Time for review and reflection

THE NEW year has just begun. While many people see it as a good time to make positive changes in their lives, I use it to take stock, and reflect through the eyes of other people – like my husband, my children and friends and acquaintances – whom I met throughout the year.

How did I come across to them? Did I spend enough time listening to them, was I receptive to their needs, or was I too wrapped up in my own work and thoughts?

Thus, for some of us, it is time to start anew, to strive for new beginnings, and to forget what cannot be undone. We have a lot of things that are yet to be done, excuses made, visits postponed. We have to work on them, and move forward clean and free.

For those who had made mistakes in the past, do not repeat them but move on; and for those who experienced great happiness, continue to make others happy as well.

But for those who experienced neither, be open to new ideas and developments, and make your lives more meaningful.

I will take time to rededicate my life to those things which I care about most. I will learn to be gentle, yet dare to be different, and to have the flexibility to adjust and adapt myself to the changing patterns of life.

My biggest task is not to get ahead of others, but to surpass myself and to create the kind of life I will be happy to live, and to give others the gifts of time, words, encouragement, inspiration, and guidance.

And finally, it is time to thank God for our blessings and attainments.

We can now take a great leap and triumphantly march forward, building stronger and lasting relationships in 2018.