A Fresh Start

by Stepney Glory-Emeh

First day out of a possible 365, as I lay down on my bed and hear the rumblings of fire crackers and exploding of rockets with the fizzling of the beautiful sparkles they create, I feel a sense of renewal hovering in the air. A new dawn is upon us.

Hurray! We all made it through the past year, through the good and the bad, through smiles and frowns, through laughter and tears; we made it and we are here! Phones start ringing, messages are being sent, pleasantries are being exchanged and our loved ones are being reminded of how much we care for them.

With every new year, with that sense of renewal hovering in the air,  come the new year's resolutions, aspirations, goals and commitments. While we bask in and enjoy the well deserved euphoria, it is important to note down a few things.

1. The first day of every year although a brand new year is literally just another day and no matter how much we wish and hope, things will not automatically change just because it is a new year, the work and strategy have to be put in place for things to actually change.

2. A mental picture has to be taken of the previous year and in this picture you should highlight your successes and failures; note in particular your failures. Pinpoint your highest and best achievement and also your lowest and most disappointing moment. Try and put into perspective, the events that surrounded both moments, what things brought about your successes that were solely dependent on you? Those things have to be reinforced. What things brought about your failures that were dependent on you? Those things have to be discarded. Surely there would have been moments that were independent of whatever you did or did not do and for those moments we can only pray for better luck this year

3. For the new year, write down all your resolutions and goals, if possible give them time limits. While doing this know that you may not achieve all of them and that is perfectly okay, the most important thing is to get a blue print of what you want your year to look like. Take every day as it comes - the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, strive to improve yourself daily and learn from every experience.

4. Learn to do things you have not done before. It might be learning a new language or how to play an instrument, getting more involved in the politics, trying out new meals, travelling. For things you already do, strive to do more. Are you a reader? Read more... Are you a writer? Write more... Do you give alms to the less privileged? Give more... Are you a lover? Love more!

It's a new year man!!! I am stocked, I feel everyone around me glowing with positive energy for the year and I'll like to say that no matter how the year eventually goes, one phrase shall remain solidly on my lips... WE MOVE!

Next