*Back then when I was obsessed with kangaroos hihi*
There was a time when I was younger -thinking the world truly is easy to be gripped firmly under my grasp. Growing up isn't really much what I would be looking forward each day -let's rely on the fact we do want that sense of happiness being a child at times. But we do change, and we accept that we do need to grow old to learn new things.
From the time I was called to be looked as Harry Potter (yes, I actually wore round glasses with short hair during Year 4) to the times I tried to score for exams and yet have adventures around the outskirts of town to find recognition of what I was actually interested in.
There's been confusions along the way through life but there's more to just being perfect as a whole -and that is accepting experiences and mistakes. So taking advantage of my 19th birthday a few days ago, I decided to tell 19 things I learned being myself.
I may not be the most religious person to be talking about religion but that's never a reason to neglect the fact that we should always stay grateful to Him. There's been ups and downs and I always ponder how beautifully Allah creates each hardship into ease in the most unexpected way. Alhamdulillah.
2. Thanking My Family For An Incredible Childhood
A great thing I've thought to myself as I grew was the fact how my interests today has sparked during the childhood days of joy and being carefree. If my family esp my grandparents and parents hadn't attempted to pour their love on me when I was little, I don't think I had the inspiration to stay happy learning and loving myself today.
3. Keep Striving the Best in Everything
I hate to fail or unable to get where I want -but if I did, I have a problem getting over it. Being stubborn on deciding what I want to learn and spend my time on something worth my time, effort is everything. Through my years in secondary school I would paste sticky notes on the table 'Keep working hard until you have nothing to regret even when you failed, cause you tried your best'. And it works.
4. Smiling Never Hurts When You Are Truly Happy
The ideology people make about looking happy yet actually dying inside gives me the chills. Smiling and being happy with people around me, DOES actually mean I am happy overall. It's like generally describing a girl's 'nothing' as everything, when reality is it could simply, well, be nothing. Showing positive vibes makes me happy, and I learned as long as you never fake being happy, you are good to go.
5. Just Forget the Past Bitterness
Not everything we go through are good enough to be in your present memory storage. True, those bitter past does give you recognition of who you are and moulds you with much more maturity and courage but it's time to cheat thinking of the time your first love broke your heart or how people bullied you while you were too weak to fight.
6. Compare and Depress Over It is Useless
We are all unique and there's simply nothing to be jealous, nor be disappointed if they act differently etc. I made it clear after all these years that each other's backgrounds are different and we are a complete diversity. We're gifted with so many things -either you've had it figured out or not.
7. It's Important to Keep an Open Mind
It's time to stop being judgemental over a person publicly or have that single thought you are the best in every aspect. Our mind is a reflection of who we are and honestly there's nothing more important than making sure you are optimistic in adapting yourself to various situations.
8. Love at it's Best
Losing my amazing grandmother was the hardest thing I have to bear up to this moment (Al-fatihah to my late grandmother). But I was glad I went the extra mile from uni to the hospital to hand her a card and a slice of cake for her anniversary -watching her show such appreciation she even ate it tho she was full. To see someone you love smiling because of you is everything even when they are no longer here.
9. Try to Appreciate People's Recognition
People have a variety of interests aside of mine. My friends have a list of their own specialty and it feels good to stay chill and appreciate their passion on something rather than simply focusing on myself. And yes, it means going hot under the sun just to see the prawns your best friend found by the lake.
10. Cheat Your Sleep Once in Awhile
Yes. Then once you are done with your assignments, sleep double the time you've stayed up. Hihi.
11. Friends Leave, Because of Me Too
It's a thing when we label friends to be hurting us etc but we forget about our acts as well. They haven't contact me! But have you even contacted them? She's being friends with another gang now. Have you thought how hard it was for her to meet your expectations as a friend? The list goes on and for me reality is there's no one to blame on this.
12. Skip Social Media for Self-Esteem
Tell me anyone who tried to find their self worth through the social applications hadn't face depression or anxiety even when they are intelligent, beautiful, handsome or creative. Trust me, it's the best decision I have ever made.
13. Being Honest Clears Things Up
Things might heat up when you confess your true feelings or frustrations to other people. But as long as you do it the right way, it leaves you with a lighter mind. I do agree being honest is better than sugar coating words on a particular matter.
14. Cry, But Get Up Again
You do need that natural habit of crying yourself to sleep when you are stuck in a situation you find no solution at the moment yet due to the level of frustration. But promise yourself, you'd stay strong and solve everything once again.
15. Be Independent of Your Thoughts and Life
Have you ever had narrative voices inside your head that as if is giving a documentation of the time you laid your eyes on something meaningful? 'This life is short, keep it to your memory and...." okay first, my mind is talkative. Second, I don't think I have space for any negativity. To overcome this harsh world, I am building a wonderland in my mind, with ponies and pink castles.
16. Skip the Expectations
It's hard to meet the expectations of another especially if you are the first child. But always remember who you are and don't solely have your life depended on other's recognition of you. Be who you want to be, but show you can survive with it.
17. You Can Have That Extra Plate
Eat. Back to Lesson 3. Reward your hard work with food. On my case, it would be spaghettis.
18. Occupy Yourself With That Good Song You Like
There's always a nostalgic vibe going on every time I hear songs. That moment when it actually brings you back to the time and place you've had your ears plucked to the beat. So growing up does't always have to be learning how to transfer money to third party at the bank or solve mathematical engineering problems -but to sing and dance to your heart's content.
19. Always Forgive Yourself
There are things I've regret of doing and some habits I think I should break. But for every mistake I do I always forgive myself and improve more one a time. It's okay to take baby steps along the way as long as you do it for yourself.
You don't have to wait for that moment to become recognised for your success to be appreciative of what you have today. Life is still a long journey and you have to enjoy every bit of it :)
