Another Year: A new opportunity for growth

     As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, people around the world celebrate the arrival of a new year. It is a moment filled with joy, hope, and the possibility of new beginnings. For many, the transition from one year to the next symbolizes an opportunity to reflect on past experiences and make resolutions for personal growth and transformation. The phrase "New Year, New Me" has become my motto, it is an opportunity for me to change. It represents my desire to improve, to leave behind old habits, and to embrace a better version of who am I. 

    My idea of "New Year, New Me" is not simply about changing aspects of my life, but about reimagining myself and my future. It is an opportunity to reassess our goals, values, and behaviours. It is a commitment to self-improvement and the longing for a more fulfilled life. However, the idea sounds motivating, it also raises the question: What does it really mean to transform ourselves, and how can we ensure that our resolutions lead to meaningful change? Before we can evolve, we must take a closer look at where we are in life and where we want to go. This requires evaluation of our strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that hold us back. The "old me" may be defined by patterns, fears, or habits. These can range from procrastination and unhealthy relationships to a lack of confidence or fear of failure. To genuinely change, we must first acknowledge these aspects without judgment. Only then can we begin to move forward with purpose and clarity. 

     Transforming myself is rarely a linear process. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and times when it feels easier to return to old habits. However, true growth comes from pushing through and learning from challenges. We must remember that personal development is not about perfection; it is about progress. By adopting a growth mindset, we begin to see failure not as a defeat, but as an opportunity to learn and improve. Transformation is not an easy process. For me, where everything is important, it is not easy to completely change and leave things behind. But the true essence of new year is also another chance for us to move on and an opportunity to change. Some things are meant to be broken, we cannot just live in the past nor in the future, we need to improve ourselves for us to be ready for the unpredictable future. 2024 is a never-ending roller-coaster ride for me, there are times where my life is at the lowest point but also this year is the happiest that I have ever been. And I hope 2025 is going to be gentle and more stable. But we cannot just rely on "New Year, New Me", because if we want to change, every day is an opportunity for growth and to make ourselves better.

    The concept of "New Year, New Me" is not limited to the first days of January. While the new year provides a symbolic moment for change, personal growth is an on-going process. Just like I said, every day is an opportunity to make choices that align with the person we want to become. Even when the new year excitement fades, the potential for transformation remains. The key is to maintain the commitment to ourselves.

    "New Year, New Me" represents much more than just a resolution to change. It is a call for self-reflection and goal setting. It is about recognizing that we have the power to shape our futures and take control of our lives. While the journey to transformation may be challenging, it is also one of the most beneficial reward we can undertake. As we step into the new year, let us not only envision a new version of ourselves, but to take consistent actions to become the best versions of who we are meant to be.

References: www.blogger.com

The season of giving: The true essence of Christmas

    

  

     When the cold breeze hits your skin while the kids are singing songs about Christmas and the colorful lights and decorations hits your eyes, you know it is now the most wonderful time is the year. When Christmas is coming, signifies that new year is also near. Christmas is called the season of giving; it is when our savior Jesus Christ is born. It is not just about receiving gifts but also spending time with our family and spreading love with others.

    As a student, we all know that this year is exhausting. A bunch of schoolwork's and the never-ending quizzes and exams that drains our minds. But not every time is all about school, we also need time to rest and spend time with our family. When the Christmas break starts, it is the perfect time to rest and take a break from school. As soon as the break starts, i picked up my shoes and played volleyball with friends for hours until we are out of breath. I mostly spend my time with my family during the break, my Tita from other country also spent Christmas with us. And also, our other relatives that lives from afar also came to join us celebrate Christmas. It is a tradition for us that every Christmas is we have a mini party, that involves exchange gift and playing games and just having fun with them while singing karaoke. I did receive a lot of gifts from my family and also from my best friend. But the most precious gift that i received is the love from my family, and the time we spent as a whole is more than enough.

    
As Christmas Day finally arrived, the air was thick with the scent of freshly cooked holiday meals. The joy of sitting around the table with loved ones, exchanging stories, and sharing the food that connected us, was unforgettable. The laughter, the familiar voices, and the clinking of glasses created an atmosphere of comfort and happiness that truly signifies the essence of Christmas. The magic of Christmas isn’t just in the material aspects. For many, including myself, Christmas offers a chance to reflect on the year that has passed. It’s a time to think about the good moments, the challenges faced, and the growth experienced. It’s also a time to appreciate those who were there through it all, both the good and bad times. For me, Christmas has always been a reminder of how fortunate I am to have a supportive family and friends who help make the hard moments easier.

    My experiences during Christmas holidays go beyond decorations, food, and gifts. They are about connection, the laughter shared with family, the bonds formed over meals, and the moments of stillness on a cold evening are what make Christmas truly special. While the holiday season may vary for each person, the underlying theme remains the same: it’s a time to celebrate love, generosity, and the beauty of togetherness.

References:How long Is the Christmas season? - Teaching Catholic Kids

10 Best Christmas Traditions for Family Bonding - Christmas and Advent

10 Christmas space facts to get you into the festive spirit | Space