Friday 28 December 2012

For the Sake of Auld Lang Syne





It's that time of the year again when many take a deep breath trying not to over-analyse the reasons why the past loves, friendships, hopes and dreams didn't make it through to 2013. 

But shouldn't it be a time to be ruthless and honest? Get rid of the barriers that stopped you reaching your goals. Get rid of all those familiar distractions that stifled your dreams and choked your aspirations. Familiarity, has been said to breed contempt. You've gained great insight and experience through it all, so leave all that toxic baggage behind in 2012, bolt the door, run like hell and start the year afresh.    
Make new friends, build on positive relationships. Venture out into new pastures, be realistic with your goals. Don't be envious of those who've achieved what you would have liked, but rather study and learn from them. But most of all, don't hide your true self, keep it real.  

 
I take this opportunity to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to each and every one of you. I wish you success in all you choose to do... as long as it's legal. I wish you prosperity... providing you don't crush others to get it. And I wish you good health.... exercise is your friend. Keep a firm grasp on hope, because once it slips away, it can be lost forever. 

 
What a better way to finish this year with one of my favorite ole time tunes - Auld Lang Syne. 



Have your hopes and aspirations changed since this time last year?
What is the biggest lesson that 2012 has taught you?
What are your New Year resolutions for 2013?

I would love to hear your comments, opinions and views.

56 comments:

  1. Again beautifully written post. I love the little addition to your new year wishes - very cute. 2012 has taught me that some things in life are OK to be decided last minute without too much planning (traveling) and others shouldn't be rushed even if your deadline has passed - perhaps the deadline was not realistic and it is OK to extend some deadlines (talking about being too much in a rush to publish my first book without polishing the cover and other details.) Hopefully next year, I will continue my crazy fun traveling and get better organized in my book publishing endeavor :) What about you?

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    1. Sometimes it is best not to rush things because you miss the small details, then it's too late to rectify it. I wish you all success when you finally publish your book.

      Next year I hope I can continue to bring fresh approaches to my posts, keep it interactive (but that depends on the readers too) and relax more rather than stressing out if the ideas don't come. Blogging has definitely filled a void in my life and I'm in the process of dealing with some other dark spots in my life too, just got to get rid of them.! Happy New Year OneBigMistake

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  2. HAPPY NEW YEAR RPD!!! I hope the coming year is prosperous for you as well. I look forward to breaking in the new year with you!

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    1. Thanks Jon, and can't wait to break in the New Year with you. So get the rum on the rocks ready, I'm on my way :) See you next week. Happy New Year.

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  3. Good post. As to resolutions, I don't really have any except: Do more of the stuff I like, do less of the things I don't like.

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    1. Big D, I like your resolutions! Have a great New Year!

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    2. That's a great idea Big D. Enjoy 2013.

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  4. This is another great post with much good advice. As a new year soon begins, I wish you the best!

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  5. Hi Rum, thank you for your best wishes for 2013 and I really hope that you have a fantastic year as well :)

    There are a few New Years resolutions that I have thought of. The first is to get more organised with my writing/creative time, I so envy people that set time aside everyday to write and actually do it! lol and if 2012 has taught me anything it's that some people will never change. I need to let go of them along with all the pain they caused. All in all I think 2012 was a pretty good year and I expect more of the same in 2013! lol

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    1. It's always hard to let go of people but sometimes we need to do what is healthy for us in the long run.

      Don't neglect your writing gift, so make sure that you do set a realistic time period each day. Happy New 2013 Jade.

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  6. For the new year, I offer the following Cantonese salutation: lung ma ching san [may you have the strength of a dragon or horse]. I believe that good health is more important in the coming year than "prosperity".

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    1. I know what you mean Dennis, I've seen your photo on your blog yesterday. I really hope that you will be accident free from 2013 and you will have many more long distant travels on your bike in Hong Kong. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  7. This is a challenging one...

    In 2012 I've managed to get a few things done, work and qualification-wise, but if I were to be really honest, I'd have to say that with a little bit more discipline I could have achieved more. Perhaps I MIGHT work on this area.

    Something I definitely plan to work on:
    In the past year I've learned to pay more attention to the people that are around me. Sometimes I get wrapped up in my own concerns and worries and haven't always noticed or reached out to others as much as I could have done. In 2013 I intend to try and be the person who builds bridges, reaches out and makes the first move towards others.

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    1. That's a lovely resolution - reaching out to others more. I hope that 2013 brings you all the peace and happiness you deserve. Happy New Year to you Navigator.

