Being seventeen is like shopping but not wanting to spend money. It’s all about accomplishing something but not working to get it. It’s like wanting to get good grades without studying. Somehow, that’s impossible. Seventeen is all about self-improvement, all about responsibilities, and all about coming into my own. My own. Myself. Growing up is a difficult and a beautiful process because you get to give up things, no matter how small or big they are, to prepare for something new. Without a doubt, it’s a preparation for adulthood. You bid goodbye to your comfort zone to experience something you never thought you’d be doing. It’s time to take a leap of faith. Growing up means doing more and experiencing so much more. More responsibilities. More adventures. Moving towards greater things. Man, time flies so damn fast.

Sixteen was all about evolving. Making mistakes, trying on new things, and meeting people from all walks of life. Sixteen taught me important life lessons which will be with me forever. Now, I’m just a year away from eighteen and it’s terrifying because adult responsibilities are just lurking around. Not that I’m afraid of aging, but the idea of having more tasks is daunting. Growing up indicates that I am not a kid anymore and I should be in charge of myself already. The pressure to be successful is there. The thought of wanting to work is already there. The thought of moving out and becoming independent is present as well. I try not to entertain these thoughts but I can’t get away from them. This phase in your teenage life is indeed inevitable, right? I know I’m not the only one who’s going through this. We may feel lost and confused at times but we have to remember that this a phase that everyone experiences. But I know, I know, I have to must enjoy my youth before I step into the crazy world of adulthood.

Everything about me has changed, be it physically or mentally, and I’m slowly embracing these things. These days, maturity is a privilege. I can’t explain it because I feel like a grown up already and when you’re matured enough you’ll understand how hard life is! No wonder why I don’t want to grow up yet.  Right now, it is needs over wants. Yep, you read that right, au revoir shopping. I don’t need a fancy birthday party nor a pair of flat lens sunnies on this day, I’d honestly pick grocery shopping or a Watson’s splurge or a one-year Spotify subscription over anything. Talk about maturity.

Recently, blessings are coming along the way, not just for me but also my family (my family, homaygahd) and I have no choice but to be thankful. I have school, my blog, Cor Unum, my officer duties (I have two) but with God’s grace, I know I won’t spread myself too thin. Ehem, time management skills, ehem. Basically, I’m busy, but if this is what’s going to make me get closer to my dreams, I’m all for it. Seventeen? I know I am still young and there’s more to come. Seventeen? Okay. I’m ready. Come on, let’s do this. 

To the big guy in the sky, thank you for everything. Thank you for making me survive until today, for the people around me, for the good life I’m living right now. Just everything. Thank You. Thank You. It’s all for You. I can’t ask for more. I know You have better plans for me and all I have to do is to wait for that perfect timing of Yours.

To my parents, I love you so so so so damn much. I am thankful for everything. You will always be my number one priority (Oo, hanggang pagtanda ko. Bawal ang love life. Haha!). I hope, and know, that one day it will be my turn to give back. We will travel the world and I will spoil both of you. I promise. Thank you for always making sure that I have what I need and for giving me what I want. I am truly grateful for all of that. Thank you for always monitoring my blog and social media accounts (I know that most teens hate the idea but I feel more secure and it makes me think about what I share online). All of this will be worth it someday, I promise you. Thank you for being the most supportive parents around! Thanks for always supporting me in the things I do and what I want to try next. Both of you have made a big impact on my life and I won’t be where I am right now without you. Words aren’t enough to describe how grateful I am. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, from your talented and modelesque na anak. Haha!

To my friends, thank you for everything and for always making sure that I’m grounded. I used to believe that I have no friends or whatever, but I realised that I have so much friends who are there for me no matter what happens. Believe me, I am happy when you guys approach me for pieces of advice or for help because I enjoy doing that. I will always be here for you guys! Hoping for adventures with all of you soon!  I love you all so much.

To you, my readers, (wow I can’t believe I’m using the word “readers”) I’m truly grateful. Thank you for reading this at this very moment. You guys have no idea how much that means to me. Whenever I get compliments like “I read your blog! It’s so nice!”, “What’s your next post? I’m excited!”, “Hey, *insert name* reads your blog!”, believe me, I’m overwhelmed when I know that people actually visit my site. Things like that mean so much to me. I appreciate all of it. There are so much ideas in my mind and I can’t wait to share them with you guys! I have plenty blog posts in store for you.

And lastly, I’d like to thank all of those who greeted me, sent me messages, surprised me and made me feel special today. I wish I could hug each and every one of you. Thank you so much!  You are with me on this ride. This is just the beginning.

x,

Andrei