5 Things I Hope For in 2013

““Hope never abandons you; you abandon it” George Weinberg

The new year always promises hope for all of us. Hoping for something is personal to us. Aside from being the project editor for Blogwatch.ph (a Citizen advocates’ site), I hope for many things on a personal level to keep me on track for 2013.

1. I hope to continue my healthy lifestyle and keep my weight to my ideal limit (not beyond 125 pounds). A relaxed and productive mind starts with a healthy body so being fit and right is my number 1 priority. I need to take care of myself first and foremost, and the rest follows.

2. I hope for clarity.

When I am caught in the midst of an experience, it is easy to forget that there is a Plan. Sometimes all I can see is today. I hope for a perspective whenever I undergo confusing, difficult learning times.

3. I hope for balance.

Sometimes I can get too obsessed with work because I love it so much. I need to seek balance. Balance emotions with reason. Balance giving with receiving. Alternate work with play, business with personal activities. Juggle responsibilities to others with responsibilities to ourselves.

4. I hope for courage.

I need lots of courage for the upcoming May 2013 elections. It can get tiring to monitor the candidates and the #epalwatch. Whenever I get compliments from my work, I often thank the person and say that I am a work in progress. I know as a project head, I need to know the way and show the way. I am constantly learning by researching and being open to new ideas as well as old and tired ideas. My courage comes from my passion to make a difference in this world and I call upon God to help me go through the day. I am aware that courage won’t be a loud roar at every step of the way. With each step I take, I know I will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.

I know that sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day telling me, “I will try again tomorrow.”

5. I hope for change.

I am doing my part as a citizen of the Philippines with the new media initiative for Elections 2013. When I talk of change, it means moving in the right direction. Change starts in us. I hope that more voters select their candidates based on informed choices and not on popularity alone. I hope they take it upon themselves to study Five ways to make a difference in the 2013 Elections.

Spread the word that voting criteria should consider a candidate’s coherent platform, clear vision, character, competency

I know I can’t control actions of people, places and things so I can only hope for the best.

That change starts in me. I will continue to be empowered and to learn more about the intricacies of the Philippine Electoral system.

Let’s all hope for the best in 2013. Sometimes things do not look too optimistic and we often feel helpless.

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.

As Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world”.