Resolutions for 2007

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2006 is gone and here comes 2007. I like new years (NOT Chinese New Years because it is a time I have to endure comments about my big frame and questions about when I am intending to get attached etc) because it signifies a new year, a new beginning. It gives me the kind of feeling that hey, whatever that is bad is now over and hope of a better year and new opportunities to get things right.

Well, I am not the kind of person who makes new year resolutions but I will try nonetheless. Anyway, by writing down my resolutions somewhere, I am making a kind of commitment and am holding myself accountable to the resolutions I make. Same time next year, I will return to see how well I have fared...

But first, I really want to give thanks to God for giving me rest. After close to 10 days of being away from work, I am well rested. I recall being grouchy and was so burnt out that I had even wanted to resign. Well, it's not so bad now after having some rest but now, my leave has come to an end and it is back to work for me tomorrow (really hope not much work awaits me). Looks like it does not take going overseas to get a good rest. Resting back here in Singapore also gave me lots of chance to just walk around with a less hectic pace, give me time to catch up with old friends, time to do things and tasks that I had not have the time to do and to attend to (though I still have quite a bunch of tasks left). And while I was at it, took some time to also do some shopping, visit some museums with my colleagues and also rewarded myself with my newest toy :)

I also thank God for sending two friends to encourage me on yesterday on MSN at the same time. I was feeling a bit down after a recent cell group gathering and a new year gathering with friends; I was upset with myself for being so quiet and shy and just can't fathom why i find it so hard to talk to people. In fact, I started to wonder if I made the right decision to step up as a cell group leader. By yesterday afternoon, I felt so drained. But thank God for sending two friends to encourage me.

One of them, my friend and sister-in-christ, asked me:

"In your opinion, what is a good cell group leader?"

and immediately, that somehow got things straighten out for me. It is clear to me that, as much as being a sociable person is important as a cell group leader, a cell group leader's role is still to help people walk closer to God and to grow spiritually. Within minutes, another friend, my former cell group leader also came online to talk to me about my role as a cell leader in training. She shared with me that she was also like me, introverted and quiet and throughout her tenure as a cell group leader, she relied on God to help her and also tapped on others who could complement her in reaching out to the cell group members socially. Her sharing did indeed help me feel more encouraged.

Anyway, back to my resolutions. In 2007, I resolve to:

1. Be healthy - For the sake of my health, I am going to attempt to maintain a healthy lifestyle which will include at least jogging at Bishan Park at least twice a week and eating healthily as well. I am aiming to lose some 8-10kg and be sub-80kg by the end of the year.
2. Live a balanced lifestyle - For my sanity's sake, I will attempt to balance work and my social life more. That would means to say that I will need to take on less external commitments, spend less time at work and more time with my loved ones and out with friends. Recognize that relationships need to be maintained and not neglected.
   
3. Be punctual - For work and appointment with friends, I aim to be punctual and no longer late. Will try to work on that. That would means that I need to get enough sleep the night before so I will be on time for work. No more procrastinating to wake up in the mornings.
4. Spot a new look - Not so important but at some point in the year, I would like to spot a new look; maybe different hairstyle etc
5. Grow spiritually - I hope to grow more spiritually to be able to take up the challenge of leading God's people and children. I want to walk closer with God...
6. Be more humble - Not to feel that I "know all and am indispensible". Need to remind myself of one of my philosophies of life "To always learn from others"
7. Be financially prudent - Well, I haven't been spending unnecessarily (except for the times I rewarded myself with little pleasures) but I believe I can do better. Maybe less taxi rides (especially once I am punctual, there will no longer be the need to take taxis) and also less expenditure on unnecessary stuff.

OK, approaching 12 midnight, need to work tomorrow. Will have to go set my alarm and go sleep early...