I turn 18 22 today, peeps. Wohooo. I'm a double digit baby. I had a wonderful years before but i will make this year amazing, at least for me. That means this year is gonna be magic. Filled with milestones that may or may not end up being significant steps in the big-girl direction. It's scary when you get older. Trust me.
Although I'm only 22, I've learnt a lot of things through out the year from all the experiences I've had so i decided to make a list of lessons I've learnt.
#1 Love yourself
I've realised the older i become the more i don't need people validation. I don't have to put make up on, curl hair, run extra mile to keep it slim so people will like you ? Nahh screw that. Just love yourself, accept all the flaws and that's what make it beautiful. If you don't love yourself, no one will.
#2 Be independent
The best help i ever received is ultimately from myself. The sooner you realised this the better. You cannot depend on others for the rest of your life. At certain point, you need to learn to do it by yourself regardless of what it is. You don't know how strong you really are when you decide to help yourself.
#3 Explore new things
Do new things everyday. Add some spice in your daily routine, try new menu at the cafeteria or go to places you've never been to before. You don't need to be in the same place as you were yesterday. Scare yourself once in a while, it makes life less dull.
#4 Be nice
It costs you nothing to be a decent person. The simplest thing you can do , like smiling, holding doors to open for others or asking people how they're doing. There is no harm being nice to people. Be good, then people will be good to you. Remember golden rule: Treat people as you wish to be treated.
#5 Don't take things for granted
As I get older, I've learnt that things won't stay the same when it is gone. People say you don't know what you've got until it's gone, but the truth is you knew what you had but you just never thought you'd lose it. Be it people or things. You just need to enjoy every single second with them. I missed the moment when i shared things i did with my 'ulat bulu kenyang' and spent time with her but now when things don't work anymore i felt some regrets and sad. If i got time machine, i will surely turn it up.
#6 Positive vibes
There are some really nasty people out there with a nasty thoughts. All they can do is talk about people. You can see it on newspapers and social media. These people are excellent only behind the screen. Just focus on the positiveness. Every morning you need to start with a single positive thought and everything will fall into places for the whole day. Have a fresh start!
#7 Challenge yourself
Do things you think you cannot do. Learn new language. Figure out what you scared of and try to do it one week consistently. Some people are just lack of confidence in communicating with new people, now instead of you crippling in fear and think you'll fail, go out and spend five minutes talking to strangers. A simple conversation will do.
#8 Laugh and smile a lot
Watch hilarious videos or youtube vines and even Maharaja Lawak Mega. Nothings beat the blues than a good laughing sessions. And, spend time with people who make you smile and laugh a lot. Even the smallest thing can make you smile. Senyum itu sedekah :)
#9 Make memories
Spend time with your parents, siblings, bestfriends and girlfriends. Take pictures and print it out. Make a DIY photo album or scrapbook and put those memories in there. Keeping photos in your smartphones will not be the same as you keep them in the photo album. As you getting old, time sure flies and pictures reminds you of happy moment whenever you're walking down the memory lane.
#10 Discover new hobbies
Hobbies are a lot of fun, it can reduce stress and be a great way to meet new people. Be it indoor or outdoor. Browse around and see what captures your attention. From rock climbing or hiking to collect silver spoon or rare paper money collecting, these can be an awesome hobbies for you.
#11 Be patient
Sometimes hard work takes time to pay off but there's no reason to give up on your goals and dreams in life. Same goes to faith, when Allah doesn't answer you prayers right away, that means He have a better plan for you. Just be patient.
#12 Follow your instincts
My instincts sometimes never let me down. I'm type of person that will go with the flow, it is not because i don't care what will happen but whatever happen i will face it. When the little voice inside you tell you something isn't right or weird, listen to it.
#13 Be grateful
There are trillion of things to be grateful for. At times when crappy days hits me, I take just a moment to appreciate what's in my life actually cheers me up. The happiest person do not have the best in everything but they make the best of everything they have. Bersyukur
#14 Give back to society
Be a person that can help others. You don't need to have a big organization to do charity work to contribute to the society (if you can do it, by all means), but you just need to be you. Try recycling, give free education to the homeless or donating small amount of money , energy or old clothes to the orphans and people who needs it. Let's try to ease other people life!
#15 Don't rush things
Good things takes time to cultivate. Whether it's work, academic, relationships or i dunno workout perhaps :) Don't rush it. I used to think that things work according to limit of time but i was wrong, most of the time it happens naturally. Let it fall into places at the right time.
#16 Make no time for sadness
Whenever you had bad day or feel shit, get busy. Take a shower. Cook. Bake. Go for a run. Go for a road trip. The mind can wander into darkness when it is not occupied so keep busy and do things. Time spent being unhappy is time wasted.
#17 Connect with people
Go and make connection with people, mingle around. I've realised when I'm in third year of degree I don't really have friends because the past two years I like to focus on myself only. I just go to classes and then back to my room, without mix around with people. Now i regret!
#18 You become who you're friend with
The transformation doesn't always happen immediately, but it does happen sooner or later. If your friends isn't mature, you will never grow. I've realised a good friend will make a good of you out of yourself.
#19 Avoid judgment
We are all judgmental. Yes, even you. I certainly am, many times. I think that what human nature. We often heard people says, don't judge a book by it's cover but we always do. We look down on other as if we're so much better. Instead of judging people of what he has done or how he look, try to understand the person instead. Put yourself in their shoes.
#20 Get to know your older relatives
As you get older, so are they. Get to know your uncles and aunties. Spent quality time with them. Time spent with them is never wasted. They're not going to be around forever so cherish every moment you had with them.
#21 Take health seriously
What you put in your body, face and what you eat will either benefits or give harm to you as you aged. You only have one chance to take care of your body. Don't take it for granted.
#22 Be someone you'd like to meet
When people think of you will they smile or feel dreadful? Be the change you want to see in other people and in this world. Be someone who people can trust and confide in.
Alright now, i just ended my first day of being 22 perfectly with 22 lessons that might be helpful for you guys.
p/s: Thank you for all the wishes. I'm a year older, wiser and happier :)
