Take time to think…
It is the source of power.
Take time to play…
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to laugh…
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to pray…
It is the greatest power on earth.
Author unknown
Archive for January, 2009
A new year
January 6, 2009There’s something special about the ending of a year, and the beginning of another. To me, it signals a break, a clear demarcation, that allows for a chance to reflect on the past and a chance to re-invigorate for the future. Just as when life speeds up so much until routine and meaningless automaton consumes our life, it is when we stop…that life resumes itself naturally and meaningfully.
As 2008 came to its end, I reflected back on my year. I smiled at all the happy memories my family and friends had left for me. I laughed at the crazy and spontaneous times I shared with them. I’m humbly proud of my achievements of the year, especially graduating from Uni, getting admitted as a solicitor and making it in my position at work. I’m amazed at the surprises along the way – my 2 minute debut on TV, my last committee meeting at Unibuds, my weekend roadrip to Canberra and the more recent 11 day 14 ppl roadtrip to Melbourne and Adelaide, the beginning and ending of my romantic relationships, the Opening Ceremony of Lin Yim temple after many many years of hard work, the numerous weddings throughout the year, the beginning of Samma Ajiva Buddhist Professionals Association with Cheng Hiang, and the fact that this blog has been viewed 35,280 times as of this minute.
But as usual, the one thing that has made my 2008 worthwhile is my self-development. There are many facets of life. To me, life’s meaning stems from my relationships with others and the world around me. But intrinsic in all this is my spiritual development as a person in and of the world. I’ve matured in some ways, refined in others. Learnt more about the world, my place in it, and what I want to do with it. Understood more about the people in my life, and more importantly, altered my ways in dealing with, and caring about, them.
After reflecting on the year that’s past, I make a wish for the coming 2009. Remembering the good things I have done in 2008, I hope I will have opportunities to do more in 2009. Thinking of any unhappiness I’ve experienced in 2008, I hope I could change the conditions so they don’t repeat themselves again in 2009. So my New Year’s resolution is:
“I resolve to be fitter in body, mind and spirit. To be kind in action, truthful in speech, generous in sharing, considerate towards others, happy at heart, peaceful in mindfulness, content with every moment, and wise in the choices I make.”
I invite you to take a moment to review the year, the month, the week, or even the day that’s past. What have you lost? What have you gained? What have you taken? What have you given? What have you learnt? What have you shared? Think about the person you were, and the person you are. Reflect on where you were, and where and how you stand now. Look at how far you have come.
Inspire yourself to travel the journey ahead, and motivate yourself to improve on the person you are and the situation you are in. Know that perfection and completion begins and ends one step at a time.
Whatever resolution and wishes you make, I hope they come true for you.
