Every holiday that we celebrate means something different to different people. But of all the holidays that I celebrate, New Year's Eve is perhaps the most important to me. A new year marks a new beginning, a fresh start or the opportunity to start all over again. The truth is that ever since I was little I have always looked forward to this important date.
New Year's Eve is not a small thing. For me, it is the perfect opportunity to think about the things that I did right the year before and the things I can improve going forward. Indeed, it is a time of reflection. For example, every new year I come up with 12 things that I want to accomplish: my resolutions. I chose 12 because the calendar has 12 months. I figured that if I can accomplish one thing per month, I will be in pretty good shape. In 2011 some of my New Year's resolutions included being able to finish college and to do well at work. And while I did not finish college in 2011, I did win a scholarship to study at Vassar College, a liberal arts school in Poughkeepsie, NY. Just like education, work is also very important to me. To some extent everyone in the U.S. is experiencing some type of hardship due to the high unemployment rate. So to have a job for me is truly a blessing. For this reason, I put a lot of effort into my work every day so that I can continue to be self-sufficient.
My goals, be they small or big, have allowed me to keep track of where I am and where it is I want to go. Your goals – or resolutions, whichever you prefer – do not have to be big or unrealistic (If they are, rest assured that you will feel defeated way before you have had a chance to start). Your goals can be as small as getting to your appointments or meetings on time or meeting deadlines, provided this is something you want to improve. Your goals can also be related to your family and friends. For example, you can start by asking for forgiveness if you have made a mistake in the past. Or, you can start by reconnecting with an old friend or mentor that you know you should have called or written to but have not had a chance. If you do come up with goals, and more importantly, you have hope for the future, I can definitely tell you that you will start feeling empowered once again. You, like me, will have the energy and courage to take on those challenges – whatever they are – head on.
So my hope for the new year is not that the world comes to an end (this has been predicted numerous times), but that children, youth, and their families continue to be optimistic about their futures in spite of the current economic, housing, and employment situations. I say this because as Desmond Tutu states, "[there] is [really] no future without forgiveness." Or, in our case, without hope for the future.
For my New Year's resolution, I would like to do many things; especially the things that will be listed. First off, I would like to lose weight. The medication I am currently on has caused me a lot of health issues and excessive weight gain. I promised my father that I would make exercising one of my top priorities before he passed away. I would like to be more attractive and live a long healthy life. I am going to a gym near where I live; that way I can succeed at keeping my promise.
Second, I would like to work on my guitar skills; the reason I would like to do this is because I have a keen ear for music. I am very creative and my dad liked when I would play. I am going to continue my journey with my guitar. On December 6th I received an early Christmas gift; it was a videogame called Rock Smith. It helps teach new guitar players and even experts how to play better. If you like guitar I would recommend this game.
Third, I would like to improve my writing skills. My dad was always intrigued by how well I could use words in such a unique manner. I am currently working on a book. It is about demonic battles between good and evil. It was inspired by my dreams and my own twist on the revelations; although I have quite a ways to go before I can publish it. I would like to make four different books that revolve around the first book. I would also like to do self-help books because of my experiences through life.
Finally, I would like to say that I am going to do my best from now to the day I die to continue my journey of achieving my dreams and being successful. Thanks to my loving mother and my deceased father, I have lived a very enriched and exciting life. I thank them for everything. I would like to devote my life to my family friends and dreams.
I only have one important wish for all Pathways readers – please know that your life is always worth living. Things always get better right after you hit rock bottom; being on the bottom may last for a long time, but I have learned from my life experiences that things can and do get better. I wish you all the best and hope your New Year's wishes come true.