Commentary
Things I learned and relearned in 2024
By: Deck Villanueva
1 Manage your expectations.
In order to guard your heart from disappointments and frustrations, be realistic and flexible. Familiarity or how often you interact with someone should serve as basis of what to expect from people. Don’t raise the bar too high especially for those who haven’t played yet a “significant” role in your journey.
2 Be kind – even to those who caused you pain.
Even if it is hard especially when somebody hurt or wronged you, be kind or at least, be kind in ways you think is possible. Be the person with the bigger heart. Remember, you don’t have to force yourself to treat that person nicely right away. At your own pace, at your own time, you can do it. But if you have been repeatedly hurt, don’t exert effort and just keep a safe distance.
3 When you’re at your lowest, there is no way to go but up.
Things sometimes fall apart and don’t turn out the way you planned it. Adding insult to injury is when some people you trust turn their backs on you. You feel lost and abandoned. But never lose hope, it wouldn’t remain that way forever. It will just be a matter of time for things to get better.
3 In anything you do, give it your best shot.
There is no time to waste. Every day is a day to be the best version of yourself in whatever task you choose to accomplish. Never settle for less. Don’t wait for a special occasion to wear that new pink dress hanging in your closet. Today, use that red lipstick you got as a Christmas gift.
4 Cut down on social media use. Read books.
We all know how the use of social media can be toxic at times. Know when to go off the grid and enjoy a break from the negativity socmed brings. Go back to reading or read more books to keep you calm. It will feed you new ideas that is good for the mind and the soul.
5 Cherish your family and friends.
No matter what happens, through thick and thin, in good and bad, your family will have your back. Love them with all your heart. Spend quality time with your folks. Family and true friends will become your source of strength during trying times. Show how much you appreciate them.
To end, let’s welcome this New Year with open arms. Let’s continue to spread love and positivity this 2025.
Always remember that we can’t please everybody and there are those who would not like us for reasons they would only know.
It’s okay… Be a warrior at heart. Have the courage to be disliked because there is no need for the whole world to love us back. A few, good people with genuine hearts in our own small circle, would be more than enough. 
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