Before Twenty Four

On my last birthday, I wrote an entry about the things I've learned in my 23 years of existence(you can read it here). Tomorrow, I'll turn 24. And if you ask me what's the biggest lesson I've learned so far this year, it is to stay away from your comfort zone. The quote above speaks volumes to me. "Comfort zone is a really beautiful place where absolutely nothing gets done". That pretty much sums it up. And if you wanna know more then here they are:

1. You can read all of the self-help books in the world but if you do not take action, then all would be useless.

2. When life seems unfair, having a different outlook could take away the pain and change the course of your life. Be POSITIVE.

3. There will be challenges in life that will leave you shattered and at a loss. Give yourself time to weep, but do not stay that way.

4. You cannot please everyone. Back in college, I used to be a people pleaser and it did me more harm than good cause I was constantly affected by the smallest issues. I learned the hard way and one day, I came to realize that I deserve a lot better. 

5. Friends come and go. Keep the ones who'll stand by you when life is tough.

7. You will face fear and rejection. I struggle with handling rejection and criticism. When nothing is going right, criticisms affect you 10x stronger. I hope to overcome this in the near future.

8. Family knows your true self, the good and ugly parts of you, but they will still love you unconditionally.

9. Do not let yourself be swallowed by the abyss of self pity and depression. Stay out of  the box of badness.

10. When things go wrong, do not beat yourself up or blame others, instead, try your best to get back up. You should be gentle with yourself and realize that the pain may be part of your spiritual growth.

11. Reach out to others. You don't have to do everything alone.

12. When it comes to love, don't settle for anything less than you deserve. As my sister said, "God's Gift(GG or The 'One') will come at the perfect time. Trust that God is preparing both of you so that when you finally meet, you are both ready to commit to a lifetime together."

13. You need not change the things you love doing - hobbies, interests, career choice - just because you want to fit in a certain group of people. OWN them.

14. Don't compare your lives to others. Your path is unique. Own it and make the best out of it.

Life Recently

I made this post similar to Lauryn's, which is I think is a more personal take on the popular Sunday Currently link-up. Here's a look at what I've been up to lately.

Reading: I recently finished Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas and it was so so fantastic! Definitely my favorite book in the series! I highly recommend the Throne of Glass series if you're a fan of Hunger Games, Game of Thrones or Harry Potter. Right now, I'm reading The Assassin's Blade, which is a prequel of the story and so far, I'm really enjoying it!

Listening: I've been addicted to Sam Smith's "In the Lonely Hour" album for weeks! I can't get over how amazing his voice is and even his live performances are so good.

Feeling: Now that I have a clear goal in mind, which is to study and work in Australia next year, I feel at ease compared to the last couple of months. You see, I felt so unsure with my career path. I tend to get swayed by other people's opinions on what I should and should not do. This time, I am taking in control. I want to see and discover new places.

Photographing: Good times with my family, my little nephew, foods, nature and anything that gets my attention. I especially love capturing priceless moments.

Writing: I'm writing some lists, quotes and thoughts about my goals, plans and basically life in general. I'm also planning to start a journal as I was inspired by this, this and this.

Watching: The last movie I saw was The Fault in Our Stars with my mom. It was such a beautiful and heartbreaking film, my mom and I cried so much! We were watching it at our living room and everytime my brothers or my dad pass by, they would grin and laugh at us. I thought Shailene and Ansel have done a fantastic job in portraying Hazel and Gus!

Using: I pulled out all my sweaters and have been wearing them a lot lately. It keeps me warm and cozy this rainy season and they're perfect for strolling and outings!

Learning: To focus on the present and be more positive instead of  worrying about the future and thinking about the past. I have my own fair share of regrets and bad decisions and whenever I feel sad about it, I try to focus on the good side of things and the blessing I've received. I also came across Zoella's "Say yes" video on Youtube and it spoke volumes to me. If you need a picker-upper, definitely check that out.

Reminiscing:  About the days when all of my brothers and sisters were still living here at home(we are 11 in the family, including the parents). I miss those days when we would go out of town even if all 11 of us barely fit inside one car, and when we are in La Union, we would explore our lola's vast farm while eating fruits fresh from the trees. Heck, I even miss those meal times when food served at the table would be gone in a matter of seconds. Life was so much simpler back then too.

