Turned Thirty

I just turned thirty last April 30. And as I look back at the past years, I say to myself that I have no regrets. I had have my own share of shortcomings and pieces of pitfalls. But I remain grateful for all those things. Deo gratias! Semper Deo gratias! I think I would not be where, what and who I am had I not coursed through the years of joy, of love, of pain, of tears.

And below are thirty things I learned for the past thirty years.

1. Prayer is very important.
2. Be at peace with yourself.
3. You are God's greatest gift for you and for all your love ones.
4. Keep a journal.
5. A few, good friends are enough.
6. You do not need to please everyone.
7. Read, read and read.
8. Engage with people.
9. Do not be afraid to say, "I love you."
10. Share what you have learned.
11. Attitude matters but it is not enough.
12. Work counts.
13. Passion and rigor is necessary in whatever field you are.
14. Crying is for everyone.
15. Letting go of persons and things are part of the process.
16. Leave a legacy -- it need not be grandiose. It suffices that you touched one soul.
17. It helps to know that I am not superman. I can only do much.
18. Be thankful.
19. Surf, surf, and surf.
20. Blogging is great.
21. Friendster is interesting.
22. What I mean is, get in touch with old friends.
23. Take time to listen to good music, drink a cup of coffee and read a good book.
24. Jogging helps.
25. Treat your parents to a movie and a wonderful dinner.
26. Go for an annual retreat.
27. There is nothing wrong in watching a movie by yourself.
28. Pamper yourself.
29. Sing in the bathroom.
30. Life is short. Live it to the full. Deo gloria; Homo vivens.

Now, its time to look forward for the next thirty years.