Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, and to Catholics, it only means that there is just a few weeks before Christmas. I am supposed to attend the Mass this afternoon. However, my body clock isn't cooperating with me, and causing me sleep deprived. It left me feeling under the weather this morning so, I might end up watching the livestream later at 6pm in my room. 

And since I don't feel like leaving the house, I decided to fix my stiff and came across an old list in my 2019 BDJ planner. In one of the pages was a checklist with the title 50 Things To Do Before You Turn 50 which I found from the Readers Digest website. I thought of writing it back then despite I already have my bucketlist because unlike the former, this list will push me to do the items within a deadline which is before hitting the age of 50.

I just tweaked a few in the list to make it applicable to my life here in the Philippines (and I guess I'll be spending the rest of my life in this country). Funny but as I read through the 50-item list, I realized, I had already ticked a number of those even before this article even came on line.

So, what does that list contain? Read further to find out.

1. Use your passport.
2. Cry through a movie.
3. Write a will.
4. Get therapy.
5. Make a retirement plan.
6. Fall in love.
7. Write a journal.
8. Get a pet.
9. Pay off your credit cards.
10. Look up an ex.
11. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
12. Go to the library.
13. Visit a national park.
14. Take a class.
15. Volunteer during an election.
16. Forgive someone.
17. Plant a garden.
18. Climb the tallest mountain in your country.
19. Be alone.
20. Play an instrument.
21. Eat something you hate.
22. Get an adrenaline rush.
23. Write a poem.
24. Make a huge mistake.
25. Go on a ride-along with a police officer.
26. Write a love letter.
27. Go on an estate sale.
28. Check your credit report.
29. Organize your closet.
30. Make a budget.
31. Learn how to make a meal using whatever's in the fridge.
32. Go to a local fair.
33. Watch a musical.
34. Do community theater.
35. Take your kid on a date.
36. Interview an elderly person.
37. Get certified in CPR.
38. Master the art of apologizing.
39. Become a Google ninja.
40. Power nap on the regular.
41. Never forget someone's name again.
42. Learn to recognize poisonous plants.
43. Learn a new language.
44. Try a different job.
45. Go scuba diving.
46. Join a sports league.
47. Get to a healthy weight.
48. Go apple picking.
49. Go fishing.
50. Attend a music festival.

One look and you may think this list is overwhelming. But as you tick off and complete an item, nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment and having conquered a dare that you once thought could be possible. As for me, my list is still quite long, I know and I have 13 years left before the deadline for everything. But for now, as I live one day at a time, I try to do whatever is one the list that I am allowed to accomplish during the moment. Time will come that before I even knew it, I'll only have one item left before I can proudly say, mission complete. 

I know right now, you're still trying to look for your place in the sun, and let me tell you that that's okay. I know it's nerve-wracking, but life is not a race. And I just hope that what you'll read from this point forward will be helpful not just today as you go through this phase, but more so as you get older.

When things become harsh and grueling, know that it's fine to live one day at a time. If you start to feel being left behind by the milestones of people around you, remember that we all have "timezones" that operate differently in each stage in our lives.

Just like feelings, your dreams are valid. Never be scared to pursue your passion because aspirations do not have expiration dates. And when you start to get bothered by fear and hesitation, always remember one thing: the voice that tells you that you can't do something is always lying! 

Spend time with your parents. Make time for them and appreciate the moments you have with them. They are among the precious ones God gave you, and He will need them back one day.

"Thank you" and "I'm sorry" may just be two short and simple words. But they mean a lot when you say it right and mean it. 

In times of argument, learn to listen. Do it not to reply but to understand.

It's hard to forget the people who broke and hurt you. But remember to acknowledge the ones who helped you rise up and begin again when you were ready to hit rock bottom.

Do not shortchange people when it comes to three things: love, appreciation, and respect.

Heartaches are an inevitable component of love. But as long as you believe in love, you will find it. For the right reason, at the appropriate season and in the right person.

Prioritize your own happiness. It is not a selfish act to do so. Make a choice not because it is what society or those around you is pressuring you to do. But because it is something that you know deep within your soul that makes you happy.  

Lastly, do not forget to pray. Those around you may be busy accomplishing day-to-day matters and may be unable to make time to hear you out, but God has an open door policy. He always listens.  

Aim for the best,

Your 37 Year-Old Self