We only live once but most of the time we do not get to live the life that we want. But whatever status or lifestyle you have right now, you should learn to accept and experience life. In my 27 years of existence, I could say that my life has been simple and monotonous, yet I am very grateful. I may not been through remarkable ups and downs like most of my age have been, I know that the Lord is preparing me for something great in the future. 

For all my readers who have been going through a test of life, just keep fighting and holding on. Remember that you are not alone. God gave you that challenge because He knows you can successfully overcome it. 

No, it is not my birthday yet but I just wanted to share to you these 20 things that I realized now that I am about to turn 28 in a few months. It has taken me this long to realize and appreciate these things but because I am in the adulthood stage now, little by little I came to understand how life goes around.  

1. People always come and go. The playmates you made when you're a kid or the besties you have in high school - they will all be gone. Just that. It is unavoidable. People tend to come into our lives but most of them won't stay long. People always move. 

2. Being a bit paranoid will keep you safe. The world is dangerous. If you reached my age and have not experienced discrimination, harassment, theft, sadness, or even a heart-break you are lucky enough. Life has not been tough on you because you are keen enough to avoid it. 

3. There is always a point that you will chase for something new. After 27 years, you would realize how time flies so fast and it will struck on you that you have not tried traveling, exploring beautiful places, tasting exotic foods, meeting strangers, attending a yoga class or that you have been doing the same job for the past 10 years and nothing has changed. Doing this over and over again will bore you so from time to time you have to find a new perspective. Go out of your shell and look for a change. 

4. YOLO. So, while you still have the time, do the things that you want to do, do it! Go to the places you've been eyeing for years, travel alone, pamper yourself with a bubble bath, go cliff diving... fall in love!

5. You will not experience freedom until you separate from your parents. Yes, I know this will be hard. But living independently will give you so much freedom that you have not expected when you are stuck with your parents. However, it takes a lot of courage, planning and saving money. 

6. Cooking and cleaning the house is fun! Yes, I hated it as much as you do, but that's when I was a teenager. When you reach this age, you will enjoy it. It will be a ME-time and a way to de-clutter your life too. 

7. Studying for the exams or finishing your thesis isn't the hardest thing you'll get through. As a young adult, you'll realize that finishing college is not the end of your dilemma. It is just the start. You will encounter more challenges in life to become better.

8. Few is more. Having a few close friends is way better than having thousands of FB friends or thousands of  IG followers. The more friends you have on social media, I bet, the more sad your life is. Find real ones babe!

9. Punctuality is a test of respect. By now, you should have realized how important it is to come on time. You know how it hurts if the person you are meeting with comes thirty minutes late. Such a waste of your precious time. It means he/she does not respect your presence or the time you are investing just to meet him/her. 

10. It is important to have an open mind. Do not be conceited, skeptic and cynical. You do know everything. Open your mind to learn and open your heart to accept that it's 2018. 

11. Be yourself. Do not lie to your self. Sometimes you have flaunted your ideal self too much and covered your real self just to gain acceptance and belonging but girl, it is not good for you. Learn to love the real you! Others would not love who you are unless you love yourself first.

12. Your parents have been right on most things but not all. If they say don't talk to strangers, don't. If they say don't talk when your mouth is full, then don't. If they say been there, done that, believe them. 

13. Follow your heart's desire. Stop listening to what others has to say. Stop living up to somebody's standards. Just follow what your heart whispers to you. 

14. A good boss is better than a good salary. Do not look for high paying jobs instead look for a good boss who will inspire you to become better. A good boss who will teach you to become successful, high salary will satisfy your basic needs but will not give you a better life.

15. It's okay to be spontaneous. Do not be afraid to speak your mind and come out of your comfort zone. Just do it!

16. Spending time with your friends is better than scanning through IG and FB feeds. Socialize in-person not online. It is way better to have personal contact and actual communication than a video call or liking up your friend's latest DP. 

17. Crying doesn't mean you are weak. Reaching adulthood means you've went through a lot of trials. And not all the time a person is strong enough to conquer them all. There are time that we have to admit that we feel down and that we need help. Remember it's okay to cry. Crying doesn't mean you are weak, it just shows that you have been strong for a long time. By crying you are venting out all the burdens that you have. It may not solve the problem but it will ease your heavy feeling. 

18. You will be more concerned with what is happening around you. Evening news now interests you. At this point you are also seeking your life's advocacy. Many young adults became parts of campaigns for climate change, human rights, mental health awareness, gender equality, etc. It is good to join fun runs and activities that will help fund charities for saving our Mother Earth or to save animal lives. So, start searching and dig deeper on how you can help increase awareness to other people. 

19. Learning to prioritize would be your best weapon. May it be on your career, your family or your life goals you should by now realize how important it is to organize your life and prioritize your objectives. Do not be a "come-what-may" or a "happy-go-lucky" person. 

20. Simple things will make you happier. Isn't it heart warming to see babies smile when they are sleeping, to see flowers bloom in your little garden or just to witness the sun set? Happiness is not about being rich and famous. 

How about you? Do you have life lessons like these? Share it with me, I want to hear from you!

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