In Facebook, when friends post an album entitled "Last Friday Night", it usually is about their night out with their peers from either school or work to celebrate the start of the weekend. By looking at their photos, you can really tell that they had a great time. It's always fun to look at their photos, especially when they flaunt their wacky side. It makes me realize that we don't have to be serious all the time. That sometimes, it's okay to be silly.
Today, I also had my "Last Friday Night" moment. But contrary to the photos that some of my friends upload on Facebook, my Friday night was filled with a lot of realizations and meaningful learning.
My friend Kaye and I talked over a cup of Okinawa and a dish of chicken chops. It was long overdue and I'm glad the both of us finally had the time to catch up. We may be together at the workplace, but we hardly talk due to our hectic schedule. The only moments when we get to "talk" are when we share our experiences and observations regarding the kids from her class who happens to be my students in enrichment. Anyway, while in Serenitea, I learned a lot from our more than 2-hour conversation. I learned from her experiences as a teacher, as a colleague, as a friend, as a daughter. And I tell you, I'm going to keep these in mind.
1. It's always better to start from the bottom rather than the top.
Being one of the youngest in the family, being or feeling pressured is inevitable. Most of my cousins are professionals, and they're already on top of the game. I always compare myself to them and sometimes I feel nanliliit whenever I'm with them. They've come far and I'm still here. Sometimes, I wonder if I would ever reach their level. But then, Kaye made me realize that starting from the bottom makes me learn more than starting from the top. It's better to start from scratch because you'll definitely feel how much you've grown, learned, and matured. Instead of being ashamed of your humble beginnings, be proud of it. You may be traveling on a rocky road right now pero makakarating ka rin sa isang much smoother road basta hindi ka mag-gi-give up. Remember that even the successful people also started at the bottom. What they have now are the fruits of their hard work.
2. Learn how to balance your negative and positive vibes.
I'm sure we all have the days when we don't feel good about ourselves. Negative vibes come along our way and for some reason we allow it to enter our lives. We get blinded by the negative things that happen to us, hence we often take the positive things for granted. For instance, early in the morning, you feel so frustrated agad because one of your students isn't performing well in math. It makes you think that you're not an effective teacher because until now he or she doesn't know how to add and subtract yet while the other kids her age have already mastered the multiplication table. Then fast forward to afternoon, your student in your tutorial class shows you her perfect score in this particular subject. You see, the point is, for every negative things that happen to us, there's always a positive thing that comes along the way to compensate for it. The only problem is we don't appreciate the positive thing because we're too focused on the negative. We have the power to turn things over. At the end of the day, we have a full control over the events that happen to us. Appreciate the small simple things. It'll definitely change your frown into a smile. We're all capable of making our lives wonderful. Our happiness depends on us.
3. Don't let your emotions eat you up.
Let it all out! Talk to someone you really trust. It's better to open up to someone than to keep everything to yourself because that someone could help ease the pain inside you. Opening up can lessen your emotional baggage. It allows you to have some room to breathe. You will feel 100 times better after. I'm glad I had this talk with Kaye because I was enlightened. She gave me some powerful words of wisdom to cheer me up, and she made me realize that everything will be okay soon... that everything will fall back into the right places. If you don't let it out, you might lose your sanity! Heart to heart talks can do wonders. Trust me. ;)
4. It's all in God's time perfect time.
Minsan ba, naitanong mo sa sarili mo kung bakit parang wala yata nangyayari sa buhay mo? What you planned for yourself isn't happening? You've been working so hard but you haven't smelled the scent of success and you tend to pity yourself when you see your batchmates become successful in their respective fields? With this, you begin to question your capabilities and God's love and presence. Josh Campbell once said,
"You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” You may not be getting what you want for your life as of the moment but if you keep giving your 101% in everything you do with a positive attitude, you'll be as successful (if not, more successful) as your batchmates. You may not be getting what you asked from God as of the moment because He has something better in store for you. Just like our parents, He knows what is the best for us. Be patient.
We are young and we have a lot of time to conquer the world. Just like what I wrote in number 3, everything will fall back into the right places. Don't worry. It's all in God's perfect time.
5. There's no room for giving up.
Always strive for the best! Don't just settle for "pwede na yan" or "I can't do it" or the easy ones. Our conversation made me realize that life won't be exciting if there are no challenges. These challenges are like spices because they add flavor to our lives. Challenges help shape us to be the best person that we can be. Challenges help us become stronger... and they make our brains work at their finest too because they give us a chance to think of ways how to overcome them. When life knocks you down, get up and keep moving. As the old cliche goes, "Try and try until you succeed!" Believe in yourself. You can do it!
6. Think positive!
Yes, I always remind myself and my friends to think positive whenever we feel down.
Thinking of positive things make gloomy days a little bit brighter. I read an entry about positive thinking and it said "A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action." Happy thoughts can change your life and improve the way you perceive the world.
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| Serenitea: January 27, 2012 | Photo courtesy of Kaye :) |
While writing this blog, Kaye sent me these pictures from last last Friday. Thank you so much! I look forward to having another Fridate with you. :)
To my 3 avid readers (you know who you are haha!), thank you for sharing your precious time. Until my next blog post! :)
