Dear friends and my future self,
It has been another year since I posted my last blog entry on 12/31/2013. I just spent some time to read through what I wrote at the end of 2013 with 2013's year end summary and 2014's new year's resolution. I was very happy to realize that 2014 went by with my realizing most of my resolution for the year, all the while feeling much happier and more satisfied with work and home life. Overall, I must say that 2014 has been a great year for me.
Here is a recap of my new year's resolution for 2014 with comments based on real results for the year:
1. Focus on health. Work out at least 3 times a week for 20-30 mins each time. - [1/2/2015] I was able to practice yoga for 3 times per week for quite some time this year and I do plan to continue this practice once I go back to work in 2015.
2. Connect the mind and the body through meditation or other similar activities to calm the mind and quiet anxiety. Stop worrying about the future or obsessing with the past. Focus instead on the current moment. Be more relaxed. - [1/2/2015] Yoga helps a lot in this regard. I am truly more relaxed even with higher job pressure and responsibilities than before. I also attribute this change to the work environment change that happened this year. Looking back, I am truly grateful for this career change that happened in 2014, which enabled me to leverage my strength and natural capabilities in a more autonomous way. With increased level of personal awareness built upon real life experiences, I believe more firmly that I can function much better when in a highly trusted and autonomous environment.
3. Practice listening skills when communicating with other people. Practice self-awareness and emotional intelligence skills. Voice my emotion and feelings to DH and other people if needed calmly and consciously. Resolve any conflicts at home and at work with grace and empathy. [1/2/2015] Not only did I improve a lot in communication skills, my dear husband also improved a lot. I call this in-sync personal growth/development between a happily married couple. If you are also interested in this field, I highly recommend the classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People".
4. Switch to a Marketing role, enjoy work more, and be able to apply more of my strengths to work. [1/2/2015] I am proud to say that I was able to switch to a Marketing role in April of 2014 and later expanded my responsibility into Program Management. In both jobs, I feel that I was able to apply my strengths to work in a very flexible and empowering environment. For this I am truly grateful to my current boss. He is the best boss I have ever had!
5. Dedicate time to family. Make it a priority to spend quality time with the kids and DH. - [1/2/2015] I have become increasing aware of the significance that family life can have on me. I draw power from my beloved family members and also pass my energies on to my family to fuel their growths. For 2015, I wish to spend even more effort on this front to improve the quality time that I spend with DH and our beautiful kids. I love them so so much!
Besides the above accomplishments for the year, I am also very proud of DH and myself for growing to be able to take care of our two kids entirely by ourselves without helpers (besides the daycare center of course) while maintaining full time jobs and very good work performance for both of us. For this I am truly grateful to my beloved husband, who is the best husband in the whole world!
This past December 2014 DH and I also celebrated our 10 year anniversary for our marriage. In retrospect, we can clearly see how each one of us has grown over the years, through personal effort and mutual encouragement and influence. A good marriage is enriching, enlightening, uplifting and mutually complementary. I believe that our marriage is all of those and more. I am confident that DH and I will keep it that way for the many many years to come.
For the beautiful 2015 that has already arrived, I wish that I can achieve the following things in this year:
1. Dedicate even more to my family. Spend regular quality time with our kids and DH. Build the family life and family bond just like another career for me.
2. Focus on personal health. Maintain the exercise routine of 3 times of yoga classes per week. Go to bed early and eat well.
3. To achieve meaningful and quantifiable milestones on the job.
4. ...... One secret wish that I will leave to myself here. :)
I truly believe that if one is serious about a goal and actively works toward it, one is bound to achieve it. What are your 2015 goals? How about writing them down to get a head start at realizing them?
I wish everyone a truly enjoyable 2015!
Cheers,
Lucy
