New Year’s Resolutions 2013

Photo by Alan Cleaver

I haven’t set a New Year’s resolution in years. I’ve always set myself up for failure and felt letdown when I couldn’t reach the high expectations.

However, I can ‘t fight the urge to set some goals for myself as I am about to embark on a new adventure, returning to Southeast Asia with one backpack and my trusty Mac so as to continue teaching English via Skype on the road. Over the past couple years I’ve felt quite disoriented and finally feel as though I have some direction, if only for a few months.

We are continuously changing on a daily basis. Every moment that passes affects us each in some way, and it’s important to be mindful of how we adapt as individuals lest we end up miserable, old fools rapt with bitterness and regret.

Cards are dealt and we play them one way or the other.

So my goal for 2013 is this:

Throughout my travels of 2013, I will not only be an observer, a tourist, or an expat. I will focus my time in mindful self-improvement by learning from and helping others along the way.

To be more specific, I want to complete the following:

• Advanced Thai Massage Therapy Certification

  Thais view massage not as a luxury but as a daily practice to promote balance and well-being. I’ve registered to begin an intensive 3-week course in Chiang Mai. I hope to gain a better awareness of the body (and perhaps receive some Thai massages in return).

• Thai Cooking Course

  It’s simple really. I love cooking and I love Thai food. A one-day course will introduce me to basics of Thai cooking.

• Rescue Diver Certification

  

  Guy and me in Komodo – Photo by Laura Smelter

  It’s the next step to becoming a Dive Master and will be quite fun pretending to panic in the water. I’ll break out my best acting skills.

• Vipassana Meditation Retreat

A 10-day retreat of silent meditation because let’s be honest, it’s about time something shut me up. I’ve only heard good things about the experience. In Katmandu, the timing works out perfectly beginning just 2-weeks before the charity work with Guy’s Trust.

• Help Lay the Foundation for a School in Nepal

This has been a long time coming. I’ll join up with the other loved ones of Guy’s, my travel partner who died in 2011, to build a school in his honor beginning March 29th. There will be broken nails, sweat and tears, a very emotional week but it must be.

It seems a lot to complete by mid-April. Nevertheless, I’ve been planning these things for a very long time and now have the freedom and the finances to tackle them head on. Perhaps afterwards I’ll be ready to settle into a steady teaching position once again. Just perhaps.

I do apologize if this post seems a bit self-indulgent. It’s almost as if I write and publish it, it’ll more likely be accomplished. Happy New Year! I hope 2013 brings wonderful memories to all.

What are your goals for 2013?