life lessons from a memaid.

RECENTLY, I have been caught up with another mini mid-quarter life crisis. I am torn between pursuing my ideals and being with the love of my life; career versus family. B has already told me before that the both are not mutually exclusive and it is possible to balance the two. But then again, at the end of the day, there will still be compromises. And so, again, I roamed the online world looking for answers and inspiration. Then I stumbled upon this blog.

Anna Oposa took up BA English Studies in UP Diliman. In between her job as freelance writer and public speaker, she saves the marine world, one shark at a time. She is the co-founder of Save Philippine Seas. Here are some life lessons from the Chief Mermaid herself.

1. Traveling will show you how much you know and how much you have yet to learn.

2. Losing your job could be the best thing that could happen to you, if you choose to see it that way. The more time you spend with the wrong job means less time with the right one.

3. Make friends with people you wouldn’t normally make friends with.

4. As your network expands, keep your oldest friends closer. They loved you before the titles and awards, when your socks were too high and you hadn’t discovered eyebrow threading. They will keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.

5. People will judge and people will talk. Put your earphones on and focus on doing an excellent job. Work harder than anyone you know. Submit on time. Rehearse and time your presentations. Don’t just prove them wrong, prove yourself right too.

6. Your dreams and ambitions can be overwhelming. You will get panic attacks and doubt your capabilities. Breathe. Fear reminds you that you are on to something important. But do not wait for conditions to be perfect. The only way to begin is to begin.

7. Evaluate the professional and personal growth that work can offer you. Do not be afraid to say no to certain opportunities. Really. Choose a few things that you can excel at, as opposed to many things you can be mediocre at.

8.  Relationships are complicated –that’s why there’s no “in a simple relationship” option. They need work. Swallow your pride every now and then. Learn to say sorry and learn to forgive.

9. Stop hitting the internal snooze button, because every excuse is already a choice to fail. 

10. If you don’t know what to do for the rest of your life, stop worrying because you’re not gonna find it–it will find you. When it does, you will no longer be the one reaching for the stars, they will be reaching out for you.