Today I turn 27.
I can't believe that it's been a whole year since my last birthday resolutions post - but on the other hand, I can. It has, without a doubt, been the best year of my life. Not perfect, but I have been the happiest in myself and in what I do day to day, which is something I always strived for but wasn't sure I would achieve. It's certainly not something I take for granted, and there is still plenty of room of improvement, but all in all - one heck of a great year.
Following on from last year, I feel like I did quite well with those previous resolutions. Again, everything is a work in progress, but if I do as well this coming year, I'll be happy.
And without further ado, here are my birthday resolutions:
1 :: Project Declutter.
Self-explanatory, but I'll elaborate. I am a horrible hoarder, surprisingly messy, and generally a bit chaotic when it comes to my mountain of stuff. Now, I'm not under any illusion that I'll suddenly become one of those superhumans that have "capsule wardrobes" and live a minimalist lifestyle (as much as I admire and envy it). I'm just not cut out for that. However, what I can do is to drastically streamline my belongings - be it my wardrobe, useless paperwork from 2008, DVD cases without the contents, make up years past its expiry date. I truly think that if I do this, it will just bring more calm and clarity to my living space and daily life - not to mention, E would give me the best wife of the year award. Any tips are greatly appreciated.
2 :: Cook more.
We all know that E does the heavy-lifting in the kitchen around here, and I do a little bit too, but not enough. I don't hate cooking, but I don't love it either. The things is, I think that my love for it has potential to grow, if I find the right recipes (simple, healthy, not time consuming but still amazingly delicious. too much to ask?), and organise myself so that I have the ingredients on hand at the right time. I also enjoy the satisfaction of having made something, so surely I can do this? Again, favourite staple recipes are always welcome in the comments.
3 :: Read a Japanese book.
Having left Japan aged 8, my Japanese writing and reading are not good. At all. Typing on the computer is just about manageable, as they turn the hiragana characters into kanji (picture characters) for you, but writing? Bad. Reading? Bad. I don't care if it's even just one book, I want to get through one as I know it will be so good for me. I'm thinking of maybe reading a Murakami book, as I love his books in English and so I have a pre-made enthusiasm for it.
4 :: Improve my photography.
I love my camera (a Canon EOS M), and I love playing with it, but I never make the time to truly understand how to use it. I use its semi-manual-semi-auto setting far too much, and I would absolutely love to master the manual settings of it - I know it's a lot of trial and error, but I just need a good kick up the bum to practise and explore all the facilities and techniques.
5 :: Always seek opportunity.
I recently had a conversation with friends about how difficult it is to sell yourself, be it to ask for a raise, be interviewed for a job or selling a certain skill. I am absolutely terrible at this - although I have confidence in myself, I find it incredibly difficult to say, hey, I'm good at this and I have all this experience, or hey, I deserve more out of this because I work hard and I have the skills. I feel like, well, a bit of a diva with empty promises - because who knows, maybe I'll mess up and they'll regret giving me a chance? I know in my head that this is no attitude to have, so I hope that all the wisdom that comes from being 27 will help me out with this. Maybe.
Whether you have been reading WTW since my last birthday resolutions, or you've only stumbled across it recently, thank you so much for sticking by me. Although I would still happily write my posts for an audience of 4, having over 400 readers across various platforms following my adventures makes it all the more fun!
So thanks a bunch, and please, keep me accountable for these resolutions. Otherwise I might just have to blame you.
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