Reflections for the Year 2011

Welly is back with some thoughts on what 2011 might be like. It could be full of twists and turns and may even surprise us all. But who really knows what is in store for you, me, your friends, and your loved ones. However, there are some things that we can all do to make 2011 the best it can be for us. Here are my new year resolutions for 2011 that I hope will serve me well and lead me to more prosperity and happiness:

1. It's okay to take "me" time! I have heard countless times that people need to devote themselves to their significant others to be happy. I don't agree with that. I think people must make sure they are happy and balanced in all facets of life, before they can truly serve and be there for others. Personally speaking, I had let my physical health deteriorate since my university days in Canada. I gained weight with my wife when she was pregnant, and kept on doing so for 6 years after that! This December, I made me first serious commitment to getting leaner and more fit and it has been a major success so far. Not only do I look better, but i feel better too. It has had a major impact on other areas of my life. Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe that one should serve those in need and help society in general to be better off. But it takes a healthy self first, before you can truly be your best when serving others.
   
2. Appreciate the here and now. There has been many moments in my life when I have felt as though my life was passing me by. It was like I was on auto-pilot, moving, but without any sense of being able to steer where I was going, or how fast I was traveling. Schedules and routine can be very useful and necessary, but sometimes you need to get off the treadmill. Treadmills are great for exercise, but you never move forward if you are always on them. Take a moment and step off. Appreciate what you have around you and take in the sights and smells of your journey. Sometimes, that may be as simple as getting up early and watching the sun rise over the water. Maybe it is taking a moment to appreciate those close to you. Stop and show them how you feel. Believe me when I say having a life plan is important, but don't be too busy for the here and now. You only get one chance to experience the present, don't let it slip by and then regret missing it.
   
3. Create (or refine) your life plan. Life plan, goals, aspirations, whatever you want to call it, it doesn't matter, but you should always have a plan in terms of what you are striving for. The best way to create this is to break up your life into its various components. Think about your physical, mental, spiritual, career, family and love sectors. What is it that you wish to achieve (or maintain) in each of these spheres. People with a healthy balance make sure to address each of these areas, without overcompensating or neglecting any areas. This has been a challenge for me personally, as i feel a few of these areas have been left with little attention and guidance. No better time then the present to start remedying this situation. If you want some good inspiration, Robin Sharma, Stephen Covey and other leadership and motivational authors are great at helping you begin to set a clear path towards excellence in life.
   
4. Live life by your values. I have faced many challenges in my life, and when I was younger, I decided to take the wrong path, the choice of less resistance, but it was usually the wrong thing to do. Instead of living by my core values, I acted against them. Afterward, I felt a nagging rotten feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew I acted wrongly, and my body and soul was telling me so. Over time, I have strengthened my determination to live life by my values, not willing to compromise who I am and what I stand for. It may mean facing unfair scrutiny and being seen as an outlier as you stand alone at times. But if you act within your values, you will be at peace with yourself. Remember, who do you spend the most time with... you of course!
   
5. Have fun! What needs to be said here... live life to the fullest. Take time to enjoy your loved ones and the pleasures of life. Life isn't worth living if you cannot enjoy it.

The year is young. You make your destiny. You control your life. No one else does. The world cannot hold you down, only you can. The year 2011 is likely to be full of fun, achievement and love, but it will also bring challenges, heartbreak and loss. How you decide to face these occurrences will make all the difference. If you are healthy, striving towards your life plan, living life by your core values, while having fun and enjoying the journey - life will never get you down. You will be unstoppable and undeniable. Reach for the stars. Achieve your dreams.

Welly's out.