THE year 2016 promises a lot of surprises and adventures for every wanderlust and nature lover. This is synonymous to the characters of the brilliant, friendly and sometimes funny looking monkey, believed as this year's magnet for all things lucky, money-generating and career-building opportunities.
For my part, I will only take one attribute of our forest friend into account. That is, it's love for nature, high mountains and tall trees, and its adaptability to new environments being attributed to its nomadic character.
Inspired by the monkeys, I vouch to dedicate this year to literally climbing new places, hike verdant wonders and commune my soul to the mystical wonders of our local flora. I will devote my energies to embracing change of environment and replacing my "fear of the unknown" with excitement to discovering new things, building deeply rooted relationships, and learning more about other people.
It is only by doing the unthinkable, and sometimes the unplanned, that we realize our life's grander ambitions. Just like the monkeys, let's achieve more by going higher, taking chances and going beyond our comfort zones to find new adventures that will allow us to know ourselves better and what we can accomplish.
However, if you find yourself a little confuse on how to start this year right, I am sharing with you my S.T.A.R.T. formula to set your feet on track and throw all your worries up in the air.
Stop Worrying. Whether it's a dream job, a shift in career, a passion project, a business you would want to start or simply a travel destination with your family that you think can't be accomplished because of so many reasons overwhelming your head, then stop worrying and start taking actions. I often remind myself that if one thing excites you, then it must be something good. Allow that excitement to linger in all our veins and command all your senses to stop worrying and give it a go no matter what it takes.
Time to Act. A classic pompous line would support this one: “If not now, when?” The future becomes so predictable by the decisions we make today. Given that death is a fact of life and that our time on earth, by the way, is limited in case you have forgotten, then do what you want to do now? Plant a tree, visit an old friend, publish an article, write a blog, donate books, join a Zumba class, enlist your name in a civic group, buy yourself a ticket to a place you've never been before or whatever that is, it’s time to act, now! Tick-tock-tick-tock!
Agree on Something. Leave all your emotional bags behind by agreeing to bury past aches and failures. Agree to work out your relationship with your parents, partner or wife. So while we all agree that "time heals wounds," it is always necessary to make a conscious decision to allow yourself to heal fast. Even in the simplest of things, agree on something this year: your regular car checkup schedule, monthly medical visit, and even daily Skype hours with your OFW parents or relatives.
Recreate Yourself. Why don't you try something new this year? Say yes to a new haircut or maybe allow the salon expert to put some soft curls, trim your locks, or experiment with new colors. Clean up your closet and donate your old clothes to shelters. On your first salary this year, buy some slim pants and grab a new bag. Fit on some sneakers or maybe some "shooties." These half boots look like comfy shoes are gaining online reputation as this year's trend. But in the end, an inner self recreation is more important. Visit a convent or enlist your name as participant in your community's parish recollection program.
Thankfulness. It has been found that it is mentally and emotionally healthy to practice the habit of thankfulness. You can call this as building the “Attitude of Gratitude.” From the little things like taking a bath in a hot shower or getting an offer to eat at your neighbor’s birthday party needs a lot of thanksgiving. This approach allows us to be mindful of the things we have and the people around supporting us.
At the end, your self is your greatest competition. It is your decision to change whatever you want in your life and become whoever you want to become. All you need is step out, hold your head high and S. T. A. R. T. whatever there is your heart bleeds doing.