Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Friday, December 01, 2017

‡ Almost ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 1:11:00 PM

Almost.

One word that can actually haunt us longer than we want it to be. 
One word that can make you remember hidden emotions.
One word that can bring you smile and tears at the same time.

Have you ever been in an almost relationship?





We Didn’t Date So Why Did It Hurt So God Damn Badly

 
We didn’t date. I didn’t need that spelled out for me.

I felt it every time I the words ‘just friends’ came out of my mouth. The words tasted bad but I couldn’t lie about what we were and I couldn’t pretend to be something we weren’t.

The problem with feelings and matters of the heart though is your heart does not give a fuck whether or not there is some label there. Your heart decides and that’s it. Suddenly you’re at the whim of making irrational choices that can only be justified because you love this person.

People argued it wasn’t real love. They say love is that which is reciprocated. Love is that which leaves you whole and not empty. That real love doesn’t hurt.

I don’t think love can be so simply defined. I don’t think it’s black and white. I think there are a lot of grey areas that gets lost and not talked about just because it isn’t the typical standard of what love is supposed to be in the eyes of everyone watching.

We didn’t date but I still looked at you like you were the best thing that happened in my life. Because at the time you were.

Every conversation. Every laugh. Every moment spent together where I envied anyone that took up your time that wasn’t me.

I missed you before you even said goodbye and wished I could freeze moments.

We didn’t date but I still compared you to everyone I met. And they always fell short of these expectations I suddenly had in someone.

Because it wasn’t just opening my door and paying for some tab or making sure I walked on the inside of the sidewalk, it was the respect you had for me.

In everyone I met it was you I was looking for only to realize someone like you couldn’t be replicated.

We didn’t date but my heart still raced every time we were in the same room and every time your name appeared across my phone. There wasn’t a smile bigger than the one you brought to my face.

We didn’t date but I still talked about you like you put the stars in the sky. Because you really did change my life so much for the better.

We didn’t date but you were everything I wanted so badly at one point. If people were interested in me I didn’t even notice because you had every bit of my attention.

And it didn’t matter what we were or rather weren’t, I was just happy to have you in my life. I was happy to have your time and attention even if it came few and far between sometimes.
 
Then suddenly everything changed with one conversation.

It’s the conversation that defines what you are and what you’ll never be. The conversation that depletes any hope of anything every happening in a future that will never be. The conversation that suddenly makes every encounter after that awkward.

Once every card is laid out and everything is talked about there is no hiding how you feel. There’s no secrecy or wondering. There is no hope. And you’re overcome with guilt for falling so hard like it was all your fault.

Then you have to get over it.

But how do you even heal and get over someone who wasn’t yours to begin with?
 

 
I sat in airport with a ticket like flying 10,000 miles away thinking that would make me forget him and how I felt. If anything it made it worse. I realized no matter where I went or how many airports I’d find myself in, during those few months, he was everywhere. Haunting my in a way. Found in street corners and gift shops.

When you love someone, they don’t leave just because you did. You take them with you.

I realized eventually I was going to have to face this head on. I was going to have to get over it. And there wasn’t going to be anyone comforting me because they all saw it coming and they were entitled to say I told you so.

When you fall for someone you aren’t dating you are blinded with rose colored lenses while everyone else wants to warn you that you shouldn’t do this, as if it was a choice you got to make.

You don’t pick who you love and you sure as hell don’t have a say in when it stops.

Real relationships have this start and end period. Concrete dates to look back at of how long it’s been. Concrete feeling that were mutual at one point. But almost relationships just have a bunch of grey areas and nothing defined and lines that drawn and rewritten. It’s games played and mixed signals and confusion.

Whether the other person wants to admit it or not I think feelings are present a least a little bit. Even almost relationships can’t be maintained if it’s just one sided and one person’s interest. For any relationship to last even if it’s just an emotional connection it requires the effort of both parties.

When those relationships end we put it all on ourselves thinking we were stupid and it was our fault we felt that way. But nothing is ever all yours to own entirely.

