27 Life Lessons

Two days ago, I finally turned twenty seven and I am now officially in my late twenties. Three years to go before the Big 3 - 0. This year has been the most simple birthday. I did not get to do a huge birthday thing or something spontaneous to mark the day as I was and has been preoccupied, preparing for the board exams. This weekend it will be over. Plus I am also saving my finances in anticipation that I might not get a job or get paid right away. However because of these circumstances I was able to reflect on the past twenty seven years and I have realized that I indeed learned a lot - some the hard way, some through other people's mistakes and some through reading voraciously half my life. These are twenty seven life lessons - some cliched and some unconventional.

1.) Your parents will never ever leave you or abandon you despite the fact that you are worthy of such condemnation. They put up with all the crap and emotional baggage and still let you stay in the house.

2.) Surround yourself with people who make you feel great. They are called "positive reinforcements".

3.) Every thing is okay when done in moderation. Like what the Spice Girls used to sing: "Too much of something is bad enough".

4.) The simple things in life are indeed free - fresh air, scenic sunsets and laughing so hard!

5.) Books are good investments!

6.) In relationships and falling outs, salvaging the bond is a must try. But if you feel that it is already weighing you down, burn the bridge!

7.) Mistakes teach you to be humble.

8.) When you are wrong, move along and ultimately you will get it right!

9.) Always make sure to spend time and make rituals every now and then with your friends.

10.) Distance makes people grow apart.

11.) The TV is actually educational - choose wisely which channels to watch.

12.) A good breakfast can carry you through a long day.

13.) Most of the time, you never learn to appreciate someone or something until they've already gone.

14.) Never count your eggs until they hatch - this will pave the way to disappointments.

15.) Be passionate about something.

16.) If it is meant to be then it will happen.

17.) Choose your battles wisely. But it still does not a guarantee a win for your side.

18.) Thinking before speaking is way better than making amends thereafter.

19.) Prayer gives you peace.

20.) Music regardless of what genre is uplifting and comforting.

21.) Money will not get in the way of a real friendship.

22.) Be willing to try anything once.

23.) Relax!

24.) Do not give up the quest for learning. Ever.

25.) Take risks if you think its worth it.

26.) Always learn to appreciate the simple things in life.

27.) It is okay to grieve, be depressed, dig a hole as long as you know how to get out of it!

Cheers everyone!