New Year Check List

Well, like every other year that I am destined to be a part of, 2012 also drew to a close.

Come New Years Day and every one is talking about New Year Resolutions...ranging from simple things like being punctual to slightly tougher ones like losing weight and really complex ones like career shifts...

Of course there is one category that does not believe in them or rather simply do not have any.

I should mention about the self-declared enlightened souls for whom New Years Day is just another day in the calendar and God knows why there is such a lot of hoo-haa all over the globe!

The media is abuzz with umpteen Top Ten lists of 2012. Top Ten movies (Best and Worst), Top ten events, etc etc....

I was thinking of what to put in a New Years post and I thought of an exercise we could all do...

1. Take a piece of paper and chalk out a list of things that you did in 2012 that you feel genuinely good about. 
2. It could be an achievement, a new learning , a kind act, anything.
3. Take some time to go through the list.
4. Then make a list of things you want to do in 2013.
5. On the last day of every month , take that list out and check if you have actually done something in the direction you wanted.

New Experiences: One need not go on an expedition to Mt Everest to get what we call 'experience'. Its relative to what each person has been doing. A simple act like tasting a new fruit for the first time is an experience in its own right. What is imperative is being conscious of every new experience and having the attitude to relish and appreciate it.

A helping hand, a listening ear: The happiness, a selfless act done for someone else brings, is immaculate. Even when a mountain of worry is taunting you, if you help someone, the smile of gratitude would make you a thousand times lighter. There are million ways in which we can make a difference in the world we live in. Donate to an orphanage, join an NGO for volunteering, spread some literacy around or simply visit the nearest hospital once in a while and donate blood. Even if all this is impossible , one of the easiest things to do is provide some kindness and warmth. A simple 'Good Morning' to the old man in the wheelchair whom you see everyday on your way to work would be a noble act.

Some 'Me' time: A lot has been written about the rat race of today's materialistic world that everyone is entangled in. Often one forgets to spare some time to do the things we love to do, that gives us a great amount of peace and happiness. It could be painting for some and poetry to others. Indulge in this 'Me Time' activity regularly. Life would be more stress free.

A little Learning: Knowing new things not only empowers us but instills a whole lot of confidence.The greatest and eternal teacher is life itself.  Often a small amount of retrospection can teach us so many new things. Something I have often heard quoted is 'No learning goes a waste'. If there is some desire you hold to learn something - say to play the guitar or may be Karate(could not think of anything else at the moment) , GO FOR IT.

Thats just a few I could think of.

Before I sign off on this post, just a final line ( Now that I have gotten into a super-preach-mode Somebody stop me!! :) )

We cannot possibly change the circumstances around us but how we react to any situation is entirely in OUR CONTROL.

Wishing you all 

Excellent Health,

Prosperity,

A whole lot of fun

And Never Ending Happiness

In 2013.

Happy New Year