2012

"Life's too short, gotta live it long..." - Young Homie, Chris Rene.

Clock struck midnight, fireworks shot to the sky, wishes swam in the sea of people.

There is something about the new year that, to me, is worth celebrating. Whether it is the ushering in of the new year or the exiting of the old, i enjoy new year countdowns. Sometimes, it feels rather nostalgic reflecting on all the wonderful moments the year had been. There are ups and downs in life but we learn on those down moments and pick ourselves up. Sometimes, it's exciting to imagine what the new year will bring.

At the rooftop of my house, a few friends and family of mine gathered, patiently waiting for the thundering sounds of fireworks to welcome the year. We wanted to initiate a countdown but the time on each of our watches were not the same. So we waited for the fireworks, assuming their time was right. One by one, the night sky was lit.

The new year. 2012. Begins.

Time to refresh and update resolutions. The year i turn legal age to enter the casino. The next phase of my study life experience. Try extreme sports. The list goes on and on.

Lately, i watched the reruns of True Beauty: Face of Vegas. Initially, i did not like the reality show. But as i watched, i found the show good not only for the contestants but the viewers as well. Trust me, everyone judges everyone some point, some time in their lives- may be everyday. And watching the show, nowadays, i felt like i was in the competition and someone was watching me, judging me. In the show, try putting yourself in the shoes of the contestants and see what you would do. Be honest. See yourself, measure yourself. I did, and frankly, i'd be embarrassed of myself at some of its challenges. Though i know i am not in any reality show at the moment, something inside reminds me to help others, show compassion and empathy, and be kind to the people around you. It doesn't hurt to be nice to people. It costs you nothing but it means the world to those you help, whatever size your help may be.

This goes on my resolution list- not for the sake of winning the competition but in becoming a better, more beautiful person. As the host of the show said, 'true beauty comes from within'. I may be one individual, but if that one individual becomes everybody, the world will be a safer, kindlier and peaceful place to live for all of us.

Let this year start the change in you if you have not been.

Two-zero-one-two. wc12.