New Year Resolutions

Lets be realistic here. No one really ever sticks to their New Year Resolutions. Alright alright, maybe a handful of you ultra determined and maybe superhuman individuals here. Personally, I've never really stuck to any of my New Year Resolutions. Maybe they were atrociously ambitious. I decided to analyze them to... you know... reflect and be a better person.

I still remember penning down New Year Resolutions in early 2014 and thinking to myself... hmmmm... this year feels kinda different. It was one of those liberated, I-wanna-conquer-the-world moments we've all encountered at least once. Resolutions always seem so damn possible at the brink of a new year.

This year is particularly different.

Thou shall not give up.
Thou cannot give up.

Cause I'm in my freaking mid twenties dammit. Yeah your girl here is no longer that 18yo bubbly thing.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

So back to my topic... previous New Year Resolutions include the following (not in chronological order)


- To graduate (done)
- Abs all year round (only maintained it for a few months boohoo)
- To regain physical flexibility (nope, not even close)
- To stop cabbing unless in danger/chased by weirdos/any other legitimate reasons other than being late (almost there)
- Healthier skin (mmm hmmm)
- Less stress (done)
- Smart work not hard work (and I go ahead to fill up every waking hour with activities and work)
- Close down social media accounts (I know right)
- To have a minimal amount of clothes and shoes (working towards that)

As you can see, most of them need calculated steps to be accomplished. And not many of such "calculated steps" were actually executed evidently.


And so....

after analyzing and doing some pretty deep reflections, I decided to set aside some goals for 2015. Achievable, pragmatic and humanely possible ones that wouldn't involve a shrinking wallet or an insane workout routine that would quite possibly break my aging back and knees. No joke, I actually felt a pang of pain in my knees after a bus ride home. Never used to happen. Uh oh.


2015 would be a year of simplicity, both mentally and physically.
But as usual, peppered with a lot more creative work.


I want to be relaxed, to live and breathe what I do like how I've always been. I want to be less concerned about how people look at me, to not feel so obliged to do things all the time. I want to stop living under expectations of people who don't directly matter and to focus on the few who have actually stuck through it all.

I started the new year with a tonne of closures. Even though it pains me to move on, I know things are gonna be better. It has already begun, with so many opportunities being thrown my way. I'm just..... beyond thankful and grateful for everything so far. Things has been going so well that I don't even know how to react sometimes. I just freeze and start hyperventilating when it happens hahahaha. God just supplies, and supplies. Its crazy. And I know that another door will open for me instantaneously when one closes.



Wherever you are right now, whatever situation that you're in..... 

I want you to know that things are going to be okay. Keep your chin up, stay optimistic and never ever let people dictate what you can or cannot do. Hear this from me, because I've had too many people slam a door of rejection in my face. I've had too many people around me say that I won't be able to learn how to use a DSLR, do well in school, play various instruments or even survive in the creative industry.

I've gone far ahead to prove them wrong.

I've taught hyperactive teenagers about technical specifications of the DSLR, guiding them until they successfully execute photoshoots on their own and coming up with photos far beyond expectations. I've gone from getting shitty grades during my olevels to getting high distinctions in most modules in my diplomas and degrees. I've picked up musical instruments along the years through sheer stubbornness/refusal to just sit still and insatiable curiosity. I've gathered years of work experience and a strong portfolio even though I'm technically a fresh graduate.







So seriously, never ever let someone dictate what you can or cannot do. 


Always cradle childlike faith. 2015 is going to be kickass, only if you allow it to be. Your life is going to improve, when you believe it is going to. Surround yourself with people who radiate positive energy, and be very selective on what you watch/read/say. I don't know about you as I grow older, I realize that our opinions of others don't really hold any weight. What holds weight would be what our opinions can do, to make things or the lives around us better. I know my opinions are not significant in this brutal virtual world. 

What's so significant then? 

I'd say that its the personal relationships beyond those carefully curated boxes on Instagram. The genuine smiles you give and receive, the encouragement you've shown to someone who can do nothing for you. I value the conversations that do not hold any ounce of biasness or finger pointing. I value those who bother to look beyond this online persona. Those of you who come up to me to say hi, trust me... I might just be equally shy as you are. And I value each and every single one of you, because I'll never be here without you guys. We often forget that we do live in an offline world. Numbers matter, but they will only remain a number if you do not render positive impact. I am thankful for all the love and opportunities in 2014. Moving forward, I am excited for 2015. With bigger projects and collaborations to come, to better relationships with my loved ones.

I want to try to understand things even when I don't. Sometimes its not about winning or losing. 
We don't need to win all the time. Learn to let go of people, when they've already let go of you.

Most of the time, we're clearly aware about the best thing to do at any given situation, but fail to do it. We know what we should say or should not say, but can't seem to mince our words. We lose friendships over mindless things, we don't attempt to fix relationships out of prideful tendencies. I urge you to make resolutions to change that, to change the way you see the world. To indulge in bettering yourself, to learn a new skill instead of whining about boredom.






Its been awhile since I've written something so lengthy! I'd love to hear about your thoughts on New Year Resolutions, or if this entry resonated with you at any point. Or something simple like hows your day, or if you chanced upon any quotes that shook you. Comment below!