in general.

1. I have slowly come into terms that I will never be stick thin - Well, that's the way genetics goes. Fat or not, I know I'm awesome. And so are you.
2. It's okay to say NO once in a while - You don't have to say yes to everything that is being offered to you. Hey, it's okay to refuse. But of course you have to think about it before you do, especially if it is life-changing, career-defining or whatever. Just think: You can't give away something if you don't have it in you.
3. Being a good physician is also about good work ethics and a high quality output - I've learned this from Dr. Joma Bravo, a neurosurgery rotator from Makati Med. When I was assisting in one of his surgeries, he kept telling me that aside from theoretical knowledge, a good work ethic and a high quality output is important because it helps you accomplish more things, hence it'll enrich you more.
4. High school drama never ends - Making a huge deal out of small things isn't the way to go. Well, it's okay if you're in high school because it's a phase wherein you're full of angst and you're at the peak of being rebellious. But if you're in your 20's, utang na loob naman! Wag nang palakihin ang maliit na bagay. Sometimes I'm guilty of that but I realized that I have to learn to control my emotions and I have to learn other ways to adapt. Which brings us to numbers 5 to 8.
5. It's all about respect - No matter how much you loathe a person or how crappy a person treats you, you still have to show them and treat them with respect. Although it's cliché, you should not allow them to drag you down to their level.
6. Let go of the people or things that makes you feel bad about yourself - If you think you are in company of someone who puts you down or surrounded by something that makes you go on self-deprecation, it might be better to give yourself a break by letting go of them. You are not worthy of that. L'Oreal does not keep on saying this for nothing: because you're worth it.
7. Talk things out - I believe in diplomacy and that things could be straightened out if you keep an open mind, listen, and then get your point across. If they refuse to budge and still keep on yakking, it's not your problem anymore. Just think that they need to read something thicker than a magazine in order for them to expand their horizons.
8. Learn to ignore - There are times that I seriously want to punch annoying people in the face but of course, I know better. Sometimes what they do is just a way to scream for attention and you don't want to give them the satisfaction by giving them just that. Choosing to ignore them is the best way out, because it's a form of preemptive supalpal and it'll do wonders for your patience too. Hrhr.
9. Back yourself up with evidence - When making accusations, it is imperative that you do not base it on assumptions but on solid facts. While your assumptions may be true to you, it does not always hold true for everyone else. It's an entirely different thing if you drop names based on the premise of your assumption because once you're proven otherwise, you'll look like a dumbass and it gives me the liberty to laugh at you for your epic dumbassery (like that's even a word. LOL).
10. Traveling is fun - Self explanatory. But let me add up that aside from the fun factor, it also teaches me a lot of things that I did not learn in school. Make your trips more worthwhile by immersing in the local culture and observing their traditions.
11. Stop. Breathe. Think. - Sometimes I find myself doing things that I am completely unsure of or that I have gotten tired of. If ever I feel lost or have no clue at all, I stop whatever I'm doing, take a moment to rest then after which, I think of my purpose of being there and my goals. After mulling about those things, I'm good to go. In this fast paced life, sometimes we lose sight of our goals and purpose that's why we also need to do a little perspective check once in a while.
12. Nakakagwapo kapag mabango ang lalaki - I recently realized that I like guys who smell good. Koya kahit di ka mala-Adonis, instant pogi points kung mabango ka. Isang malaking "Hello, Koya" ito! Eyeloveyou. Lels. 
13. I am yearning to become financially independent - As an extended adolescent, it burns when I see friends and classmates who are already providing for their families in their own small ways. And as for me, I'm still siphoning money off my dad. Minsan nahihiya na akong humingi kasi ang tanda ko na, di pa rin ako kumikita! Haha. I know daddy understands but he's getting old and he should've had built an even bigger nest egg if it weren't for me. That's why I want to be financially independent, so that I won't ask for money anymore (except in major life changing decision-related events like moving to a different country).

Pretty nifty, eh? Stay tuned for the part 2 of this list on my next post.