Give Yourself a Pat on the Back
By The Parodist | January 10, 2008
It’s list-making season since it is the start of a new year. I came across this post, Lists Galore, and was reminded of just how specific and comprehensive we can get in jotting down the things we need and want to do.
However, one thing I would also recommend you do at the end or beginning of the year is to really look back to the things and events you’ve pre-occupied yourself with in the past year. It will help you focus on the positive things in your life, whatever it is that makes you happy. Did you organise a fundraising event for a cause? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did somebody outside your family acknowledge your talents? Did you meet new people who are now your friends? These things are some of the highlights of your life. I reckon if there’s a list you should do, this is one of them.
You see, looking at all the to-do lists and finding yourself in the middle of accomplishing them, creates a certain pressure, which somehow sucks the fun out of doing it. You should stop every once in a while to give yourself a pat on the back.
How do you do that exactly? Doing a post round-up of things you’ve accomplished, gadgets or restaurants you’ve reviewed, places you’ve been to, or even things you’ve bought is a way to celebrate a productive year. That’s one of the great things about keeping a blog (and actually blogging about the things you’ve done and such), you can actually look back and browse through your archives. This will help your old friends remember esp if you were able to share those experiences with them and to help new readers to get to know you.
Will it be taken the wrong way? Always remember that you can’t please everyone. Best way to go about your life is to be around people who can edify yours. Ignore the ones who are too narrow minded and self-righteous to even acknowledge that this is indeed a free world (hypocrites too esp if they’ve spat out words in support of it). People like that is not worth your time.
Why do I suggest you do this list? It’s a great way for you to learn what you can and cannot do in a specific period of time. It will help you see more clearly just how much you can actually attain. In turn, it will assist you in creating more effective to-do lists. At least, that’s what I believe.
I know some may hesitate to go and let the rest of us know what they’ve done, all with good reasons I’m sure. But I simply wanted to suggest a way for you to empower yourself and conquer the fear. You’re not here seeking the approval of others, are you? Go on and eat your cake. Even when others say you don’t deserve it. Go on and finish off the icing, too. Strangers can’t tell you who and what you are, anyway.
You’ve only got one life. Celebrate each moment. I’m telling you, you won’t go this way again.
Humour Me:
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Mood Notes |
January 10th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Blogging is such an empowering hobby. It took me about more than six months to come out of my shell and conquer my fear from people who might judge me as i write about my stuff online, but thanks to you ( a good, good example ) , I’ve been blogging more actively and courageously showing what I’ve got to the world
January 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Thanks, Sophie. I’m deeply touched. It’s great to hear you’re showing yourself more to the world cuz you’ve got something special to share. Definitely.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi, very empowering advice. I agree that self-acknowledgement is certainly a must at least once a year - sort of a review of oneself. A ‘me-time’ is not self-indulgent. After all everyone needs to have self-knowledge and self-understanding. But like Sophie, it takes time to summon the courage to actually blog about it for fear of, as you say, being judged. I’ve enjoyed reading blogs for over a year before I even mustered enough courage to post a comment!
But you’ve inspired confidence. Thanks.
January 11th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Like you said, reviewing everything you’ve previously done not only reaffirms your capabilities and accomplishments, it also helps people out. At the same time, this activity provides the self-awareness we need to truly learn from our mistakes and discover what we’re really meant to do. Wonderful article Sash!
January 11th, 2008 at 2:10 am
M_Andamon: Thanks. It’s awesome that you’re discovering the joys of jumping in and joining the conversation. I’m glad to have touched your life that way. I reckon the ’sphere could use more bloggers like you, so, go forth and comment!
Rico: Thank you po. Don’t you agree that positive words are more effective in learning (about yourself and others)? I reckon doing something you love and sharing it with friends and people who wishes to be friends with you are ways to learn and, at the same time, inspire. It’s awesome to engage someone like you in conversations cuz you add onto it.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:05 am
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