preparing for 2014

The last weekend of the year and a great time for a proper closure. I have a habit of setting goals every year and at the end of the year, I close it by looking at what has been accomplished, and what hasn't.

This was what was left outstanding at the end of this year:

• Get to the next business achievement bracket (Goal:3GAV) (60% completion)
• Receive at least one award this year
• Read the whole Bible through (about 30% completed)
• Take part in one fencing competition
• Clear student debt

And this was what was completed:

• Remove the dots (10/1)
• Take a class in Bahasa Indonesia (24Mar-16Jun)
• Do one thing on the bucket list (Cruised)
• Renovate the office (Done)
• Volunteer in something I believe in
• Travel out at least once (BKK 8Mar, Hawaii)
• Serve in a ministry
• Read at least 12 books (Read:14)
• Set date for jaw surgery

Nine out of fourteen. At 65%, I suppose more could have been done this year. And yet, looking back at the year, I think I'm finishing alright. The balance sheet is closing well, my heart is still healing, but at least I'm still alive. 

What I've learned (or lessons I was reminded of) from 2013

• You cannot run away from anything inside of you - no matter how far you go, how much you try to change your environment, how much you try to change yourself, if something is unresolved in you, you can never run far enough.
• Love hurts sometimes - but if there is any hurting, it's always internal to yourself, never to another.
• Other than the hand of God, you have some control of your life and you just need to stop thinking and take action sometimes.
• Sometimes the right answer cannot be found anywhere else but inside your heart.
• Sometimes the right answer isn't to be made by you.
• Time doesn't heal, hope does.
• There are times in life where you need to decide who are the people you want to stay in your life, and who you want to stay with. "Be where you are celebrated, not just tolerated."
• Be grateful for the people who love you.
• Remember that where there is life, there is hope. As long as you are still alive, you have a purpose.
• Between giving and receiving, always choose to give. 
• You cannot nurture someone who doesn't want to grow.
• You cannot give everyone all of yourself, or anyone all of your heart. Choose wisely.
• Life can change drastically at anytime. Be grateful for everything you have.

Totally unglamourously taken,
but this is the widest smile I could pull.
Now I know why the photographer
kept saying "don't smile so wide".
Point taken? Gosh, 2 weeks...

2014 is expected to be a year of change and adjusting to a new road ahead. Next year will be a year of big personal changes and of business and personal (intellectual, emotional and physical) development. Perhaps next year will be the year where I finally find stability in the business and take one step out of the door and test the waters outside a little. I believe I'm scheduled for a trip to Cambodia, India and Sri Lanka in 2014. And hopefully, will get a chance to visit England if I can.

One of my biggest goals is to have one of my staff receive an award next year - I think that will be one of my greatest rewards next year. And perhaps I'll head toward understanding and getting involved in some sustainability work in terms of food security. 

But for now, or at least for the next month ahead, my focus is going to be about my surgery and perhaps getting used to a new life.