Alright, let me get it straight. Today is my birthday. I was born in 1993. I know that you’re trying to subtract, but let me do the math for you. I’m 27.

There, I just said it.

I’m 27. So what now?

1993 was a good year – a beautiful baby (ehem) was born. But, there are other reasons aside from my arrival. In the Philippines, the majestic Mayon Volcano erupted, although it killed a number of people. A liter of gas averaged more or less Php 12 and the number one hit song was Whitney Houston’s I will always love you. Guess what? This year is a record-breaking year for Jurassic Park – making it the highest grossing film ever made. What’s not to love about 1993?

This post is not too lengthy, so let’s add a little drama. The years taught me that today, I am no longer one of those “Today is all about me because it is my birthday!” kind of girls.  I think my brother would try to argue with this. You won’t see me around wearing a crown on my head although I am wearing an invisible tiara in hopes of adding it to my bank account.

I’m 27. Today is just an ordinary day. I went to eat ramen and gyoza and planning to eat pizza later with special people. Certainly, I got a lot more texts and calls than the other days. My facebook timeline was flooded, as well, with greetings. I am fine with the fact that people know Scarlet Snow Belo was also born on March 3.

Make Peace with Imperfections

Almost everyone is afraid of aging. But, let me tell you what aging taught me. Something good about is that I started to make peace with imperfections. Life can’t give us everything we want and there will always be rooms for improvement, and I want to be better in these areas which need improvement. Years taught me about the role which imperfections play in my life. They come in all forms and shapes – each has a lesson to give. Some of these are real blessings.

Empathy

Here’s another thing which aging has taught me – understanding people’s and animals’ pain. The more I become involved, observe and understand life, the more I come into the realization that everyone carries some kind of pain of levels we are not aware of. Some are visible, while most are hidden. In the case of animals, they have a tougher time just because they can’t express it. Humans are way luckier because we can express discomfort. But, animals, like people, do have the same nervous system and emotions. They do also feel the same pain, and every pain teaches us that there is a problem, and that it needs to be taken action of.

Plan a little. Live a lot.

I’m 27. I want to live each moment. As what John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” We can plan all we want and have everything set in front of us, but life is ultimately going to happen. In fact, most of my memorable experiences were even spontaneous. I just want to live a lot, with the people who matter the most to me.

Make wisdom a staple.

Above all, I yearn for wisdom – a virtue which is not innate, but can be acquired through experiences. When I experience something, I always want to ask myself, “What is this teaching me?” Reflecting on the process makes you able to gain wisdom. Moreover, by learning and analyzing your experiences and applying what you learned, you become wiser. And I have to emphasize this, the greatest source of wisdom is no other than the ultimate provider of all. A personal relationship with Him will increase your wisdom. Problems, criticisms, name them – you won’t be threatened. Because if you have this divine wisdom, you enable these criticisms and problems penetrate you, and you will grow through them.

I’m 27. Happy birthday to me!

Did you like this article? Let littlemisadvencha know in the comment section.

Cha Esper

Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.