Things I wish I had known

There are times that you are looking for somebody who share the same sentiments that you have in life. There are times that you want to reach out and help somebody go through their lives. There are times that you have questions but afraid to ask for fear of being rejected or laughed at. There are times that you come to realize all the things that you wish you have known. Unfortunately, there is no handbook about life. No written guidelines. You have to deal with it whether you like it or not. You just have to learn by yourself or through other people's experiences.

Things I wish I had known is an online forum that tackles about life's lessons and experiences posted by everyday people. They have a lot of interesting topics that could help you on small decisions that you're bound to make. It's like a big handbook of non-pretentious people, like you, sharing bits and pieces of experiences, sharing tips and tricks, giving advices, or laying down the things that they wish they had known. The forum welcomes new users, but you have to be 16 yrs old and over to register.

You have your own share of regrets. You have your own share of mistakes in life. All you have to do is reach out and let somebody learn from it. Register here and post away! Connect with other people.

Now let me tell you about my own list of things I wish I had known. I've been living here in Canada for 5 years now, and recently, I got my canadian citizenship. My life from where I grew up to where I am now has changed drastically. It made me realize a lot of things and changed how I look at life itself.

Things I wish I had known:

- that being away from your family will make you stronger. When I was a kid, the thought of being away from my parents would kill me. They were like a security blanket that helps me go through everyday. Being alone here in Canada was very challenging. The place is different, the language is different, I have no friends, I have no family. Yes, my husband is here, but you know, he has a life, I cannot depend on him all the time. So I have to be on top of everything and depend on myself. And that solitude helped me become tough, to be a fighter not a quitter. I don't think I would learn how to be independent if I know my security blanket is always around me.

- that being a mom is not easy. It is, indeed, a learning process. You have to learn by experience. It has been an emotional roller coaster but I have no regrets, being a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me.

- that you can do everything as long as you have the determination to do it. When I was younger, I always question my capabilities and that's the biggest mistake that I've ever done. With the job that I have now, my boss will always give me tasks that is soooooo far away from my comfort zone. I've been to rough roads but resourcefulness coupled with strong determination I was able to do it.

- that you do not have to please everybody, because you can't. A lot of people will go out of their way just to please everybody. They always worry on what others will say. Other people run their lives. They do everything to make them happy. But come to think of it, people have different views on everything. That's why we are unique. What is right on this person's eyes might be wrong on the other. Just move on, and listen to this, some people don't even care if you're dragged into dirt, if you are in deep debt, or if you are in big trouble, they don't care. Just move on and please whatever is inside your heart and start live a life.

- that you can only strive for perfection. People who are close to me knew that I always strive for perfection on everything that I do. I could be harsh with myself if I was not able to deliver into my high standards. I get super stressed, you have no idea. Stress is not good, it's not good for your overall health and your relationship will definitely be affected. You just have to learn how to let go. I have realized that as long as you did your best, that's more than enough. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

- that change is good. We are often scared on the changes in our life. We don't know how to handle it, but remember, changes will make you a better person, you just have look at it in a positive way.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
Ashley Smith

- that life is not bad after all. Just forget all the drama that you have and try to focus on being happy to be on a right track. It is not bad. Try to look at the positive aspects in your life and throw all your negative thoughts away. God has given us a lot of things to be happy, so try to utilize it.