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  8. I learned that the world will move on with or without you, so might as well wake up, face the music, and do the healthy thing and move on. For 2013, I want to be more proactive and do more of the things I don't want to do but will ultimately be good for me.

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    1. Such a true statement Blockbuster Diva about the world moving on without you. I always say 'time waits for no man'. So yes, dust yourself off and do all the things that are good for you.. Have a good one :)

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  9. Everything in my life is still in flux, as, even though I've definitely settled in here, so many things about the near future hasn't settled. I know I'm getting married in February, and taking some vacations, but beyond that, still no source of income, still don't know how we're gonna survive through the year, still have to deal with a inlaws that are just amazingly absurd on a whole new level.

    All I know is, I need to get more exercise in, because I'm just not as strong as I need to be, and this cold weather is keeping me from walking. (Using an app called Zombies RUN! which is awesome) In the end, I'm enjoying life and don't think I could enjoy it any more than I already am. Supposedly its going to get even better.

    The blog is going strong, but this month has started to slow down its growth. This month is the first month in its history that the pageviews for the month didn't more than double. I always knew the growth would slow down, and plateau out a bit, but at least I know that I need to keep working on it as I am, to sustain what I've achieved.

    I need to finish a novel, and hopefully I'll get into my routine again.... All in all, this is the strangest new year for me, as I don't have any true set 'resolution' because normally it was just for happiness. This year, I'm happy, but I'm sure I'll adapt.

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    1. I know what it's like to be unemployed and the disappointments of seeking a job without success. That alone can be de-moralising in itself but it is made much worse when accompanied by the unkind words of others, who think you are nothing and nobody just because you don't have a job. I just might do a post on this one.

      One good thing about exercise, is that you don't have to join a gym but even if the weather is bad outside, try and do exercises inside the house too. Might not be as good, but it's still a start.

      Weddings don't have to be elaborate to make a point (not saying that is what you were doing) as the most important thing I think , is for the bride and groom to turn up and get married with a witness or two. Everything else you do is usually for the benefit of others and can be massive drain on your pocket. I'm sure you and Lisa will have a brilliant wedding day, no matter what happens.

      Blogs can slow down for many reasons such as it's the Christmas season, people are busy so don't have the time to stop by etc etc, so don't think that it's because you're not putting enough work into it. I hope you have a very special Happy New Year Dan.

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  10. A very happy New Year to you, RPD! I don't have any resolutions...I've pretty much always accomplished whatever it is I've wanted to do in life. 2012 started out with me being jobless and moving back to Atlanta, not having any idea what was going to happen next. It's been thrilling to see how everything has fallen into place, without trying to make anything happen. If I've learned anything this past year, it's been how fearless I am when I trust my gut feelings and my heart.

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    1. Gut instinct is a force to be reckoned with. Whenever I didn't act on my gut instinct, things went wrong for me. So I clearly understand what you are saying.
      Helena you are one hell of a fortunate person. Not many of us get to accomplish all we aspire to and most of us don't get to do the jobs that we really do enjoy, so that's good news and hope that 2013 brings you more challenges that will keep you moving forwards in life. Happy New Year Helena.

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  11. Love what you said about hope---I'm clinging to it this year. I look forward to 2013 to delve even deeper into the blogging experience and to make new friends in the blogging community I have come to love so much!

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    1. Blogging is a great experience, and it's bloggers like you that have entertained me along the way and Thank You greatly for all the support. There is a large blogging community out there, and the world is your oyster Menopausal Mama. Happy New Year.

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  12. Happy New Year to you,a new, faithful friend who deserves to soar as on the wings of an eagle this year

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    1. I too wish you a wonderful and Happy New Year Melanie. Looking forward to all that you have in store for us on your blog, and also the amazing interviews that you do in the coming year.

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    1. A very Happy New Year to your and your family Susana.

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  14. RPD, a wonderful post. I always forget to say something like "great post", that's because all of your posts are great and then I forget to mention it.

    I don't really have any New Year resolutions. Just the same resolutions I always have, for example I want to study more for university. But as 2012 wasn't the best year for me, I am really looking forward to some events in 2013, especially my semester abroad. Maybe my New Year resolution is just to be happier. :)

    Happy New Year! I hope it's a fantastic one for you!

