So the Cuba post below was actually written somewhere around Boxing Day... but then procrastination got in the way, as usual.
It's also that time of the year where I go back to the January blog and try to find out what my resolutions were last year, time for a little bit of retrospective. Apparently, I was supposed to be more independent (drive myself, etc) this past year and do more charitable works. I'm actually impressed by the sensible resolutions I made... although I haven't really been that independent. BUT I have been giving back a bit more and volunteering a bit more in 2010 - it's not much but it's a step forward in the right direction, now that we're in 2011 it doesn't mean I'll stop trying to be more independent and volunteering, it will just become a habit.
What new habit then do I want to introduce in my life for 2011? Well the resolutions are going to be simple and sensible again:
- eat healthier and have a healthier way of life
- develop a financial plan and stick to it
It's going to be quite challenging because both require self-discipline, which is something that I'm learning to develop. As it turns out, self-discipline only kicks in when I live by myself, as a key survival skill. Another secret resolution I had in 2010 was to be more open to new activities and experience more new things, be more of a yes-person. I've did quite a bit, actually, with that, and am glad that I'm filling up my year with lots of memories. Be they good or bad, they make up a colorful year. I wish I had realized this a little bit earlier in life. I saw some articles about writing to your 16-year-old-self today on the Montreal Gazette and found the idea really interesting. Here is what I would write to my 16-year-old-self.
Hello 16-year-old-me
You're now finishing high school and moving onto a new chapter in your education. You've spent that last five years focusing on academics, reading novels, day dreaming and maintaining a busy online social life - you've been told and convinced that Phys Ed is not important throughout grade school. Here is the truth - it is important. It's important for you to develop self-confidence, and truthfully, you're really not that bad. Pick up a sport, any sport, and practice it. You will be happy you did while lessons are deeply discounted for students in Quebec. You'll be happy to have a reason to regularly exercise for the rest of your life.
About your social life. Take your time - I know you think the people you meet now mean the world to you. The reality is you will have friends that are close to you in different stages of life. They will make you learn more about yourself, and you will figure out what works and very quickly, what does not work for you. Be bold, be truthful to yourself, and do not waste time because you are afraid to hurt other people, it doesn't get better in the long run.
So, do say yes to trying out new things. Get out of your comfort zone, be less of the cynical person you are and meet new people.
What will you be? You will be glad to know that you've grown a bit more thick skinned and no longer have the pimples you thought were never going to leave your face. You've still never really figured out what to do as a career but you've ended up in a good place, although you used to think accountants are boring people doing things that will eventually be performed by computers. Your Least Effort Principle still works and serves you well, and you are happy to count your blessings since even though you've had a few regrets, you've turned out just fine. It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride, everything everything will be just fine, everything everything will be alright.
Your 27-year-old-self.
my eyes!
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