As we usher in the New Year we are once again filled with hopes and dreams for a better life, for greener pasture, for a brighter future, for everything to just change for the better. Unfortunately, we seemed to have put a negative connotation on the word “resolution” in New Year’s resolution: there is that general consensus that these resolutions are made-slash-meant to be broken. How many (new) years have you tried: to lose weight, to study harder, to save more, to be kinder, to shop less, to take life more seriously (or vice versa), to take ample time to stop and appreciate the world, to eat more healthily, to give more selflessly. I rest my case (*evil grin*). Of the millions of people who spell out their new year’s resolutions (with some actually writing a checklist), it would be safe to presume that only hundreds complete theirs. And I envy these people.
So I guess we should forego with the resolutions and just consider making choices. A choice for yourself: a choice to be a better you every day of your life. I think that ‘making a choice’ sounds better than ‘fulfilling’ a resolution. ‘Making a choice’ sounds less obligatory, entails less pressure and gives the impression of exercising some power.
I want to share with you some of the choices I would like to make for myself this year.
I choose to love, rather than to hate; to forgive, rather than to hold a grudge. To entertain some unpleasant thoughts about people and situations weighs down the spirit. I want to live light, as though flying.
I choose to empathize, rather than to judge. Everyone we meet along the way fights their own battle and sometimes we need to understand them more even without knowing what they are going through. “If you judge people you have no time to love them.” (Mother Teresa)
I choose to find time to stop and just be, rather than to always spread myself thin trying to achieve something. It can be tiring always finding a purpose, always searching for meaning in things you do. Sometimes, on some days, I think it will be better to just be. Winnie (the Pooh, seriously) said: “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
I choose to hug more and to get annoyed less. I am lucky to have kids who love to cuddle. There used to be a time when I got too busy, and sometimes I gave obligatory hugs that last no more than a minute, because I have to run somewhere. I am done wanting to rush off. Hugs are free and precious, and sadly one of the most wonderful things we fail to appreciate.
I choose to be happy, and I choose to give the world the best I have.
I know it sounds too general, but I like it that way – it gives a lot of elbow room for small things that mean a lot. I know it sounds too ideal – for that I have no excuse, but hey, it’s nice to meet you too.
Kung Hei Fat Choy, everyone.
sun*star.baguio.19jan2012.
