11 Things I've Learned in 2011

Should old acquaintance be forgot, 

and never brought to mind? 

Should old acquaintance be forgot, 

and old lang syne?

The coming of a new year always brings us to our most sentimental selves. It’s the perfect time, if not the appropriate, to reflect about the things that had happened in our lives have shaped us to who we are now. This year, I’ve learned a lot of lessons. There were good times as there were down moments. There were  moments of hope and instances of helplessness. There had been trials and sweet victories. Through all of these, I can say that the year 2011 has been really good to me. 

Let me share with you some things I've learned through my own experiences this year. Here are some of them: 

1. Choose your battles wisely. While a lot of causes are worth fighting for, not everything is worth exerting the effort. 
2. People do come and go in our lives. And when they decide to go, let them. Sometimes people just decide not to be part of our life anymore. Yes, it is a loss, but don't let that loss make you lose yourself. Am I making sense?HAHA 
3. Delegate. No man is an island. A goal is more fulfilling to pursue when you do it as a team. 
4. Learn to stand up for something and rally for it. Do not allow yourself to be bounded by conventions and the status quo. Things can always be better. Start the difference. Be dynamic and unpredictable! 
5. Indulge in reading a wide variety of things. A mind well read is like a foot well traveled. (quotable quote ko yan) Read text books for technical knowledge; explore the depths of human nature and invite some inspiration by reading a novel. 
6. Do not expect that all efforts will be reciprocated. For when you give, it must always be voluntary. 
7. Be sincere and generous with compliments .Uplift people and brighten their day with positive vibes. 
8. Be fair. Always present two sides of the story. Know when to take sides and when to keep neutral. 
9. Dwell into the entire course of human experience. Happiness. Anxiety. Even melancholia. Learn to turn even the negative experiences into lucrative sources of inspiration. 
10. Speak your truth quietly. You get your point across better that way rather than by shouting or competing to be heard. 
11. Invest in yourself. Get a new hair cut. Buy some clothes. Go to the gym. Don’t forget love yourself as you would love others. 

Those were the 11 things I learned in 2011. How about you guys? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below. Hoping for all the best this 2012! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

And there’s a hand my trusty friend! 

And give us a hand o’ thine! 

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.