Clouds have rolled in and the rain has fallen. There were many things that happened this year that I never expected to happen. I wasn't prepared for this. I was left to grope in the dark. So here are my realizations while I pondered on the events that have transpired over the past 12 months.
1. You don't know the people you know even if you've known them for years.
People reveal their true colors during difficulties. People you once thought were your friends leave you hanging when you're in distraught.
2. A little kindness goes a long way
Learn to smile and say thank you even when you are in the face of adversity. Always approach people with kindness, you never know when this kindness will be reciprocated. The people you've been kind to will also be kind to you. Especially to nurses, be kind to the nurses caring for you, you never know when their kindness could save you from pain and financial expenses.
3. Free food is always the best
I realized that free food is the best during the days when I wasn't able to eat for more than 20 hours because I didn't have any money on me or I didn't have enough will-power to go out of the hospital room. Food is always sweeter when given freely.
4. Flirting is an art that should be used every now and then
Flirting truth is, can get you favors. It can make people nicer to you. It is an art that should be used subtly every now and then to make situations run smoother.
5. Expectations are not always in line with reality
We tend to expect something totally different while in reality, it is a whole other story. We have to find a balance between expectation and reality to reduce the risk of disappointments. We should learn to open our eyes and see things for what they really are and not get caught up in our little bauble of imagination.
6. Real friends will show up uninvited
Real friends do not usually ask permission to do something before they do it. They only inform you of what they are doing while they are in the process of doing it. This shows that real friends are not afraid to piss you off because they know that you'd love them anyway. They also have a 5th sense about when and when not to show up. Because whenever they are needed the most, they just show up, uninvited.
7. Trust your gut-feeling
There’s a reason why it’s called a “gut-feeling”, you feel it in your gut that it is right and what you feel is right you should follow. Many times we have ignored this feeling and end up regretting the choice we made. Do not ignore this feeling, instead, contemplate it and if deemed correct, follow it.
8. Everything happens for a reason
There is always a reason for everything that happens. We may not see it or realize it now, but in time, we will see/ realize this reason. We may not always understand this reason but has to be acknowledged and if possible, accepted.
9. “It’s not about what you have; it’s what other people have”
This is a quote from Maid in Manhattan. It has stuck to me ever since I heard it. I found it funny at first and then slowly, I realized how true it was. Sometimes, we have to let other people help us. I hate to be a leech but seriously, if they’re offering help, take it. It was given, you did not ask for it.
10. Sadness can be distracted
Sadness doesn’t go away over night; it ebbs away at a very slow pace. Sadness can be forgotten for a while if distracted. I prefer to be distracted whenever I am feeling sad because I do not like dealing with the emotion.
11. Blood is not always thicker than water
Family ties are not always tight. Oftentimes, they are loose. Nuff said.
12. When one door closes, another opens
Opportunities will always present itself when least expected, so do not lose hope. We have to realize that there will always be opportunities for us; we just have to come prepared.
13. God always answer prayers
We sometimes feel that God has been unfair with us because he has not responded to our prayers, but in reality, He has already answered our prayers. All prayers are answered, maybe not just in a way that is obvious, but all are answered. We just need greater understanding.
