Foreword for 2010

On the 1^st day of 2010, I received a flood of anonymous “newsletter” type emails about starting the New Year right. As usual, there was advice on goal setting, writing resolutions and eating well to get the “body you’ve always dreamed of”.

I even received an email that said this:

“7 Tips to Starting Your New Year on a Positive Note”

1. Get rid of all the clutter on computer desk
2. Tidy up your book shelves
3. Check your email and delete all your junk mails
4. Update your Internet browser
5. Update your software
6. Ensure your computer hardware is in good working condition
7. Backup your hard drive

It’s all useful advice, but I actually wonder how many people resolve to make a positive change for their own personal reasons? I say that because the herd mentality tends to creep into minds and take hold of our actions. As a result, we tend to treat our resolutions as a formality for ushering in the New Year…just because our friends or relatives or colleagues are doing the same thing!

What worries me is that most people rob themselves of the chance to find within their own hearts what they truly want in life. As a result, they are burdened by experiences, values and emotional baggages belonging to others – make more money, get a fitter body, find a soulmate or else relatives would sneer at you for being unwanted at a certain age, among other things. At the end of the day, nearly every resolution looks like it came out of a cookie cutter and they all look the same.

Before we pen down our personal resolutions, how many of us have actually sat down and seriously think over our true purpose in life? In fact, as you are reading this email, think over what truly makes you live life to the fullest? What is your reason for living? What are your ultimate goals, hopes and dreams? What is your higher calling in life?

And if you are committed to making a change, what positive difference would you make in the lives of others as a result of that change? What are the necessary steps that you have to personally take to turn your life into a great success?

When you want something, all in the universe will conspire to help you achieve it. It’s never too late to start anew, seize greater opportunities and become who you’ve always wanted to be.

Life is not about following what others do, but finding the real answers within the depths of your heart, mind and soul. And always remember that in life, you are blessed with the ability to choose, and if you don't have the personal resolve to exercise that ability, others will choose for you.

Dance as though no one is watching you.

Love as though you have never been hurt before.

Sing as though no one can hear you.

Live as though heaven is on earth.