Ready for 2024?

Now is the time for change and improvement. Let's start anew.

It's fun to erase 2023, like erasing a chalkboard (okay, it's an imaginary eraser).

2023, goodbye!

Now is the time to separate our past selves from our future self. Not entirely, we'll just make some adjustments. We can create an improved version of ourselves. What will be your new year’s resolutions? Resolutions usually are about weight loss and changing bad habits like smoking or drinking less (If you HAVE to drink alcohol everyday, then you have to stop completely. The alcohol-addicted can't slow down for very long. It has to be a lifetime goodbye).

Here are more ideas.

Improving relationships at home and work is always a good thing.

Get better organized.

Learn a new skill or hobby.

Live life to the fullest.

Save more money (or spend less money).

Join a service organization. Help the community by volunteering.

Need motivation to follow through with your new plan? One idea is to give a trusted friend half your money for six months. He gets to keep it if you break your resolution! READY FOR 2024?

We are definitely in a moment in time where we are ready for newness. Now, it's time to discard the old and be new!

We think globally and act locally.

Let's continue to be kind to those who are hungry or ill, who lost their jobs, or even lost a loved one. It's easy to be a force for positive good when we first keep ourselves in the best shape. Eat more vegetables, and do moderate exercising. Volunteer at your local community groups, and especially support the recycling projects. Check your cholesterol and your blood pressure, especially if you are over 40. "Health is wealth".

The truth is, we begin again every day. Newness and movement towards our goals might seem hard right now. Get all your vaccines!

Maybe what you need is simply to follow your old plan; working, family, and education. As a teacher, I believe in lifelong education. Your brain is a muscle, so use it or lose it!

If women avoid pregnancy until they finish their education, the whole country will benefit. There is no reason why the Philippines can't be selling motorcycles, phones, and appliances internationally. All of these things have already been invented, just make one a little better and cheaper and you get rich. Or invent something new.

How to begin again? You do it when you need to do it --and you are actually doing it every single day.

Most people are either going up with their life, or going down. This is the time to go up. It takes between five and 10,000 hours to become proficient at something, to excel in any field. How many hours have we wasted on Facebook, playing video games, or watching Netflix series?

You can begin this January, or you can begin again anytime. You are the boss of you, YOU make your future! And as you succeed, you inspire all of those around you.

Richard Baker Dumaguete City