Things I Know To Be True

Twenty-six years of life has taught me a few things, most especially over the past couple of years. Since I collected another year a few weeks ago, I thought that I'd dispense these learnings to the world. Someone might find them useful.

1. The future can surprise you in ways that you never expected, both in a good and bad way. Sometimes, the things that you expect or want to happen never do, and the things that you never thought would happen actually do. 
2. Things happen because they have to. Even if there is no logic as to why, thinking about things in retrospect gives you the answer. 
3. You need strength to be able to accept #2, especially when the things that are happening are your personal version of hell.
4. You can't control everything nor anyone. Like how people think of you, feel about you, or what they say about you. 
5. Change comes whether or not you want them to. Another thing you can't control.
6. Comparing yourself to others is a one-way ticket to negativity street. And it's very hard to get out of there sometimes.
7. Faking a smile can actually make you feel better on a crappy day. It doesn't exactly solve anything, but it makes you feel like some part of the weight has been lifted.
8. Love is a gift, as cliched and sticky sweet as that sounds. Lucky are those who like someone who actually like them back the same way. 
9. In the end, apart from yourself, the only people you can depend on is family (or whoever you consider to be family). When everything breaks down, fails, goes wrong, the people who will love you even at your worst will be the people who love you unconditionally. 
10. The worst things that are said about you are usually the things you say about yourself, when you're looking at the mirror. This I know for a fact. Don't do this. This is the worst thing you can ever do to yourself. If you can find a way to stop this, let me know.