8 Things You Learned while Growing Up

Have you ever come across one point in your life where you say, “Gosh, I wish I knew sooner!“? I know everybody does. But, truth be told that even though we wish to be beings of infinite knowledge and experiences, stuff like that won’t likely happen. As babies, our expertise and talents are acquired as we age. Only seldom do we find these stuffs being inherited from our parents. It takes experience to grow that seed and practice to nurture it. Despite the notion that only through time do we gain the essential things we need in life, one question remains: Does being born in a world empty handed from the beginning make life not so exciting? If you answered yes, I beg to disagree.

Living maybe easier when we are already born with all the crucial things we need. But, where’s the fun in that? We may stumble along the way, break our hearts, and even drive some people insane but the journey will always be written in our hearts. I also had my fair share of ups and downs and those were responsible for making me appreciate my ongoing adventure. I listed 10 things I learned while growing up. Here they are:

1) Getting a good night’s rest

When I was young, I used to hate the thought of sleep. Those afternoon naps were the reason I can’t play with my neighbors, watch cartoons, or play computer games. Never did I realize back then that I would regret not having them.

I cannot stress the importance of sleep with just words. Our body and mind needs sleep to regenerate itself. It basically repairs the heart and blood vessels. A well-rested person performs significantly better and is more focused and alert than those who are sleep-deprived. Based on experience, I can attest to that. My relationship with other people is affected too. I become grouchy so I tend to stay quiet or avoid interaction as much as possible.

There maybe a lot of other side-effects that other people experience. It’s really best if you could get the target amount of sleep for your age group.

So put your phone away from you. Turn off the lights and let your dreams take over.

2) Bad karma works like a charm

I’m sure you have heard the saying ‘an eye for an eye’ at least once in your life. This saying dates back even to the Mesopotamian culture that was widespread during the Greek and Roman civilization. It came from Hammurabi’s code, a big stone pillar with various inscriptions of the law.  Even the world’s biggest religion, Christianity, has a verse in their bible in the book of exodus saying the exact thing.

With today’s justice system coupled with the help of technology, it’s very difficult to escape the clutches of prison if you acted against the law. Gadgets like CCTV cameras, advanced security alert systems, and satellite tracking devices are easily found elsewhere.

Big crimes aside, simple things like being a bitch and not studying for a test will also take a toll on you. Whether how big or small the mistake you commit, karma will always find a way to kick you in the ass. Yes, we’re only human. We are bound to make mistakes no matter how hard we try not to and that’s one thing we should always expect in our lives. But, that’s what makes life not boring, right?

3) Good karma doesn’t always come back to you

One person said that the whole concept of love is giving without expecting anything in return. I agree with that although it’s completely natural as humans to be selfish to expect something in return. The idea is complete rubbish and unfair, I know; but, it also teaches us to be more selfless. If everybody is selfless enough, there would be no poverty and hunger in the world. Don’t you agree?

People have encountered betrayals and disappointments in life to shape their personality negatively. That is the reason we sometimes feel like someone is indebted to us. We want them to do the things we did to them.

Growing up, I learned this the hard way. I am a sensitive person and I always try to put the feelings of others in mind while making decisions expecting them to do the same thing to me. We all know how that turned out.

4) Things will get better

“Ang buhay ay gulong ng palad” is part of the lyrics  of a Taglaog song named Gulong ng Palad which was popularized during the 80’s by a soap opera of the same name. It translates to “life is like a wheel of fortune.” The main essence of the song is that life is never monotonously full of happiness or full of mishaps. It gives us some form of hope during adverse time in our lives that things will get better; maybe not now, but definitely in the near future.

One sign of maturity is the ability to be flexible during rough times. Having a positive outlook amidst all those problems will definitely change the way you try to solve them. Seeing it in a different light makes us more anticipative of the future. In return, this attitude develops the fighter in us.

5) Life’s too short to be sulky. Be appreciative

Back when I was a child, I used to be really expectant with presents. Although I wasn’t really vocal with it, I try to hide my disappointment with the gifts I receive. I don’t know if that was because I was growing up or because people give me the things I wanted a year ago when I already changed my preferences or it was a combination of both. Despite this, I never fail to thank them. To them, they gave me something I wanted to make me happy. The thought is enough, I said to myself.

This isn’t only limited to material things. Simple things like drinking a cool glass of water after a really tiring activity or the very euphoric moment you get when you lie down on your bed after getting your daily dose of stress and responsibilities are some of the millions things you can thank for. No mater how small, you should always find a way to be grateful because not everybody experiences these simple luxuries.

6)  The simplest things in life matter a lot

I take things for granted a lot that when they are no longer there, I end up loathing myself for not enjoying the moment. Back when I was in high school, my friends and I would go to the school canteen and sit there and chat. Those moments were simply one of the best. The soothing cool breeze of the mountains  touching our cheeks as we would laugh our way all throughout our free time. I bet everybody has at least one of those moments in their lives that they really enjoy when others would just think it was too simple to be enjoyable.

7) Enjoying the company of people close to you

I know everybody has that moment in their lives when they feel inexplicably down and the moment you see your goofball friends you instantly become happy in a blink of an eye; or those moments when you feel like crying and get hugged by family and you suddenly feel the urge to fight the problem that has been driving you low.

The power of family and friendship should never be underestimated. These are the people who play a very large part in your life. Even though you might encounter a misunderstanding or two, rest assured they will come to your side when you need them.

8) Giving yourself some alone time with good music is  sometimes all you need

This might sound a little too emo but I really find it relieving  to listen to music I love when I feel a little sad or I just have nothing to do.  In fact, I made several playlists depending on my mood. A little time to yourself gives you time to think, reflect, or just relax. You can do it while reading a good book, doing your favorite hobby, or just surfing the net.

I use Spotify. It gives me unlimited access to songs even without purchasing the premium version. There are also a lot of preexisting playlists from various users to choose from if you feel compiling a list of songs into a playlist is a hassle.

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Growing up has changed our outlook in life. We are no longer those naive little kids. We have thrown away our innocence for something more grander. All the possibilities of life is within our reach once we open our eyes to the world. Everybody learns something. Sometimes, it’s too hard to notice; but, once we come across a problem we’re sure we can’t handle in the past, you would be surprised with the things your present self can do. I’m sure your future self would be a whole lot better.