Saturday, December 13, 2008

New Year's Resolutions

It's getting towards the end of the year. And I won't lie, 2008 hasn't been the best. There have been many struggles, many sacrifices, many losses. There has been humility given out by the fistful, too many tears, too much heartache.

And with the end of the year comes reflection and hope. While I haven't taken the time to read through my posts from 2008, I have begun to think about what I want out of 2009. There is the possibility of going back to Kenya, a place where my heart is still kept, where I still long to be. There is the possibility of Spain. There is Vegas, Chicago, Fargo... There will be new jobs, new adventures, new loves, new heartaches. And instead of making the traditional New Year's Resolutions which are bound to fail, I came across some mantras from the Dalai Lama. Perhaps these should be the goals I have for myself in 2009:


1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R's:
Respect for self
Respect for others and
Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.


2 comments:

Unknown said...

I <3 the Dali Lama! Wise words! And I <3 you too...

King of New York Hacks said...

Nice list, I'll print it an put it in someone stocking this year.