2010 was a big year. Graduation, interviews, landing the perfect job, traveling, final year on Impact etc. Now the question is, how can I top it in 2011? My year is no longer defined by coop terms and four month semesters at Waterloo. I truly believe that these couple of years after University are going to be the best years. There’s so much freedom to explore new passions, hobbies and pursue interests without many boundaries. Looking forward, here are some things I’m hoping to do in 2011.

1. Eat more greens - Trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle has got to be on the top of my list every single year. I’m more motivated than ever, but the important part is maintaining it for longer than just a month of two. Kicking off the new year with a good start, with an unlimited pass to hot yoga and eating less but more frequent portions throughout the day. Also finding it that it helps immensely if you have friends going through the same thing too to keep your mojo going on days when you’d rather do nothing else than play wii all day (guilty pleasure).

2. Make better use of my kitchen – I spent a few hours this weekend catching up with my best friend who’s a know it all in organic and vegan land. It was an awesome experience, bonding while creating new dishes (you’re looking at the proud chef of an eggplant curry and mushroom & leek risotto – mm!). We’re determined to make this a bi-weekly get together which gives us a good chance to catch up since she’s moved away and spend some meaningful time together!

3. Spend time on what matters - I’ve always had such an issue with prioritizing all the things I want to do, and saying “no” once in a while. It’s such an important balance to be able to get all of the important things done while still being able to do what you really want to do. It’s going to be an interesting internal battle.

4. Blog - I love to write. I love to blog. I have a vision of how I want my blog to look and it’s nowhere close to that yet which is exciting because it’ll be a personal mini project going on all the time. I want to make sure that I’m blogging more frequently and consistently, regardless of whether people are reading it or not. It’s my space to share my thoughts and views without censorship.

5. Read - As much as I love to write, I also love to read. One of the things I want to do is create a review section of all of the latest books I’ve been reading, and actively update the list as I complete another one off of my reading list. I’m still debating whether or not I want to go electronic on my books. I still somehow can’t fathom the idea of not being able to hold my book, post it pages of inspiration or that I want to get back to later, and feeling the satisfaction of turning the last page.

6. Immerse Myself in my Cultural Roots – I’m a proud Chinese born Canadian, but I want to dive deep down into my cultural roots. I’ve only begun on this path of self-discovery and it’s been fascinating so far. This year is the Year of the Rabbit and I’ll be volunteering at Yee Hong’s 22nd Dragonball event for the second time. It’s an amazing night to give back to the seniors (I also have personal ties as my grandparents are cared for there). I’ve also started taking conversational Mandarin lessons which will prove handy when I go to China later this year for the first time ever. I’ll be working with Mon Sheong’s Youth Group and bringing 20 other University/College students for a two week educational trip focusing on the cultural experience. I can’t wait!

7. Catch more zZz’s – It’s crazy how much more productive you can be if you’re well rested from the night before. I’ve always been someone that just needs a bit of sleep to get by and would rather stay up all night finishing something (or procrastinating) rather than waking up early in the morning the next day.  But since I’ve gotten into the work routine, I’m finding that sleeping by 11pm – 7am is my magic formula.

8. Don’t be afraid of seafood – Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve never enjoyed eating seafood. And because of that, I’m always questioned about why I don’t eat it and there isn’t really a good reason aside from the fact that I just don’t like it. It’s about time I get rid of the bad habit and ask to pass the fish rather than the chicken.

9. Spend money wisely – This is a tough one. I have nothing to say on this except for the fact that I need better self control. Stat.

10. Be thankful – One of my friends told me she’s going to be starting to write a book of blessings – so everytime something good happens, she’ll write it down. Over time, the stories will add up and on a day when everything seems to be going wrong, she’ll have something to remind her of all the good that’s recently happened to her. I think it’s a fab idea  and am considering starting one myself too.

11. Be hungry with curiosity and feed it with opportunities – Whether it’s getting involved through work or volunteering, one of the things that I never want to do is to get too comfortable in my surroundings. As someone once told me, it’s only when you’re in the most uncomfortable situation, that you know you’re learning. I constantly keep a look out for opportunities to get involved and do something out of my normal realm, to develop new skills, meet new people and to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Going to be an interesting and awesome year ahead! Bring it on, 2011!

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  • Tags [2011, new year, resolutions]
  • Categories [General, Reflection]