Somebody pointed out that I had two #12's in my previous
post. (
Did you guys notice? I definitely didn't. Blaming it on the lambanog
!) Another friend of mine also pointed out that the lessons I have listed down, while "inspiring and really cute" (
rolling my eyes right now), have nothing to do with romantic love. Admittedly, I went all
??? and then realized that maybe I am skirting that particular aspect of my life.
Thus, I am posting version 2.0 of my twenty-four lessons post. Yes, this one will contain some stuff I have realized over the years in
that particular department. Not all, though. I think I haven't learned enough in that aspect of my life.
(Though I am in denial and I refuse to believe that. :P) Some are kind of recycled (
from my Twitter account), but all original (
or as original as general, life-inspirational verses can be). Enjoy!
24. Learn how to count...your blessings. LOL. But seriously, learn how to count your blessings. Your mistakes. The lessons you've learned from them.
23. Also, learn how to count the chances you've been given and the risks you've taken. Just to keep you on your toes and to remind you that you are neither lucky nor unlucky forever.
22. When you take responsibility, take it whole or none at all. Own it, the way you'd own that new designer pair of shoes you just bought using all your bonus pay. And, when you feel like you're going to explode with all that "owning," remember that...
21. ...there is nothing that chocolate can't fix. Or ice cream. Or beer. Or tequila. Choose your poison. But...
20. ...know that there is nothing better than children's laughter/smiles/hugs to make all the tiredness go away. The wonder on their wide, innocent eyes when you tell them about the Three Little Pigs. The trust in their voice when they say "Yes, Teacher!" The earnest way they wave "Good bye!" Oh, joy! When was the last time you talked to a kid? :)
19. Dress up for yourself. Don't believe that all "dress up 'cause you never know who you'll meet out there." crap. I mean, there is some truth in that, but dress up for yourself first and foremost. It's your skin you're covering up (or revealing) anyway.
18. Avoid unnecessary drama. It is saddening but quite important to let go of friends who bring even more chaos and confusion to your already chaotic and confusing world.
17. Yes, everyone's newest mantra "Keep calm and [
insert another action here]" works wonders most of the time. The phrase may just be a trend, but poise and grace under pressure are timeless.
16. And, yes, there are just some things that you cannot fix. Remember that and try not to feel all too guilty about it. Especially if you tried...and if you have tried
really hard already.
15. Don't play games if you're not ready to lose. Also, don't play games only to brag about your conquests or your prizes. And don't play games if you don't know the rules or if you can't follow them. Then again, it is human nature not to follow rules. Alas, don't play games at all.
14. Flirting is an art: it is viewed and interpreted in many,
many ways, and not everyone understands it. Enjoy, but be careful.
13. Also, experience is not only the best teacher, but also the most beautiful of masterpieces. Art becomes better as we grow older. Or, rather, more mature.
12. Trust your instinct. Most of the time, it is more trustworthy than the people around you.
11. It is not true that people do not judge. They do. Every time. I do, and I'm pretty sure you do, too. It is, however, up to you to decide what to do with your perceptions.
10. When things go sour, mourn. It's not a sign of weakness. Admit it: by then, you'd know that you already
are weak. It's your first step to regaining your strength.As cliche as it sounds, everything really does happen for a reason. And all these reasons are revealed in time.
9. There are times that it is better to
not read between the lines and take things as it is. As John Mayer said in
one of his songs:
Anything other than 'yes' is 'no.' / Anything other than 'stay' is 'go.' / Anything less than 'I love you' is lying. I know, I know, men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but we're all people here who would probably seek for clarity when the time arises. When that time comes, all should speak but one language.
8. Smile at other people's indecisiveness. Remember that you, too, are guilty of this once in a while.
7. Cheaters never win. Despite the prepositions that may come with the dreadful verb.
6. Revenge births such powerful motivation to act. When you feel vengeful, do something positive for yourself.
5. Never
ever just
settle. You're not doing anybody any favors
and you're selling yourself short at the same time. Being single and happy is infinitely better than being with someone and miserable.
4. Some of the love you feel never goes away. But it
does transform into something else: friendship, care, trust, faith...hope. It sucks when it becomes hate. But it does happen, no matter how sad that sounds.
3. That doesn't mean it can't transform into anything else, though. These transformations may change the way you feel, the way you think, but remember that some may not be as permanent as you think they are. And, when they aren't, don't stand in the way of change.
2. He must make you laugh. Find ways to find laughter with him. Oh, and make him laugh, too. :)
1. Believe that you
will find love. Only, sometimes, it might not be with another person. Love is all around you. Loneliness, just like happiness, is so relative.
