It's that time of year, the January 1 hangover has worn off (almost) and the new year is up and running. While the new year is always the time to reflect on a great year gone, I think we can all agree that the past year has been pretty darn cool and 2012 has a lot to live up to. Why people make their resolutions to change their lives at the end of December? Who knows. Maybe the throbbing headache and killer hangover of January 1 is the point at which people re-evaluate (why did I drink so much? why is there vomit in my bed?), and the plans are laid for the new year. As I am no exception, I have resolved to iron out a few creases in my life (not all... certain promises like drinking less and not partying are futile and just not worth the hassle). So 2012... hit me with your best shot.
Study harder
As I am getting to the pointy end of my studies (pointier than before at least) I figure this is the year to really invigorate my GPA and start getting at least a little bit serious about school. Having somehow managed to pass after pissing around for the past 3 years is anything short of a miracle and the fact that I am a law student who is still yet to read an entire case or textbook is enough to make one wonder what is wrong with the education system (and what kind of professionals are being pushed through Australia's universities). Considering that uni is my primary activity (I don't work nor do anything else particularly of importance), I should at least be able to dedicate myself to studying hard and giving some meaning to my life. And that includes not getting too distracted by my new poi during swotvac and messing up my exams. Doh!
For the remainder of my time at uni, this resolution swung back and forth like a pendulum. In the end I had a pretty mediocre GPA that got me nowhere, but I did have moments where I tried.
Find some kind of purpose to my life
Seeing friends go off to do internships, dream jobs or something good for the world (or at least their self interest) has made me realise that (despite being incredibly fun and interesting) travelling around, meeting cool people and not having a worry in the world isnt very productive or useful. And while travel and relaxation is good for the soul, it does become overly indulgent after a while, and when I see old people who have travelled the world for their entire lives and achieved very little in the meantime, I cringe and swear to myself I will make my mark on society/the world one day (and as something more than the girl at the hostel bar). So despite not knowing what I want to do with my life yet (that's what a year of self indulgence does, it erodes ambition enormously), it is time I do something to at least find out, perhaps with an internship or some volunteering or working on some kind of idea. There comes a time for everyone to grow up, and even though I dont intend to give up my drinking or silliness, I do need to get off my ass.
I tried, I failed. I continue to search. Purpose isn't an internship though. It's enjoying the drinking and silliness. This is the wisdom I have acquired in my time.
Get a job
After almost 2 years of unemployment (fun-employment as I put it), it may be time to remind the workforce that I have not slipped off the radar completely and find myself some extra pocket money. Over the past year (well... 2.5 years) Centrelink and scholarships have been very generous to me, and considering that living costs in Mexico are so low, have allowed me to live quite a comfortable life. However, big gaping holes in resumes aren't all that attractive to potential employers, and before I become well and truly unemployable I should find something pronto. Ideally the job would be fun, well paying, flexible and not impinge on my life too much, although since I am no longer the cream of the low income unskilled labour force anymore (was I ever?) those conditions may be negotiable. Ideally also, I would not have to remove my nose ring nor dye my hair a normal colour, although again it may be unavoidable. While Centrelink is still my safety net, it will be nice to not have to live on mi goreng noodles and drink goon again, although until I graduate and find a real job, the good days of Mexican living may just be over for now.
IT'S A TRAP!!!
So essentially these are the big 3 for the year. Of course theres be happy, achieve self actualisation, be healthy, have great friendships, become a clown, learn to play the guitar etc are all inevitably on there somewhere, the main focus is the big things. Will I keep all of the resolutions? I certainly hope so. When do I begin? Well the normal grace period for New Years resolutions is a few days until the vacations have ended, although for me, my life isn't normal and vacations aren't over until well into February. So I resolutely resolve then to start on these resolutions after I get back to Brisbane.
No comments:
Post a Comment