It's that time of the year to recollect events that have passed and look forward to new memories waiting to be made. And since I'm too lazy to talk about either, I shall pen down my new year's resolutions instead!
1) Listen better. I realised recently how bad a listener I am. Sometimes, my mind drifts off to a different place in the middle of a conversation with a friend and I end up asking redundant questions that have already been answered. Sometimes, I listen selectively and miss the gist of the story. Maybe I'm suffering from ADHD at 26. Maybe my brain is like a sponge that's so soaked in water that it can't hold anymore. Whatever it is, I shall attempt to be a better listener.
2) Reply promptly. I have a bad habit of reading my emails and smses, and replying to them half a day later. I don't know why I do that, and I don't have a good excuse for it either (except of course, when I'm really busy & totally overlook it or forget to do so). I hate it myself when I don't hear from others and have to send a chaser, so I shall resolve to be more responsive in my communication.
3) Read a book. I'm proud to say that my 2009 resolution of reading a book a month has helped to deepen my faith. Although I didn't meet the KPI of finishing 12 books in a year, I did manage to read 7 books in all. Good habits ought to be maintained, so I hope to continue reading more books in the new year to enrich my spiritual life and also to prepare for marriage and babies.
4) Exercise regularly. Argh! Ok, this NYR was in last year's list, and the year before, and the year before. Removing it would mean that I'm giving up so I shall continue to challenge myself to make exercise a part of my daily life, no matter how busy I get. At least in 2010, I have a motivation to get in shape in time for the wedding.
5) Wake up earlier. The most difficult resolution of all is making this a resolution. This one is truly stepping beyond the boundaries of my comfort; one which involves a total lifestyle change. If all my other NYRs fail, I'd be satisfied to end the year pulling this one off. In the past, on the rare occasions where I do get up early, I remember liking the cool mist and serenity of the morning activities. Hopefully, that'll be one of my motivations. And as Hil would say it, "You can sleep when you're dead".
It's 4 hours to the new year. May you spend the last moments of 2009 giving thanks to God for all His graces and blessings; finding the strength to forgive your enemies and those who have hurt you throughout the year; and remembering to appreciate and cherish your family members and loved ones.
Here's my favourite version of Auld Lang Syne by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis. Have a fruitful 2010, dear friends!
