ramblings - do what you need to do

It is that time of the year when we re-look at everything we are doing and start asking the hard questions. Somehow the change in calendar year always seems to bring renewed energy coupled with a bit of doubt. We tend to second-guess the choices we have made and re-think the choices we hope to make. It is easy to get so caught up in the thinking process that we end up not doing anything.

I believe that most important part of this 'building a life' thing is to determine your end destination. What it is you are working towards. Once you know that, it becomes easier to determine the path to take in reaching that point. What do you consider your purpose? Where do you see yourself in 10, 20, 30 years? Life is filled with abundant opportunity, but it doesn't always mean you should take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

The best way to establish what to pursue is to let your ultimate goal be the lens that you view the world with. Each thing you do should, directly or indirectly, help build towards that final resting place. It then makes it easier to also deal with obstacles and challenges that may arise. If you know why you are doing something, you become a lot more open and tolerant to stuff. At the same time, know when to let go, when something has run its full course and no longer contributes in any way to the 'master plan'.

Just a thought.

ramblings - that time again

It's that time of the year again - the beginning. And every year, I, as well as countless others, share thoughts on how to deal with each year, or at least, what we should be thinking about this time of the year.

Every year, I spend the end in introspection and the beginning in planning. I lay out what I need to accomplish and review it at the end. My level of success? I can't honestly say it is high. My next collection of poetry is still in the making - it's been top of the list for two years now. At the same time, I do feel I have accomplished quite a bit, that wasn't on the list. How often do we take for granted what we have achieved, always looking for the 'big' moments when all the 'small' ones add up to more?

This year I've decided to take a different approach. We can't plan everything and, sometimes, our rigid plans make us feel even worse coz, the minute they veer off course, we are thrown into confusion. So, for 2008, I say, make plans but go with the flow. Make things come but focus on being fluid and flexible so you can change direction without too much pain.

Just a thought