Life lessons from 2012

MANILA, Philippines – ‘Yoda of the youth, environmental empress and mistress of the sea’ Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas has been publishing a year-end compilation of lessons learned since 2009 in her blog, ANNAlysis.

In 2012, among the lessons Anna learned, traveling takes both first and last mention. Read on:

Lesson #1: Traveling will show you how much you know and how much you have yet to learn

Explore your own backyard or go to a new continent. Carry the proverbial Philippine flag proudly wherever you go. 

Lesson #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.

Lesson #3: It’s not the number of conferences you go to and funders you meet

What matters more is how you use those connections and funds to serve the people.

Lesson #4: Make friends with people you wouldn’t normally make friends with

They might be your next best friends.

Lesson #5: 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.

Lesson #6: There’s politics in every work environment

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.

Lesson #7: Don’t gloat about how tired you are and how much sleep you lack like it’s a badge of honor

It’s disgusting.

Lesson #8: Breathe

Your dreams and ambitions can be overwhelming. You will get panic attacks and doubt your capabilities.

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.

Lesson #9: Evaluate the professional and personal growth that work can offer you

Do not be afraid to say “no” to certain opportunities. Really. It’s not going to make you look weak.

Choose a few things that you can excel at, as opposed to many things you can be mediocre at.

Lesson #10: To fellow advocates — Don’t ever let corporations and politicians turn your advocacies into commodities

Money is just money; it can be earned and raised.

Reputations take years to build. Your principles should never have a price tag.

Watch Anna speak in TEDxKatipunan in June 2012 on modern-day revolutionaries:

Lesson #11: Collaborate

Lesson #12: Take your vitamins

Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day and engage in physical activity.

Wear paraben-free sunscreen everyday.

Lesson #13: Read

Lesson #14: Enjoy being single

It doesn’t equate to being lonely. Flirt, date and tease. (And use protection, please.)

Lesson #16: Commit only when you’ve gotten to know someone who makes you understand the term “better half”

Relationships are complicated — that’s why there’s no “in a simple relationship” option or status. They need work.

Swallow your pride every now and then. Learn to say sorry and learn to forgive.

Lesson #17: Maintain independence

Whatever your boyfriend/girlfriend can do for you, you must be able to do on your own — just much better.

Lesson #18: Fill your life with music

Make several playlists that will serve as soundtracks to your moods and phases: Chill, Good Vibes, Kill Yourself Senti, Angsty, Roadtrip, Dance On Top of the Table and Karaoke Queen.

Share these playlists. People should never be selfish with good music.

Lesson #19: Laugh a lot, especially at your failures

Lesson #20: Keep banging your head on the wall

The wall will break eventually.

And trust me on the traveling. – Rappler.com

(Anna Oposa graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a degree in BA English Studies in April ’11. She is a freelance writer, performer, scuba diver, yoga practitioner and, best of all, an advocate who fights for the preservation and safety of Philippine seas and its riches. Visit her blog ANNAlysis, The best kind of crazy.)