7 things I learned from living away from home

As someone who grew up in her hometown, who spent her school days in the city and spent half of her life going home everyday, the thought of being away from what she already thought is her whole life seems to be unbearable.. at first.

For 25 years, my whole world literally revolved around the town where I grew up. Family, friends, school, work, hobbies etc. Everything I needed is right on my fingertips. I felt complete, stable and satisfied. Until that one day that I need to move away from home. I had so many questions on my mind. How can I survive? Who will help me there? What will I do in case of emergency or something? Where will I go for help? Can I make it? I am so scared and I have no idea on how to live outside my world.

Everything is scary in the beginning, well I guess even in the middle. But when you had a peek of what is something new for you, when everything is said and done, all you have are lessons, experiences and a whole new bunch of knowledge for another chapter of your life.

The very familiar road :)

So to share with you the things (realizations) I learned from living away from my home, read more. 😉

1. I begin to make new friends (or acquaintances).

"No man is an island", as a saying goes. No matter where you go, always prepare that smile! I've met a lot of people while away, some stayed as acquaintances and others became my true friends. Even if you think you can live your life well alone, think again. They are the people who can help you when your family and old friends can't be there for you. Friends are one of the reasons why the world is a better place and your life, a little brighter, even at your darkest times.

2. I learned how to be more positive and stronger.

I am a small girl thrown into this unfamiliar place. A far place that I've never had traveled my whole life. And now I need to stay in it for quite some time. All I want to do is break down and cry  (actually, that's what I've done in my first few months). Until I realized that no one can help me but myself. Of course, with the support of my family and friends, I got passed through it. Thank God! That's when I decided to be strong, little by little, I felt a change in who I am the first time I stepped on that place.

3.I learned how to work around the house.

It is important that you know the basics. This line is not just applicable to sports but to life as well. There was a time that I was locked in my room and my phone was already in my car. I am so helpless! Good thing, my dad taught me how to change a doorknob. That was my lifesaver! Literally speaking, a basic knowledge on some things is very essential. Especially when you are all by yourself. You should know how to change a busted bulb, how to fix a clogged toilet, how to cook, the list goes on. The point here is, you are now independent. So you better start reading, talk with people and start being curious on the things around you.

4. I realized there will be no place like home. Ever.

Being far away from home made me realize how important my family is for me. I admit that a lot of times, I took them for granted not knowing what purpose they have in my life. When I became independent, a lot of times I wished that I am at home. Where the meals for the entire day were carefully prepared by my mom, the maid would take care of my laundry, my siblings are there where I can easily ask them to hang out wherever. When I was alone, I realized all these simple but big blessings that I have. So while time permits, and you still have them, family, loved ones and friends, treasure them. Value them. Because it is true that you don't know the value of a person until he/she is gone.

5. I started saving and investing on my future.

While it's not easy to be all alone, it is much more difficult to manage your finances. Being on my own, I need to budget my money in order for me to have something to spend and something to save. Before, I would easily splurge on things, but when I got a taste of how important money is, many questions boggled my mind before purchasing a luxury. I have also took into consideration the investments I need to make to have a secured life.

6. I realized that I have changed.. a LOT.

I am no longer the awkward and scared girl I once was the first time I took a step on this place. In every chapter of our lives, there will always be lessons and challenges. I have grown to be a woman that I could proudly say, a lot closer to the woman I aspired to be. From the immature, cry baby I was before, to an independent and more equipped lady today, I could say, I love the change I had. The change that I could never undergo, just by merely staying in my comfort zone.


7. I learned how to enjoy every bit of being independent.

It's scared to be all on your own, but I get to realize that nothing lasts forever. And this situation is no exemption. Being independent may have its scary consequences but it also has a lot to offer. I have learned so many things, lived a life I never had imagined, traveled to places I thought I could never reach, met people I had no connection with. I learned how to love the freedom that was given. I took photos, memories, love and experiences. As they say, enjoy it while it lasts. and I am glad I did. :)

Last sight of Dagupan's beautiful sunset

                 


Never be afraid to be on your own. If given a chance or opportunity, take it! A lot of experiences, lessons, memories and learning await you. After all, you might find something you are looking for all your life... outside your little box. :)



Love, Jane Vashner :)

Candy Crush Saga: An Addiction or a Lesson?

One of the most popular games today is the candy crush saga. It can be played in the computer via Facebook or it can be downloaded on compatible gadgets. It is played by matching 3 or more candies of the same kind and accomplishing missions on each level. It might look the same with games such as Bejeweled Blitz, Zuma etc. but this game develops your cognitive skills. But why does it become an addicting game for users of all ages?

Candy Crush Saga offers a variety of levels that have goals and missions one needs to complete in order to advance to the next stage. It also has more than 300 levels to play with. Nowadays, people are more competitive which makes this game so popular. One wants to be on the top of another and so the game continues. But is Candy Crush Saga just a game or can it be applied to real life? Here is a list of some of the lessons I personally learned while playing this game. (I admit of being a Candy Crush addict :P)

1. Be PATIENT. One of the twists of this game is that you only have 5 lives and when you lose all of it, you need to wait for 30 minutes to gain a life (and that would be 2 1/2 hours all in all to have a full set of lives again). Or, you can always ask your friends to give you a life but then, you still need to WAIT.

2. Think first before you make a move. You only have a limited number of moves, (on some levels where time is really not vital) so in this game, A MOVE is gold. :) Same with  reality, think first or think twice before deciding, so you don't have to regret anything :)

3. Sometimes, it's all LUCK. You are randomly given a board and you are lucky if you are given a good board. A board where with just a few moves, almost everything explodes. :) In life, you get to be lucky on some things. but not all the time. :) 

4. Chocolates, Spinning chocolate makers, Chains, Icings are all obstacles in the game. But this is what makes it more interesting. :) Life is not always easy. There will be challenges and obstacles that seem to eat you all up but then you need to be strong to overcome them and win the game :) take note: Chocolates are really a bad thing for your health right? :)

5. NEVER give up. Even if you think it is impossible for you to surpass a level, remember, if your friends passed the level, then why can't you? It is just a matter of perseverance and right time. Everything will fall into place.. at the right moment :)

6. HELP a friend. This game signifies a give-and-take relationship. So don't be so lazy and selfish sending lives and responding to your friend's requests, because you will also need their help sooner or later. ( Except, when you are willing to spend a penny on this game) :)

7. The game is never FAIR . You can't accomplish everything at once. But that is the fun part. It entertains you and at the same time frustrates you. Same with life. Not everything will go your way. There will be times when you will fall and there will be times when you will succeed. But that is the mystery of life. You never know what will happen next. :) And that is what makes you going. :)

Hope you learned some pieces of advice from this addicting game. Not only is it an ordinary cyber junk but a game full of twists, lessons and skills that can also be applied in our everyday life. :)