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    1. I'm sorry that 2012 wasn't the best year for you and I hope and pray that 2013 will be much happier, and that you'll achieve all the results you require in your studies.
      Thanks for the compliment about my posts Kleopatra, it's a pleasure that you do take the time to read my blog and always make such interesting comments. I'm glad for your friendship.
      Happy New Year :)

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  15. Happy New Year! I couldn't agree more...it's time to let go of grudges and start with a clean slate! I wish for prosperity and good health for you too! And more posts like this.:)

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    1. Thanks Cris. Wherever you are in the world right now, Happy New Year, have a good time and keep up the travel blogs.

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  16. You know, these are words that needed to be heard. And I really like the choir. What great voices.

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    1. Thanks and a very Happy New Year to you and all your beloved.

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  17. I have learned that tackling a whole year (AKA New Year's Resolutions) is not nearly as effective as seeing each day as a new beginning...I have learned that I am stronger and braver than I ever knew. I have learned that life is a series of choices. I have learned - and that, I think, is the point, don't you think? :) May your new year bring you hope and the ability to interpret and learn from your lessons..

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    1. True. Taking one day at a time, and step by step is a good way to keep it real. Life is about finding the approach that works for you in order to keep it moving in the right direction. Have a very Happy and blessed New Year Melody.

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  18. Very well-said...Yes, I need to hear those words too. Thank you! I would love to change a lot of things for 2013, but I'm still in the process of discerning. One thing is sure though, be good and make it legal, just like what you've said!Happy New Year! All the best for you!

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    1. Some changes take time, so just be realistic with what you can do. I hope you will have a truly wonderful Happy New Year.

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  19. Love this post! Your writing is wonderful and inspiring!! Happy New Year and I am looking forward to reading more in 2013!

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    1. Thanks a lot Michelle. I shall be popping over soon. Have a great and Happy New 2013.

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  20. Happy New Year to you!!

    Resolutions... hmmm... I think not. My past is littered with failed attempts at self-improvement. I must already be perfect, and haven't realised it until now. :)

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    1. Of course you are perfect Robert, I wouldn't change a thing hehehehehe. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us this year - as it's now 2013 in the UK and you are my very first response of the year :)

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  21. Happy New Year, dear. Looking forward to more great posts from you in 2013. As for me, I never ask for anything. I always have everything I want.

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    1. A very content man, and one of the fortunate ones. I'm also looking forward to reading your aphorisms, which are great. I just love how they can make you think for hours. Happy New Year NP :)

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  22. Well said my new friend! Happy New Year to you and yours too!

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  23. Great post. As for 2013, I didn't make any New Year's resolutions. I am mostly planning to build upon what I have been doing in 2012. But I am definitely determined to work less and devote more time to taking it easy this year. We will see how that goes. You know how time-consuming blogging can be. As for you, have a great new year.

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    1. Yes, blogging can take up a lot of time, I know the feeling. Hope you manage to work less, because people who have spent years being very active tend to get bored very easily then fill their time with something new. So I do wish you success in this area. Have a lovely New Year Frank.

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  24. Happy New Year RPD ! hope you have a great one !

    1; hopes and aspirations...most have changed I saw my life calling for a Halt, and suddenly turned back to find that all was now far, but I', gaining track!!!

    2; Not to trust much ....give a little take a little...

    3; resolutions ?? I never keep them so I better not waist time thinking them!

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    1. That's right Hotei, keep running at a good pace and you will eventually gain track back. Never make promises you can't keep is a good one too in regards to resolutions. Have a brilliant New Year.

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  25. Great post Rum Punch. You seem to have such good insight! Love what you said about exerciee, and keeping it real. If I could get a handle on either of those, along with time management, I'd have a semi-perfect life! Well, almost! Loved the post.

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    1. Well, you can do it Nell. Start something new this year, make a change and break that mould. Happy New and exciting Year to you.

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  26. I find resolutions are not my thing. I just remain resolute in my determination to be successful. The next steps usually unfold themselves from there. And to me success is rooted in happiness and growing through the process of overcoming those things that challenge our souls. God Bless and may this be a wonderful year and an amazing life!

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    1. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you about 'overcoming', as it has been somewhat of a stumbling block in certain areas of my life over the many years I have trod through this earth. Liked your view though. Happy New Year dwcopeland.

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  27. I spent NYE alone, tired of the pretense of every year or party bringing a new start. This year I am going to delve into my life as it is instead of being disappointed.

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    1. I think I understand. You mean, that instead of focusing on celebrating one particular evening you want to look into your entire life as a whole, and take stock of that?

      Nothing wrong in that, all the best with your soul searching Blue Bead.

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