2012

A new friend I made in Beijing!

I love New Year’s. While there is admittedly little literal significance between December 31^st and January 1^st, the symbolism it represents is quite momentous. New Year’s represents a unified moment in time when the entire world figuratively writes the concluding sentence on its most recent chapter, and together turns the page to begin scripting the next segment of history. And so, as we stand between the end of another chaotic holiday season and the resumption of our academic and professional careers, I’d like to spend time reflecting on three observations I made in 2011, and on professing three resolutions I have established for 2012 – in hopes that it may inspire you as much as I believe this will motivate me.

I found a Transformer in China!

Within each of us, there is a certain threshold of risk tolerance we have established through a combination of mentoring, shared stories and personal experiences. While this is a basic survival instinct and is an understandable part of human nature, I have found that oftentimes, we set this baseline at a level far lower than it needs to be. Maybe it’s because we place too much weight in our risk tolerance algorithm on the variables of fear of failure and rejection, or maybe it’s because we find ourselves desiring comfort and stability over fulfillment and accomplishment. Whatever the reason, I have found that with proper preparation and desire, most people are able to succeed at a greater rate than they themselves believe.

Fireworks in Hawaii!

Everything we intake from this world contains a bias. Every piece of data and message we receive has a motivation when delivered from the origin. Therefore, it can be important to look beyond the actual continued idea itself, and at the source of the communication. This, along with other variables, makes defining the concept of “truth” next to impossible. The only “truth” you can rely on is that there is another side and perspective to the situation or story of interest. As a consequence, it’s important to remain humble and objective when conversing and exchanging ideas with others.

Cool art, also found in Beijing.

As I continue to age, I have (regrettably) found that the quantity of my close friends has decreased. This is understandable, as we succumb to the responsibilities and scheduling of maturity. However, I have noticed that the opportunities to increase the quality of relationships with close friends have increased. As we blossom into established individuals, we find that time has enabled us to increase the diversity of our experiences, opportunities and mindset in life. I have found that the further cultivation of these friendships have derived some of the most rewarding experiences in recent times. I hope to perpetuate this movement in the coming years.

One of my favorite things to see. It means I'm home. (:

And finally, what would the New Year experience be without the infamous New Year’s Resolutions? Simultaneously one of the most inspirational and potentially depressing aspects of society, the New Year’s Resolution is as part of New Year’s as presents are to Christmas. This year, I have three simple goals: to read more, write more and increase language ability. For accountability sake, I am establishing a baseline of one book a month, a composition biweekly and a continuous, conscious effort to increase my Chinese, programming and music ability. But, as with everything else in life, actions speak louder than words. I hope you can stick to your resolution(s) and Happy 2012!