Thinking: About my future plans and goals. There are so many things I'd like to do and I don't want my fears to get in the way. I'm hoping and praying that things will work out.

Reflecting Upon: The choices I've made this year and how they will affect the future. Sometimes I do worry(which I know is pointless) and ponder if I made the right decisions, other times I just throw away the consequences and doubts and live my life carelessly.

       

Changes and Positivity

There's going to be a lot of changes in my life in the coming months because I've decided to pack my bags, leave everything behind and pursue my lifelong dream to travel. I don't want to have regrets in the future which is why I'm giving this a shot. Australia is my first destination. Hopefully, I'll be able to find the answers I'm seeking for and find a place where I truly belong. Life is full of uncertainties; but I'm willing to take a risk and put myself out there. For so long, I've been sheltered and in the process, I let myself be blinded with my fears, only to realize that I'm not growing as a person anymore. I want to break free from them cause they keep me from achieving what I truly want to become. I want to be brave. And deep inside my heart, I truly believe traveling and surviving in a different country will foster independence and courage. I'm on the road of stepping out of my comfort zone. As my sister said, "Ships are safe in the harbor, but that is not why they are built". 

As early as now, I am mentally preparing myself for the inevitable changes ahead. I'm very close to my family, especially my mom, so imagine how difficult leaving home would be. Stress, anticipation, homesickness are all part of the package. I hate to admit it but negativity would creep into my mind, and this happens more often than not and when it does, I need a pick-me-up to remind me to be positive. I'm a firm believer that simply altering the way you think can change the outcomes of your life and can help towards achieving your goals. 

1. Start a positivity diary

I'm looking for a perfect diary for me to write down all the positive things that are happening in my life, so that I have something to remind me of things that make me happy. I'm also going to include some positive photos, bible verses and quotes in here.

2. Follow an inspirational Twitter/Tumblr/Blog. 

Two of my favourites are Thought Catalog and MarkandAngel. Whenever I feel unmotivated, I like to browse these two and I instantly feel better!

3. Eat healthy and exercise.

I admit, I kind of struggle with this one cause my family loves to eat a LOT. But I'm trying my best to stick to my healthy routine. I keep in mind that I am aiming for a strong and healthy body instead of dieting. I don't deprive myself from pizza, chocolates or anything but I only eat them in moderation. And I'd like to share this daily workout plan which works great for me!

4. Spend some time alone.  

Spending some time in my own home, doing things that relax me like watching a TV show or your favorite movie, reading a book or baking can do wonders to restore my positivity. Do whatever you like, find an activity you enjoy and you will find yourself recharged.

5. Count your blessings

As simple as making a list of the things that make you happy and the blessings you have received really helps a lot in counteracting negativity.


I hope these tips work for you and let's work our way into a more positive life! :)

Blog-Tember Five and Sunday Social

Five Things About Me

• I rarely get angry towards other people and I forgive easily.
• I love amusement parks especially those crazy rides!
• I love discovering new places and traveling.
• I'm going to have my first out of the country trip in Australia next year which I'm so excited about.
• My mom is my hero.

5 Favourite Things About Blogging

• Meeting and getting to know new blogger friends
• Sharing my interests and passions
• Document my travels and experiences
• Finding inspiration from other blogs
• Learning new things

5 Things I'm Doing Before The Year is Over

• Complete my basic wardrobe pieces
• Finish applying for my Australian visa
• Buy that Nike Roshe Run I've been wanting for a long time now
• Organize my things here at home before my BIG move to OZ
• Bond with my family and friends

5 Favourite Fall Fashions

• Scarfs
• Leggings
• Boots
• Oversized Cardigans
• Berry, deep purples, wine colored tops

5 Favourite Beauty Products

• Collection Lasting Perfection concealer
• In2it Powder Foundation
• Tony Moly liptint
• Elizabeth Arden eyeshadows
• Nivea lipbalm

5 Favourite Books

• The Infernal Devices - Cassandra Clare
• The Princess Bride - William Goldman
• Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin
• Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
• Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas

Linking up with Ashley & Neely for Sunday Social and Bailey Jean for Blog-Tember!