5 Life Lessons I Realized in 2013

 “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” 

-Soren Kierkegaard

2013 was a challenging year. As a nation, there were so many natural calamities hit the country. These calamities happened one after the other. Like past years, political scandals were rampant. Pork barrel, corruption, abuse of power, word war between political leaders were just few to mention. However, good news should not be ignored. Victories of our Filipina representatives and athletes to international pageants and competitions and stability of the economy were some of the notable highlights of last year.

On a personal note, my 2013 was a turning point of my life. I made big life changing decisions. I spend it weighing what mattered to me the most. My family life was stable. They always had my back. Spiritual aspect was still work-in-progress. As a Catholic, I tried to act the teachings. I attended few The Feast Sessions and my second Kerygma Conference by The Light of Jesus Family. Career wise, I was also in the safe zone. I was and still am thankful. Moreover, I had good relationship with my friends. I was able to express to them my pains and joys. Lastly, even though my lovelife aspect was a big zero last year, I was still full of love. I had constantly prepared myself to be the right partner for my future love. ☺

So what I learned last year can be summed up below.

1. Forgive yourself. As a young professional, there were so many things I wanted to accomplish last year but some I had not been successful in realizing. Instead of feeling disappointed and blaming myself, I had forgiven myself. I accepted the reality I couldn't do it all not because I was incapable but because there were something grander at hand for me in the future. 
2. It is okay to ask for help. I am young and able. First semester of last year, I tried to be self-sufficient in all aspects. I reached a point that I became so self-serving. I realized that I pretended to be all-knowing. As a result, I was not moving forward. Asking for help doesn't mean you are idiot. When I ask, it is an indication that I want to learn and be enlightened.
3. The quality of life depends on the quality of your decision. Last year, I made life changing decisions and I am living the results at the present. 90% of my decisions, I could say that was right for me. 10% was not that good but still I learned out from it. There are three persons you need to ask. Ask your trusted people (family, friends and mentors) whose opinions matter to you. Second, ask yourself. Do not just ask once but a million times until you are quite sure. Lastly, ask someone bigger and mightier than anybody. Ask God. Ask Him for enlightenment. 
4. Always establish a good relationship with others. It is important to properly deal with others regardless of what their background and where they came from. May be the kindness you are showing them is what they are badly needed. Especially at work, establish good working relationship. If ever you need something, it would easier to approach the responsible person. However, you can have many acquaintances but keep few friends.
5. Allow myself to fall in love. This last one is pertaining to my lovelife. I was single last year. I am happy and I just want to share that happiness this 2014. Last year, I had so many inhibitions and idealistic when it comes to committing in a relationship. The walls I've built were too high and strong. I was asking for perfection. However, in this world, nothing and no one is perfect. I should look and aspire not for the perfect one but for the right one for me. ♥

With all these learnings, I can now face and live 2014 better and wiser than last year.