This was a great party and celebration because my cousin finally tied the knot! On December 26, 2014, the much awaited wedding of my cousin, Farrah, became a reality and I'm so happy for her because she has been waiting for this moment for a long time. My family and I have been praying for her to end up with a good man who will love and cherish her so, all our prayers were answered today! 

But the wedding wasn't the only thing that happened today! Another goal on my list was achieved today! I wore a gown. Hahaha! When my cousin asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, I said yes and told her for the sake of tradition and my love for her, I will wear a gown like all the other bridesmaids. Ever since I told her that, the goal of trying to lose enough weight to pull off a gown happened! I was so nervous because I do not wear gowns or dresses. I haven't worn a gown since I was a flower girl (that was 24 years ago!).  I also don't like wearing make up but this this time around, I let the make up artist's work on me. Haha!

We all know the basics of milestones like age 7, 18, 21, 30, etc. We know the differences between babies, toddlers, children, tweens, teenagers, and adults. There's also the whole mental growth chart and physical growth chart like when girls and boys start developing. We all know these things already, but have you ever wondered the benchmarks of adulthood? I say benchmark because it's the milestone in your life wherein your mind and body start to make better sense of things. Of course this depends on a lot of other things, but in general, I really think there are specific 'marks' in adulthood. For me, "Chapter 25" is the beginning of choosing your path in adulthood and this is like a NO TURNING BACK ZONE. 

I noticed there was a huge jump from 24 years old to 25 years old. When I was reaching the end of 24, I was still naive, but I knew I had to make dramatic and big choices that will define my whole life. I still had the chance to be wild and free, but a big part of me was becoming serious and more mature. Like all young people, I had to battle my weaknesses and bad habits, but when I turned 25, it was like a switch in my mind that made things much easier to handle. When I turned 25, I became more outspoken and open-minded. I was able to fight for what I believed in. I still went through the same amount of pain as I did when I was 21-24, but for some reason, I was able to handle my problems better and more efficiently. 

I started talking about this with a lot of people and they all gave me the same gist of things. 25 is the beginning of finalizing your whole life. It's 5 years before you're 30 and that's the age when marriage, kids, and financial stability really starts to hit your brain. It's 5 years after feeling the hype of finishing your "-teen" years. At 25, you're literally at the middle of growing mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. At 25, you should know where you stand. 

So, this gave me the thought of understanding how all the mistakes and pain I went through from 20-24 are stepping stones. This gave me the understanding that all the people from 20-24 are going through exactly what I went through and I should give them a chance to reach the 25 mark to understand where they stand. 

1. Your actions at this point truly define who you are.
Should I do this or that? Everything from this point on matters because you're preparing yourself for what's to come, good and bad. Yah, okay. You made mistakes in the past, well, this is your time to decide what you're going to do about your past. Will you leave it behind or dwell in it? Will you use it against others or tell yourself your past is in the past and it doesn't belong in the present? It's all up to you, but you know your choice will define you. 

2. You're more compassionate, patient, and kind. 
You quit the whole "i don't have feelings" or "I don't like to feel" script you pulled off when you were younger. You understand that feelings can be handled well and your reaction makes up your whole. You can feel another person's mood better than before. You learn the power of communication (you know it's not all about talking, but your gestures and manner of speaking play a huge role in your life now). You're more patient with your loved ones. You take the time to listen and help them. It's all because your maturing in all aspects of your life. 

3. Sleep and Relaxation. Zen.
Those days when you could stay up all night and function the next day goes down the drain. Nope, you need sleep as much as you need air! Clubs and Bars are okay, but all night long? No thanks. You don't mind a few drinks, but a nice sit around talk and laugh while drinking beers or wine at home with friends is good! So good! Weekends don't have to be spent outside... being indoors is GOOD. The chance to catch up with tv shows or read a book all day long sounds like heaven! 

4. You're the captain in your friend'SHIP'
You're starting (or you've reached) the point of being contented with the friends in your life. You stop trying to measure fame by counting the number of people you have on your social media sites. You know that people come and go in your life and that's okay! You're happy with the memories and keeping friendships positive. You stop trying to please everyone. You really do stop caring what other people think about you because you're mature and confident. 

5. Problems can always be dealt with. 
I think this is the most important one. If you're 25+ and you still deal with your problems through revenge, anger, hate or using the internet as a weapon, then go back to #1. At this point in life, you get to control your emotions better. When people hurt you, it's easier to handle things in a more peaceful way. Your immature days of revenge and hate turn into personal confrontation or simply letting it go. You know there are more important things to deal with rather than immature minded people. You know that problems are trials and there's space for trial and error. You know it's time to deal with things maturely and thinking about your actions is the right way to go!

I made a video compilation of my memories in 2014. The year is ending and I totally have to say this, IT WAS ONE HELL OF A GOOD YEAR. 

There's one very important thing I learned this year. Never let anyone define who you are because what life presents to you will prove who you are. Last year, I lost a lot of friends, but I was gifted with even more friends. It took a year for me to give the world an insight on what life decided to give me for my kind actions and I know I wouldn't be this happy if it weren't for the friendships I created this year. The people who played an important part into my recovery are all in this video. Of course, I got closer to some and those people really helped me pull through. They gave me a good view on what life is when you surround yourself with beautiful souls who know how to speak up, be compassionate, and live life to the fullest. They left a huge impact in my life and I will never forget what they did for me this year. 

I'm so happy and thankful for this year. I didn't expect it to be this good but I know for sure I made good memories and strong relationships with people who I know will actually be by my side. Sad memories happened, but I'm glad to say that even if those things happened, it didn't stop my friends from loving me and confronting me with issues and problems so we can fix it. I'm so grateful for them. 

This was a good year. This year proved what Kindness and Positive Thinking can do for a person. It heals your heart and soul and makes you a better person. This video will show it. 

I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who thinks this is obviously uncalled for. 

We had our graduation exhibit in school last Friday (December 5). I believe we all did a really good job. We all worked very hard and it was all worth it in the end. I think we all got closer because of all the stress. We somehow helped each other pull through and I'm really happy to have these people in my life.

Final Round: WE GRADUATED TODAY! It was so exciting! I can't believe I finally graduated. After all the years of praying, this day finally came! I feel so blessed because there was a time in my life I was really struggling to reach this goal, but today I achieved another milestone in my life and I'm so happy. 

My parents never gave up on me and believed I would make it. They believed in my talent and heart so this is how I give them back all their love and support! I know it took a long time for me to reach this point, but it doesn't matter because I made it. Last year, I was told by someone that I did not deserve to come here and study. I kept those words in mind because I knew I had to stand up. Before the graduation ceremony, my mom and I were hanging out in the hotel room and she reminded me one thing. I deserve this. Yes I do. I deserve this triumph because I'm hardworking and I have friends who are just as hard working as I am. We all deserve this day! 

Congratulations to us! We made it! 

"Run for a Reason." I did run for a reason. I knew I had to finish this race because I was standing up for something big. Actually... I was standing up for a number of things. I was motivated because this marathon was going to prove something so big. I did it and yup! I DID IT!!!