but because it's me - the days leading up to my birthday were not without the requisite share of hystrionics and drama. i ranted to anyone who would listen about my panic at not being where i thought i would be at 26 years old. today that is all gone. for one reason or another (could it be the red wine i consumed? hehehe) i feel a sense of calm about me and a much-needed quiet from the nagging voices in my head. 26 is here and i am, happy to say, alive and well, and happy.
when we were having late lunch today, over mouthfuls of peking duck with leeks and hoisin, my mom used my dinner party last night to show me how rich my life was, and how everything in it seemed to work itself out. though i had (as i always do) invited too many of my friends (i can never pick one group over the other - i love them all too much!), they all found their place and found a way to make the evening fun and memorable for them and for me. but more on that later.
my life is made full and rich because of my family and friends. they are living heroes. they save me every time. and i am grateful for every lesson. for the wisdom that each of them imparts. they add so much value to my life.
for my new blockmates, who remind me that i must act like a grownup (yeah i always forget). but everyday is a new day to try harder.
for my broadguild friends, who are such great inspirations. they remind me of the importance of pursuing your passions, and more than that, of the importance of being passionate about the pursuit. they are colorful examples that you can find joy in anything - and last night was no exception. it was crazy fun performing the videoke songs with you!
for my high school barkada, who have been such constants in my life. we have been each others cheerleaders, dates, sisters, and saviors. we have stood by each other through the disastrous haircuts, jobs, relationships and everything in between. and yet we still giggle like high school girls whenever we are together.
for my law school barkada, who remind me that it is possible to find happiness even in the midst of the most grueling situations. they have made law school so much more fun. i know in time ill forget the scary recits but i will always remember our crazy conversations, our whatifs, our weird jokes (well, okay - izzys) hahaha. i will miss them when they graduate.
for my closest yfc girlfriends (whom i lovingly call the barkada 2000 hehehe), who are just SUCH glowing reminders of grace under pressure, of faith that can move mountains, of selflessness (except ana f hahaha - kidding! mwah). i am honored to call them my friends.
for my pyfp friends/game night buds, who have just been such great comforts. they are the kind of grownups i always wanted to turn into hihihi. we embrace each other's idiosyncrasies. and i thank them for teaching me how to do that.
for my ates/kuyas (read: ate dey, "ate" trix, "kuya" chrysanthemum, "ate bossmaam " cherrie) who are always more than willing to impart their wisdom. for their patience with my silliness and for their being invested in my life so much.
for my part, the last year has been a roller coaster ride of experiences and emotions, but from all of it i tried my best to take away lessons that i want to remember for the next years to come. i don't claim them to be novel, because they aren't.
1. love yourself first.
2. say what you mean, and mean what you say.
3. when you make promises, keep them.
4. love unconditionally.
5. make time for fun stuff. life is short.
6. don't take anything too seriously.
7. don't be afraid to look stupid.
8. don't be afraid to ask questions.
9. with everything that you encounter, try to do your best.
10. try harder. don't give up too easily.
11. don't do things that you don't want to do just because other people are
pressuring you to.
as with all good intentions, i will try to lengthen this list as much as i can for those who feel lost in their 20s like me. hopefully during this next phase of my life, i will be living up to my name more - sophia does mean wisdom, ya know.
here is a hug to you!
and just because...here are a few photos of my favorite memories upon turning 26.
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