what I've come to realize

I am 25 years old. Turning 26 end of this year. I am a working women, I earn my own money, I support my family, I take care of my sisters, I pay my own bills, I buy groceries, I am my own driver, I do my own laundry, I manage my own time, I make big decisions every day. So I think I can say that I am now a 100% adult.

At this point in my life, I've come to realize a lot of things. The things I thought 10 years ago were important actually aren't, and the thing I never thought about is now the most important thing in life.

Keep my circle small

It's scary how I'm starting to see that my mom was so right. It's not about who is real in my face, it's about who stays loyal behind my back. "Choose your friend wisely as they are the reflection of yourself too" - my mom used to say. Over time, since my high school days, I've learned that not everyone around me is a real friend. I've learned that no matter how many 'Friends' I have on Facebook doesn't make my life happier or brighter. I've learned that no matter how many followers and likers I have on Instagram, I can only count my real friends with one hand.

God always has my back

I had my ups and downs, grief and sorrows, regrets and disappointments. I have my life planned out, but things didn't work out the way I wanted it to be. Who knew God had way better plans for me than I could imagined. I learned that all this while I've been such ignorant of Him, He has been guiding me all along.

I learned the real value of money

I've stopped spending money on shoes and handbags! But I gotta admit that this ..... is the toughest and hardest thing I have to do!! I have an everything-has-to-match-and-color-coordinated problem. But .... I'm swallowing this and recently unsubscribed to some websites & removed some bookmarks on my browser. It was emotional, guys. Well, the article I read about "French ladies never match their handbags and shoes" helped! Baby steps Azrah, baby steps. However, I have also learned that money can't buy memories. I've come to realize that I would rather spend my money on real things like the future and experiences. Nothing is more logical than survival skills and life experiences, no? When it comes to important things like family, and yourself, you know you can always earn more money.

Brain is what makes us girls beautiful

I've always believed that sexy doesn't mean a mini skirt or cleavage. It's the confidence that makes a woman sexy. You are not what you wear, you are how you portray yourself. I've always known that being smart and classy is so much more important than going gaga over Kendall's longgg legs! Aaaaarghhhh.

My significant other is my best friend
I realized that my partner is really the best-est friend of mine. I couldn't imagine making decisions without his insights and he couldn't without mine. It goes further than just having a meal together or going for a movie together. It involves understanding and acceptance. The person I can be ridiculous with and send my goofy selfie to.

Family is forever
I'm saving the last for the best. Family. At this point, I know that family is really the only thing I actually have. When times are easy and when times are hard, they never leave my side. Need I say more?

When I really look at myself 10 years ago, I know that I am the better me.

Firstly, I am less afraid compared to the 16 years old me. Less afraid of failure but instead more afraid of not getting to try new things.  

Secondly, it is because I was quite a messy girl, and no one bothered to tell me. Well, who would've guessed.

So, yeah.