Kung Hei Fat Choi! It's the Year of the Water Dragon!

New year has past but the Chinese New Year is still to come. Though not a Chinese and I’m more into the Japanes culture, I look forward to celebrating the Chinese New Year especially when it’s the Year of the Water Dragon (hey, that’s my sign!). Some say we’re going to be lucky, some say it’s our obstacle year. Heck, whatever the outcome or ending that we’ll see, here are some of my resolution/goals (some which are simply recycled) for this year:

Be a wee bit more choosy.

I had been lenient for the past two years in favor of being considerate and generous but I realized now that I should have stuck to the standards I have set, especially for myself. Therefore, I will be more critical. I will heed my intuition. I will not spill all my guts. I will not settle for less – especially when I’ve seen the best. I will be more discerning of my actions. I have a rather eccentric list, so let’s all cross our fingers that I can keep them.

Lose weight.

My progress to slimville is kind of slow and my commitment wavers as often as the weather changes. I hope a friend’s dare to wear a two-piece to the beach will inspire me ward off my sleepiness and get back to exercising. Weh!

Strive for Transparency, Integrity and Consistency.

Others, myself included would often still refer to me as somehow mysterious despite being outgoing most of the time. While there are some things that ought to be kept to myself, I realized nowadays how important it is to be truthful – that is, to be consistent with what one thinks, says and does. Don’t want to mislead people around with my intentions, words and actions that strongly contradict each other, because I wouldn’t want that vice versa. Unless we’re talking about getting into character for a play, duality is not an option.

Be more bad ass!

This year is the time to further break the norms! Bring on that red lipstick! Reek sarcasm!  Be stubborn to the core! Got to extend an arm further out of my comfort  zone and befriend my shadows. The night is young so let’s embrace our dark sides! While I fancy myself as some sort of devil’s advocate, I have no intetion of turning cruel, mind you. That’s something you wouldn’t really want to go to.

Be more positive. Exude good vibes.

That includes avoiding excruciating sad love songs that ought to be reserved in preparing to internalize some dramatic role. Got to think positive to attract some smooth flowing chi to sweep me off my feet. So cheers to happiness!

Stick to your principles.

These are my non-negotiables. The tried-and-tested theories – theories which sometimes make me sad because they always prove to be true you can almost make it a laws. Don’t want to waste what I have learned from my mistakes and from the wisdom of the selected few I heed to. Saves me from head/heart ache. Reserve the energy for key battles that matter most to me. Ikwayo!

Less party, save more.

I think I partied way too much to the end of 2011. I’m a few years away from supposed financial stability and it seems like I’m closer to poverty and nothingness. Oh, well. Got to keep my health and wealth in good state if I want to do more.

Do what you love. Follow your heart (but take your head with you).

Write. Write. Write. Read, Sing, Act, Dance, Draw. Laugh. Imagine. Cultivate and nourish the friendships and connections I’ve built over the years. Love wisely. BE DONE WITH IT. I’ve been taking notes of small progresses and reflections in my journal and my planner to keep track and remind me of all the things that keep me afloat (and avoid those which weigh me down). Older and wiser folks keep telling me I’m too young and I ought to explore. Undeniably true. Don’t just dream – make them come alive! *fist up in the air*

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Those are just the highlights of my new year's resolutions list. I’ve been travelling a lot already (international travel awaits, and I’m out to get my passport) and I’m very slowly building foundations of "projects" I’ve long wanted to get moving. I have to pass the torch next to some of these to others so that I can focus on things I know I am more passionate about and have a strong grip in my heart. Like posting in this blog for instance. Happy new year, people! Rawrrrr! 

hmm...this dragon's a bit western though. =)