Twenty Thirteen Resolutions :)

Beautiful Penang Bridge view from Chew Jetty is the backdrop of this poster...

the stuff that comes out when one fools around with Photoshop :)

It's 2013 which means:

2012 and its bittersweet memories are things of the past. Nice to ponder and reflect on, but already history. Which means that it's moving on time.

I'm turning 21 this year. Funny how I looked forward to turning 21 for ages when I was a teenager but once it comes, I don't want to grow anymore... Peter Pan syndrome at work here. But hey, life goes on so it's gonna be a journey of growth this year. Technically though, I'm still 'underage' until August so...haha, here's to enjoying the remaining 8 months of non-adulthood while it lasts ;) But most importantly...

...time for New Years' resolutions! I'll follow up on Resolutions 2012 in a following post but now, I shall reveal the four stuff I'm gonna attempt to do this year, as well as the steps that I'm going about to achieve it.

Resolution #1 for 2013: follow the One Year Bible (OYB) reading plan betul-betul this year. From Genesis to Revelation!

Last year, my dad kick-started this plan of reading the entire Bible in a year in our church. A faithful crowd of about 10 joined in and emailed, discussed, delved into every portion of God's word. As his daughter, I tried to follow...but there were stretches where laziness and forgetfulness got the better hand and I stopped reading. This year, I'm going to try again.

Relationships are important to me and I chose this resolution to improve my Relationship of relationships - the one with my Father in heaven. I seek to encounter God this year and make Him even more real in my life,  even as He has reached out to me through people, through words that were given to me, and through life's experiences. This is just a small thing that I can do, to be willful and disciplined into putting effort into knowing Him. :)

Practical stuff: I'm going to journal my readings in 750words or in written journals (on days there is no Internet connection) and reflect on them weekly to my mentor(s) and friends when applicable. And contribute to the NCA OYB email group as well from time to time (if there is insight to share).

pic taken by Hartwig HKD

Resolution #2 for 2013: become more involved in people's lives and think about them more often rather than focusing on myself.

First practical move: I'm not going to advertise my blog posts on Facebook anymore after today's post, unless it involves subjects of public interest (such as study notes or current issues). I'll just tell friends that the blog is updated and they can read it whenever they are free :)

Anyway. I use too much ''I'' in conversations, in my thoughts, and in relating to others (i.e what can others do for me?). This year, even though it's hard, I'm going to slowly include other people in my thoughts as well, not thoughts about how to please them but about how to reach out to them, make them feel better, and enhance the relationship between us. I want to reach a level where others are on my mind more often than myself and all my needs. It's very hard to do, given the human nature of being selfish, but I want to do it because I know that life comes from giving to others.

My own needs? I will honestly acknowledge them but try to get over them as soon as possible. As for worries and thoughts about the future, I will commit them to God whenever they pop up. This resolution is a very big step ahead, but the rewards of loving are great, and I want my life to count for something and matter in the long run.

Practical stuff: In addition to reading the Bible, I will pray about my needs and known needs of others. And then during the day, when I relate to the people around me, as unnatural as it feels now I will try to ask questions about them more than talk about myself so that I can know what is going on in other people's lives. In the beginning stages I might not ask much because I know not much, so I'm not going to feign interest, but let it develop as time passes by.

Diving pic by Hani Amir; mike pic by Darwin Bell; bike pic by Kivanc Nis;
bass pic by Chang Liu and car pic by Zitona.
Pictures not altered in any way in the compilation of this collage.

Resolution #3 for 2013: learn swimming, cycling, playing the bass guitar and (maybe) singing, and be able to drive confidently.

These activities are either skills that I have yet to master or things that I have gave up halfway. While I am still in my prime and in a place where opportunity abounds, I wish to improve my skills on these and become a more well-rounded person. But in the past year I've been quite passive in developing these skills. Which means that I need to ask around a lot to find people who can teach me stuff.

Practical stuff: Ask around a lot until I find tutors for these. Driving - find a refresher class in Penang for my 2nd semester here.

pic by Thomas Hawk

Resolution #4 for 2013: take a picture a day and journal about it.

The whole point of this resolution can be summarized in a word: Memories.

Memories to keep, to cherish, to hold. If a moment isn't captured, it's going to be forgotten. Life is short, so it needs to be lived well. And by looking back at each day, I am reminded, refreshed, and energized for the next day.

Practical stuff: Joined the 365 project. My pics are going to be updated on the blog - check out the 365/2013 page link at the left hand side of the blog - and occasionally on Twitter as well :)

I've added a 5th recently, it speaks for itself:

Before this, I'd avoid guys. Because I didn't know how to talk to them. If a guy was nicer than usual to me, especially in my teen years, I'd develop crushes easily. Now, I desire mature friendships. As for the whole dating/boyfriend/future husband thing...that'll be another post all together.