Eenapot's 8 Goals for 2014 (because 2014 has just begun, errr, for Chinese folks)

TODAY marks the start of a new year (well, yeah, for the Chinese community, but hey~ who says I can't join their celebration by having my own 'stuff' for CNY). 

Having to reflect about what happened to my first month of 2014, I'd like to describe it as a really tragic month. I have experienced worst of the worsts (I know you would understand if I won't be narrating much of the stories behind it). But then I managed to get through it all by faith and optimism. Before 2013 ends, I came up with a list of goals to which, I, clearly, didn't have any progress with- atleast for January. I know I should not be making excuses for not having any 'tiny step' towards the realization of it, but hate to admit it, I did nothing. Now is the time to realign them. It's as if I'm starting anew. 

8 GOALS FOR 2014 

*Drumroll please! Followed by a very enthusiastic 'YAAAY!'*

(in no particular order)

1. I am a real estate broker. (Or atleast exploring careers in the real estate industry). Both mom and dad are in this field, and I think it's about time to learn their craft this year. 

2. I am knowledgeable in online marketing. I always have this burning desire for marketing, and since I spend most of my time online, why not dig deeper into knowing what online marketing is all about: SEOs, links, analytics, RSS feeds, blogs, etc. 

3. I am an entrepreneur and an events organizer! This coming summer, I am looking at being really productive by having to manage our own 'mum and pup' resort and have a seasonal restaurant in operation. My primary objective (initially) is to get my bills paid since there won't be any teaching units available for me this summer, I assume. This could be a good progress check of my graduate school learnings!

4. I am financially wise. This friend of mine taught me this 'technique' in saving up. I will definitely try this on and see where it will lead me. I was always in a financial 'stress' the past years and I keep on blaming my decision to pursue my graduate studies in an expensive school. Not playing the blame game this time, because I will be more matured financially, at the very least.

5. I am a freelance writer. I have been thinking of trying this online writing job for the longest time. But I don't know if I'm just not that confident enough to try it or what. But this year, I will definitely try it. Added channel of financial resource, at the same time, taking advantage of my strength-love for writing, I suppose. (~Yeah, I'm doing some SWOT analysis here. :D) But aside from that online freelance writing thing, I'd love to write/contribute to whatever, wherever publication, be it online or not, with monetary remuneration or none.

6. I am a blogger. This goal is in relation to my love for writing. But I want this goal to be focused in this blog. I may not have a 'great' number of viewer, but I want this blog to be my online 'journal' of how I lived and viewed 'life' and other stuff under the sun. I just do hope Blogger won't end up like those of 'Friendster' and 'Multiply'. Every month, I am aiming to post atleast 1-2 blog entries, any topic under the sun, just to keep this site going. Will try also to apply my online marketing learnings here.

7. I am a tour guide of Intramuros. Inspired by its century-old beauty and historical remnants, it is always my heart's desire to tell the story behind the Walled City of Intramuros. But ofcourse, before I tell that 'story', I would have to do some readings and research. This year, I am definitely hosting my own tour of Intramuros! 

8. I am working on my French dream! <3 Some 4 years ago, out of frustration about my first job (and 'immersion' to Dan Brown's literature), I made a goal: SET FOOT TO LOUVRE MUSEUM by the age of 25. I don't know how will that dream become possible but I am very hopeful that by 25, it shall come true. This year, in 'pursuance' to that dream, I am reviewing my 'college' French lessons. It is making me feel like my French dream is just a few sleeps away. "Je reve d'aller a Musee de Louvre"

I purposely used present tense because I believe in LAW OF ATTRACTION. 
You reap what you sow. Generosity leads to prosperity. Gratitude leads to abundance. :)

This entry is a personal REMINDER for me to KEEP SWIMMING.

Just keep swimming.. Just keep swimming.. Just keep swimming..

(what's not to love about Dory -of Finding Nemo-?!?)

xoxo,

Eenapot ^_^

*photos used in this entry have been randomly selected from Google Images. The author do not own a copyright of the images used here.*

How can YOU tell, if indeed, you really are 'successful'?

Oftentimes, I ask my students the typical no-brainer question: "What do you want to be after your tertiary education?" 80% of my folks answer me with a statement starting with the word 'successful' (i.e. successful business man, successful restaurant owner, successful blabla). Out of the blue, one student of mine asked me back, "What about you Ma'am, do you consider yourself successful?" The moment that question reached my inner sense, I began to ask myself, "Oo nga 'no? Am I really 'successful' enough to be infront of these kids?", but what does being 'successful' really means ba talaga? Not that I doubt my credibility of being a college lecturer, but it was one hard question to answer.

Success, I believe, is a very subjective point of discussion. For some, success means landing on their dream jobs, or having a payroll account of this much, or having their own properties, or having the ability to go places they once dreamt of going. At this very point, I can say I AM FAR from those definitions of being 'successful'. 

To answer that question: 

YES, I am successful right now because I wake up each morning with a smile and enthusiasm of getting to share what I know to the young and fresh tabularasa (minds) around me -even with just few hours of sleep. 

YES, I am successful right now because I know, in my very own little way, I am able to take my part in other person's life, by being a source of encouragement for them to pursue their aspirations in life.

YES, I am successful right now because I may not have a lot, but I know I have a lot. 

YES, I am successful right now because my students trust me that they will get something from me. To be trusted is a way better compliment than to be loved.

YES, I am successful right now because I am hearing the 2 magic words -- 'Thank you!' from my folks.

YES, I am successful right now because I learned how to accept life's realities and be open on how to deal with them. 

YES, I am successful right now because I know where to invest my resources and set priorities.

YES, I am successful right now because each problem I face, I see learning points and opportunities.

YES, I am successful right now because I may not have the top of the line technology and systems, different city's arrival stamps on my passport, extra dimes that would allow me to give my parents a grand European holiday, but, truly, I wake up each morning happy and contented with what I currently have. Not wanting for more, but feeling plainly blessed for everyday's grace.

I never actually had the chance to explicitly express these 'realizations' to this student of mine. My answer that time was: "Yes, I am, because I am here in front of you." Period.

But really, being successful, for me, is having that blissful feeling when you wake up early in a verrrrry cold morning and not dragging yourself to do a 'routine'. 

We all deserve to be in our happiest form as we continue our journey in this path we call life. :)