Sunday, December 30, 2007 Lim: Resolutions By Melanie T. Lim Wide Awake
WHY do we need to see the year end to make resolutions? Every day we breathe life is occasion to make valiant promises we should keep.
Resolve to be healthy. It’s time to throw out the junk. Cut down on the sugar, salt and fat. Instead of eating yummy, eat healthy. You don’t have to spend three hours a day in the gym but surely you can take half an hour a day on the treadmill. And give up the booze as well. It’s time to grow up.
Resolve to be hopeful. When heartbreak comes and tragedy strikes, don’t lose hope. Someone above looks out for you everyday. No matter what, you will find the will to survive and to find significance in your life. To prevail, you must believe in the power of hope.
Resolve to be less critical. There will always be people around you who will regularly infuriate you for their imperfections. If you can help it, though, bite your tongue and suspend judgment. Critics have produced perfectionists. But does perfection drive people to the peak of mental health? Stop driving people insane.
Resolve to be more forgiving. There are sins committed in this life only God can forgive. But if you can let go of your rage and your desire to seek retribution, you can free yourself to be happy for the rest of your life.
Resolve to make room. Resolve to make room for your children. Resolve to make room for your parents. Resolve to make room to find the time to smell the flowers. You have only one life. You can’t turn back the clock. Once the moment has passed, it is gone. In the race to become first or best, too many people forget everything else. Don’t fall for the lie. Don’t give up everything you have for what you believe you want and end up losing both.
Resolve to know when is “enough.” When is it ever going to be “enough?”
When are you going to stop taking and start giving? Few people have the wisdom to know when they have “enough.” How many can say, “I have enough. It’s time for me to give back to those who have helped me on the way up. It’s time for me to share what I have because in fact, I have more than enough.”
Resolve to remember. On the way to conquering the universe, most people forget. They forget the people who were there for them on the way up. Once in the pinnacle, they become afflicted with amnesia. Remember those who believed in you when no one did. Remember those who gave you a leg up while the rest left in a puff. Resolve to remember the little people who helped you become the big name that you are today.
Resolve to be stronger, braver and wiser. Remember that when you ask for strength, courage and wisdom, God will not send these to you via overnight delivery. Expect God to rain upon you hardship and heartbreak. For while pleasure and privilege pampers, pain, more often than not, brings out the best in each of us.
Resolve to do something new. Make this year different. Instead of learning a new craft, making a new friend and visiting a new city, make resolutions you will actually keep. This will make all the difference.
