Reflections

24 Lessons from 24 Years of Life

As I celebrated my birthday two weeks ago, I realized a lot has happened in my life.

Some are good, like the first time my parents told me they were proud of me. But some are also bad, like the time when I stayed up until 3am because I kept thinking that everybody hates me.

The thing that remained constant in all of this, however, was the growth I had at every step of the journey. Both in the good and the bad, I learned some pretty important stuff. Stuff that I wish I had learned much earlier.

So, as a way of honoring the life I have been given, I took time to reflect on the most meaningful lessons I gained from my most memorable experiences.

This was supposed to be published on my actual birthday, but hey, I don’t think it’s ever too late for a good reflection.

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In my 24 years of life, I've learned that...

I can do anything, but I can’t do everything.

The things I fear doing are the things that are worth doing, even if I had to do it scared.

The best opportunities are the ones I create for myself.

A slow life is an ideal life. (h/t:

Tommy Dixon

)

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. (h/t:

Zan Tafakari

)

It's better to fully understand and live by one good book than to skim through a hundred and forget everything I read.

Great things happen when I ask the right question at the right time.

The way to play the game of life is to start small, stay consistent, and play long-term games.

I don't have to be the best. It’s far better to be the only. (h/t: Kevin Kelly)

The things that made me weird as a kid are my superpowers as an adult.

Life is miserable when I’m always on social media.

If I don't know what I need, chances are it's sleep. If I don't know what to do, chances are I should get more sleep.

Energy flows throughout the day when I get sunlight early in the morning.

My body is always trying to tell me something. I feel better when I pay attention, even if my mind says otherwise.

Being busy is a distraction. Instead of accomplishing a long to-do list, it’s much more valuable to focus on doing one thing and doing it well.

Emotional intelligence is more valuable than intellectual intelligence.

Often, the solution to a problem is “who” not “what” — that is, finding somebody who already solved a problem, and asking them how they did it.

When the mind is struggling, move the body. When the body is weak, strengthen the mind.

I’m allowed to spend extravagantly on the things I love, but I should cut costs mercilessly on the things I don’t. (h/t: Ramit Sethi)

I should take advice as suggestions, not strict rules. Just because it worked for somebody doesn’t mean it will work for me.

When I can’t solve a problem, the solution often comes when I step away from it.

Kindness and gratitude are gifts not only to the receiver, but to the giver as well.

I should ask, even if it's a silly question or a ridiculous request. I never know what's possible until I ask.

Opportunities become abundant when I nurture my connections and cherish my relationships.

How it’s going:

🔥 — Started playing Hades on my PC. I’ve never really been a gamer, but you guys, this game is sooo fun. Highly recommend it.

📖 — Continued reading Kafka on the Shore last night. I started reading this book like 4 months ago and I’m still only halfway through. I’m taking it slow, which is fine by me. Just one chapter at a time.

📺 — Currently watching Business Proposal (Episode 3). I’m not gonna lie, I feel like I’m starting to get K-Drama fever.

✈️ — Just got back from a weeklong trip to Manila. It’s for work, but I spent a good amount of time with Eyang and some of my friends. Now it’s back to long-distance again (cue sad music).

💼 — Met my workmates in person for the first time last week! Feels weird how I endured 6 months of not seeing their faces, but everyone is cool and I am happy.