Twenty Six

Finally, after several nights of going home late (or in other words: in the wee hours of the morning after all the labworks & paperworks),  I am now sitting here in my room on a Thursday night, on the eve of my birthday. Tomorrow's going to be my 26th year on this planet. Yes, you read it. Twenty six. Is it just me or time really flies fast? I just couldn't believe it. Where should I put it then? Past mid-twenties or maybe last phase of mid-twenties. Oh well, at least it's still in the range of mid-twenties.

Of all my birthdays, this is probably the one where I can say I look and feel old. The past few days, whenever I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but see some physical signs of "being old" - crow's feet, wrinkles, acne marks, dull skin, and sometimes, tired eyes. Or maybe, instead of using the term being old, I'll just have to use "being mature". No doubt I am no longer in that awkward, teenage part of growing up. I have grown into an independent, strong, mature woman. I think it's safe to say that I have accomplished many things already (finishing in one of the top universities in my country, working in an international research center, and living and studying in a foreign land), yet there are still a lot to be done. There are still dreams to be reached and desires of the heart to be filled. One thing remains the same. I am and will always be grateful to God. For all the blessings, for all the challenges and obstacles, for all the mistakes and lessons learned, for every single moment of my existence...

For this year, I pray for COURAGE. Courage to do things I have always wanted to do. Courage to  explore and try new adventures. Courage to love. Courage to sing and dance in the music called life.

"You can't just sit there and put everyone's lives ahead of yours and think that 

counts as love. You just can't. You have to do things."

-Sam, The Perks of Being A Wallflower