Looking Back at 2008

Source: Dreamstime.com by Madelaide

The year 2008, on personal level, has been a difficult year. Thinking back of what happened for the past twelve months, I respond with mixed feelings but overall, it can be said that I have been physically, mentally and spiritually challenged most of the time.

Of 2008:

1. I had plenty of rest. I didn't get much rest for as long as I can remember (well, definitely for the last seven years). This is a year that I actually feel laid back (mostly because I didn't rush for deadlines), slowing down my pace of life and enjoying little things like drinking a cup of tea in the morning after waking up and reading few pages of a book before sleeping at night. Blissful, I tell you, simply blissful.

2. I had traveled extensively. I crossed several continents and countless countries in a span of four months. Tired? yes. Delighted? hell yes. Since young, I have a passion for traveling but due to education commitment, I didn't get to appreciate it until this year. I have learned new cultures, picked up new languages, enjoyed breathtaking scenery and even encountered natural disasters.

3. I acquired ample knowledge about health issues, from my own experiences as well as friends and family. I had been visiting the hospital so frequently this year that it is ridiculously not funny. I am not at the liberty to discuss this; therefore, i will not elaborate more.

Source: Colorcubic.com

Anyway, the world is experiencing such instability and who seriously know what 2009 will bring. Personally, in the coming year, I hope I will not receive depressing news too often. Finally, what's the best way to end the year other than new year's resolutions? My compiled list of new year's resolutions is below.

In 2009, I want to:

1. Plan a healthy lifestyle for myself and the family or at least to encourage the family to adopt a healthier lifestyle.With family members scattered around the globe, I know the previous resolution can be difficult to attain.

2. Find a job. Gaining an entry-level position (of my desired profession and suits my qualification) in an MNC. May I add, the 'desired profession' is believed to be operating in a niche market in Singapore arghh.

3. Be happy. I want to be more optimistic by thinking the bright sides of life. I will calm down, and not panic, every time I read or heard something unfavorable. Yes, I desperately in need of nerves management.

4. Take up volunteer work. Up till this moment, I use my parents' hard-earned money to donate as an act of charity. From next year, I would like to give back to the society by doing something more meaningful; I have been offered to attend a volunteering orientation in February.

That's all folks. Thank you(s) for reading my personal statement. If this blog survives another year, I will definitely review the above new year's resolutions.