2014 New Year’s Resolutions

I’m not sure if I should even attempt to write my resolutions this year. I did one last year and wasn’t able to do everything on my list. However, I did try my best and that might still be worth some points (pat on the back, Kelly–that’s part of my 2013 resolutions, by the way: not to be too hard on myself). On top of my list last year was to learn how to drive, which sadly, I am still not able to do. I tried it once, and got scared and nervous so now I really refuse to do it. But all the other things on my list I was able to work on–like learning how to cook, completing my home (almost there), going on my honeymoon, planning ahead and saving for something big. I was also able to work on improving bad habits like procrastinating and being hard on myself (as I mentioned just now), which I haven’t completely eliminated but I’m getting there I think.

2013 was a big learning experience for me. It was my first year to be married, to move to our own apartment and then our own house, to take on a creative styling post (for www.pormada.com), to juggle all these jobs, to live in a house without household help, to learn how to manage time and stress, and to really focus on being healthy and fit. I really felt like I’ve pushed myself harder than any other time in my life, and though it has helped me learn SO MUCH, I feel like this year I should relax and ease up on work. I feel like I should assess my priorities this year and devote my time to only important things. With that in mind, here are my 2014 resolutions (good luck to me):

1. Know my limits. Last year I developed vertigo, which I found out was stress-related. I took on so much work that I was wasn’t getting enough sleep or eating right. I made everything my #1 priority, which was completely wrong, because I’m supposed to be my first priority. And so this year I promise not to overwork myself–setting proper work hours should do it, as well as not answering work-related texts/messages/emails after dinner. I am after all, not a machine, but a person who also needs to relax, unwind and sleep!

2. Stay healthy and fit. I already started on this due to my health issues last year, and this year I choose to continue it. Getting into Bikram yoga and Pilates was the best decision I’ve made, and really, I feel stronger because of it. I was thinking maybe after a few months I could try something new, like swimming or biking. In the meantime, these de-stressing exercises should continue to do me good.

3. Focus on the positive. Honestly, this can be difficult to do sometimes, especially when I am tired or stressed. But it is do-able! Positive thoughts bring on positive actions so lets push for this on 2014!!!

4. Spend more time with friends. This is something I really wasn’t able to do last year, because I was so busy. I realise that friendship requires time for it to grow and flourish, so I should really make an effort to message my buddies for a meet-up! After all, what would we be without our best friends?

5. Seek inspiration. Being inspired is one of the best feelings in the world, but I don’t necessarily feel this way everyday. For this, I feel like I have to surround myself with beautiful thoughts, ideas, things and people–of course, for this I don’t only mean beautiful physically, but also mentally and spiritually.

6. Listen and be more present. This means spending less time on my phone and more time conversing with people. I feel like I miss out on what’s really happening around me when I text, What’s App, tweet, Facebook, or look at photos of people I hardly know on Instagram. What a waste! I promise to be more present, especially with my friends. No more reaching for that damn phone!

7. Get involved with charities, good causes. This is something I feel I’ve never really sought. Of course, whenever there are calamities and disasters, I am quick to give and help out, but this should be a regular thing. The Philippines needs help in so many ways and I really ought to get involved in more causes.