2012 is the year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese Zodiac. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who wake up in the dawn of 2012 and felt happy, as if a really good year was ahead of us. Whether that's true or just an illusion, we are yet to see, but generally speaking we live what we feel, so I am sure it will be a good year. After all, the Dragon is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. London's going to be an even more special place as this year the much awaited Olympic Games are taking place and many more celebrations and opportunities to declare 2012 a truly great year!
It is also my 32nd year of life on this planet. And what a ride these 32 years have been. I kind of lost the appeal to celebrate my birthday by getting drunk and trying to make a big deal out of it, instead trying harder to be grateful that another year has passed and I am still alive, healthy and happy and surrounded by good friends. But in all honesty, being in my early thirties is the best thing ever. A survey conducted on 1,500 British women, found that 38 per cent who said they felt most attractive in their early thirties attributed it to the confidence gained from experience, an active love life and eating and drinking sensibly*. Which thakes me to the subject of setting up objectives for this year, but not before looking back at 2011.
They say a great method of progressing is by looking at previous year's achievments and failures.
In terms of achievements I think one of the most important one is the charity trekking that I completed in Ethiopia at the beginning of the year. And as much as the trekking was a physical challenge, even more exausting and at the same time rewarding was the fundraising part. Why this has been important to me? Because I have never done anything of the sort and by achieving my target I set up new standards of self esteem, which helped me progress through the year. Also because it was ten times harder to achieve £3000 without a corporate sponsorship and I owe it to all my friends who made it possible. Another success to note: the quality of all the people in my live!
2011 was also a good year professionally. For the first time in a very long time I am in a place where I feel like I can stick around. I was beginning to worry that there was something wrong with me by wanting to change jobs all the time. Phew, it wasn't! But another lesson has been learned in the process: it takes two to tango. No matter how good a team and management you may have, it takes a bit of effort from yourself too to make things work best. And the other way around. Anyway, I consider myself lucky to be in a good place right now! So there, another tick!
I am also pleased I made an effort into filling up my free time with useful things, such as the Styling Course I am about to complete.
2011 was also the beginning of a healthier lifestyle. Since from about September (following the most severe hangover of my existence), I took working out seriously and it has now became an imbedded part of my life. This new commitment brought in a serious decrease in smoking (I am now oficcialy a social smoker only!) and moderation in drinking. I still do have a big night once in a while but far more seldom than in the past. And not only that I feel healthier, but, in my humble opinion, my looks have also improved and I can't imagine my life now without a toned body. And yes, now I can do press-ups. About 15 of them if I really try.
And since you're all wondering I'm sure, yes, my lovelife has also taken a step upwards by stagnating a bit in 2011. Because it really needed a break! And a slap on the back! Now it may be allowed to get out of confinement. If it behaves. that is. I spent most of 2011 making small mistakes and adjusting course along the way, not punishing myself for them anymore, loving myself more than before and valuing myself for the real qualities that I have, have always been there, but I was too blind to see, by enjoying my solitude, making the most of it and not complaining anymore! Because I finally understood every stage in life is precious and it should be enjoyed!
To be honest, 2011 has indeed been a great year for me (much unlike 2010 which was a tad bitter). So I found it rather hard to see failures. There were of course of few. Such as falling out with people in a nasty way and not being able to let go very easily. Or getting upset more than necessary about little things. Or not having put that much effort into things as I should have done. Or not having been in touch a bit more with people. Or having been too judgemental sometimes... But these are all good learnings, which I am planning to implement in 2012.
So here it is, a small list of what I want to achieve this year:
- Health plans: stick to my gym routine and add at least one challenge: I am thinking about a half marathon. Go to at least one surf and one ski trip this year, do more climbing, take tango lessons.
- Career: keep progressing at work, get more involved, add more value, improve as a professional, but also start doing something with my styling as a free time activity.
- Culture: make a point of doing at least one significant cultural thing a month and go to the Opera at least once every three months.
- Learn a new language: I've decided it will be Portuguese!
- Writing: so I can get my writing to take off, this year I must attend more writers' meetings and participate to a couple of short stories competitions. I also can announce that a character has been born in 2012 and she is a mix between Bridget Jones and Lisbeth Salander. Watch this space!
- Personal development: stop judging others and jump to conclusions, be more tolerant, love more people, spend money more wisely, give back to society, be happy most of the days.
- Love: just give it without expecting anything in return. One day it will come back to me...
- Travelling: this year I have two destinationsin mind: USA and Argentina. I am fantasising about a Thelma and Louise road trip through America (or at least a long week-end to New York and another one to Vegas to start with) and a week of tango-ing my way through Buenos Aires!
And that should be more than a handful! :)
Peace and love in 2012 everyone!
January is named after the god Janus, who is usually depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions – one into the future and one into the past. This unique viewpoint makes January a great time for learning lessons from your past and applying them to the future (The Independent).
