She is 36, I am 28. Now if you’ve done the math, you will get why.

When I was little, I never really understood my sister — why would she come home late at night or early in the morning? LOL! Why was she allowed to go out with friends? Why was she allowed to go out of town to attend fiestas and disco nights? Why did she do all the things she did? Oh, it’s because I was only 8 and she was 17. The age gap has put a huge distance between us unlike usual sisters out there. 

It was only when I was in college that I finally understood her and even more so when I saw her become a mother. As I got older, I realized that life is so much easier and lighter because I have a sister, my bestest friend from whom I learn valuable (and crazy) things. Here are some home and life lessons I’ve picked up from her throughout the years. 

Be more courageous and go after your dreams

My sister is probably by far the bravest person I know. She moved to another country when she was 21 to work and help provide for our family. If that isn’t a brave thing to do at such a young age, then I don’t know what is. 

Do your grocery shopping weekly

I’ve lived with her for six months while she was figuring out motherhood for the first time. I found that weekly grocery shopping is the most sensible way to shop because it helps you plan out the family meals. Plus, you can stock up on fruits and veggies before they go bad. 

Keep your circle of friends small

You may have hundreds of friends, but you can never expect them to be as real and supportive as you want them to be. Keep those who keep you growing, who support you and your passions, and who ask how you are or the things in your life. They are rare gems in this world and it’s very okay if there are only five of them in your life. 

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Do not let your toddler overrule you

I admire her parenting skills. She’s a learning mother, a work in progress who is figuring out motherhood pretty well with few hiccups, of course. I learned that you should fight the urge to cave in and don’t ever let your toddler overrule you, especially when it comes to using gadgets and screen time. 

Always be the bigger person in the room

Growing up, I saw her deal with different people who went behind her back and bullied her at the workplace, and even at our home. It might be because she was still young and naive, but when faced with such a dilemma, she dealt with it by not dealing with these people at all. She emerged as the bigger person after all. 

Teach your kids good habits at home

Home is where we learn basic things, so it’s essential for your kids to learn these even at such a young age. This may sound difficult, but teaching your kids good habits while they’re still young will be worth it. These can be simple habits like eating healthy at school, cleaning after yourself after meals, practicing table manners, and practicing the magic words “please”, “thank you”, and “I’m sorry”. 

We may be miles apart now, but the bond between us has never been stronger. When I look at her from the comforts of my screens, I see a woman who’s now one of my pillars of strength in this crazy ride called life. So if you have a sister, give her a hug today — an extra tight one!