Opening my eyes, before I got to the part where I had to clean up the mess, I decided to pen my thoughts. Retrospectively viewing these very experiences, the good and bad alike, has helped me chart my course for the future. Analyzing the experiences that subconsciously drive us, and I believe we are the product of our experiences, has truly helped me better understand myself.
At this stage, I'm already thinking of my objectives for 2008. And trust me, it beats cleaning up a cake that has blown up in your oven. Back to the subject at hand, I believe that while setting goals it's important to remember that the experience of working towards the goal is the most important part. Meeting the goal itself is secondary to the lessons we learn in getting to the summit.
As you work your way through your goals, don't be overly critical of yourself – remember, hindsight is always 20-20, take each day as it comes, and when things come at you too fast, it's okay to cry. The important thing is that you learn to end those tears with a smile or a laugh at how silly you feel for taking life so seriously. Let these experiences inspire you to jumpstart yourself when you are wondering whether to begin that new project, or do that wild and crazy thing that you always wondered about but were too afraid to try. Life is about risk and adventure and looking at the world around you and taking that deep breath ... and rather than being overwhelmed by it, stretching your arms out to embrace it. As Henry Ford said – "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." Choose to think that you can – and you will.
Earlier this year, I saw the movie - "The Pursuit of Happyness", which got me thinking. The movie is based on a true story about a man who has to surmount great adversity in his quest to attain success. Despite his troubles, the protagonist continues to honor his commitment as a loving and caring father, using the affection and trust his son has placed in him as an impetus to overcome the obstacles he faces. Life is about believing in oneself, not losing sight of your goals despite the troubles that threaten to undermine your very existence, and using each experience as a lesson to better yourself. For yourself, in your reality, pursue happiness. Step up and do what makes you happy.
I guess I'm putting down a little of the advice I need to be taking. This year, all of us have new mountains to scale, new oceans to sail, new experiences to appreciate, new people to meet, new ideas to think and all this one day at a time. To all of you reading this - make 2008 the year you pursue "happyness"!
