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Sunday, January 08, 2006
Lim: Resolutions
By Melanie T. Lim
The new year brings to mind new year resolutions.
I’ve never really had any since I was a child. I was never any good at them anyway. As a child, my new year resolutions almost always revolved around being less stubborn and becoming more obedient. That never happened.
Each year, I’d promise I would talk less, listen to the teacher more and not get into trouble. But somehow, this was just something beyond me. And so after a while, I gave up and stopped making new year resolutions.
And then, one day, I realized I didn’t really need the calendar to chart the course of my life. I didn’t need the start of a new year to start a new chapter, a new lease or turn a new leaf. I could do this anytime.
And so, these days, I keep to one new year resolution—to do something new each year.
It doesn’t have to be anything spectacular like going to the Andes or the Amazon. It doesn’t have to be some amazing feat like scaling the Himalayas or flying over the Serengeti. It doesn’t even have to be brilliant like discovering the cure for Aids or cancer.
It just has to be something you’ve never done before—like maybe trying Mexican food for the first time, learning how to use a computer or saying something nice for a change.
It doesn’t have to be grand, phenomenal, electrifying.
It doesn’t have to move mountains, end strife or change the world. It just has to make an impact in YOUR life. Of course, if your one new venture for this year could end war and poverty as well, that would be an extravagant and impressive resolution.
Still, some of the simplest acts in life are extravagant and impressive in themselves.
When you dress your age. When you accept accountability for your life. When you admit to your mistakes. When you forgive and forget. When you acknowledge death and disease. When you move on from heartbreak and loss. When you come to terms with the faults and failings of those you love. When you realize that real love doesn’t really begin until the passion ebbs.
So, do something new this year. Get to know the neighbors you’ve lived next door to in the last 20 years but have never spoken to. Find out the name of the guy who delivers your paper everyday. Endeavor to say something nice to someone the moment you walk into your office each morning.
These actions may not change the world. But they can change YOUR world and maybe, someone else’s, as well.
All SHS-G Batch ’81 graduates are invited to a New Year party on Friday, January 13, 2006. Please contact Camille at 0920-9099616 for more information.
(sunstarcebucolumnist@yahoo.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 8, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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