You look back at moments and you can’t believe you said the things you did or acted the way you did. But that’s love for you. If you aren’t being a complete fool and going to absurd lengths, I question if you really love the person.

We didn’t date but there were still nights I was crying myself to sleep at night.

We didn’t date but there were still moments where I’d do anything to numb the pain I was feeling.

We didn’t date but everything about him hurt like any other relationship I had actually been in.

Pain does not discriminate. And it doesn’t hurt any less just because you never dated. Sometimes that factor alone makes it hurt more.

I didn’t realize it was love every time those words drunkly slipped out of my mouth with goodbye.

I realized I loved him when all that pain hit me at once realizing what we’d never be.

Love is to happiness as heartbreak is to depression.

And I watched myself turn into this version I didn’t even know nor could I recognize. It hurt like hell because even if there wasn’t some label to it I couldn’t deny that everything I felt was so real.

We didn’t date but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced pain so badly in my life.

We didn’t date but I was barely eating sleeping or functioning because it hurt so badly.

And I had to present it to the world like I wasn’t feeling these things so heavily. I had to face everyone like I wasn’t falling apart inside. I had to carry on like getting through 24 hours was easy. But the reality was I dismissed myself often to breakdown and cry alone. And I couldn’t talk about it because what do you even say?

The hardest part of getting your heart broken by someone you didn’t date is when they want things to go back to what they were and you want to be strong but everything about their presence makes you weak. Part of you wants to say, ‘I need time to get over you. I need time to heal.’ But then you think that’s selfish.

You don’t want to lose them in your life but it hurts like hell standing in front of someone who isn’t yours when you are so in love with them.

It hurts like hell watching them love someone else and you have to just put on a brave face and stand there.

It hurts like hell playing the role they need you to but you love them enough to hurt yourself and do just that.

Because the truth is what they taught you most about love is how selfless it is sometimes.

You love someone and you want them to be happy even if it doesn’t include you.


 


Original article: here

Credit for the image(s) goes to the original owner(s)

 

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Saturday, October 28, 2017

‡ Thread of Love ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 10:28:00 PM

Love has been compared to everything.
Jewel, glass, firework, paper, light switch.

However I'm not going to talk about those analogies in this post.
I will think of a relationship as a thread.
This is one of the most favorite analogies to be used, of course.



When two persons are in a relationship, each of them is holding on the different side to keep the thread on balance.

When you pull the thread more to your side, it will cause a change in the balance that you have kept together.
But, no, it's not a problem if both of you agree to move along.

Remember, they keyword is both.

Therefore the thread will never stays the same.
It will move, it will change, and it will be tangled from time to time.

When two sides argue, the thread will be messed up by words, tears, and emotion.
Words will tangle the thread, making it not comfortable to hold on.
Tears will make the thread heavier to carry on. 
Emotion will cause the thread to be painful to keep.

You can cut the thread so both sides are relieved by the thread;
a thread so different from the first time when you promise to keep in your hand carefully.
It's messy, heavy, and painful.
Some even said that sometimes holding on does more damage than letting go.

Or you can spend your times to untangle the thread,
to learn how to carry the heavier thread,
to understand why it's so painful,
and to find a way for both sides to keep the thread balance again.

If one side holds the thread too low because the person is already tired of holding it,
can the thread be kept for two?

If one side wants to untangle the thread slowly but the other side is impatient to wait,
should they keep holding on it?

If one side decides to cut the thread while the other one still clings onto it,
who actually lost a treasure?

Of course, people can say that there is a better, more beautiful thread waiting for you to hold on.
However when you feel that a love is worth to fight for, there is no such thing as a better thread.

There is only a precious thread to hold, to keep, to love by two sides.

Again, the keyword is two.

So if one side decides to let go of the thread and lock it in their shelf,
the thread is nowhere to be found. 




This applies not only for a romantic relationship;
I think a thread of love between two best friends who care a lot about each other also exists.

Do you think the same?

 

For every happiness, I thank you.
For every mistake, I apologize.
For everything, I forgive you.

I wish you a happy journey of life.
Things will never be the same anymore but, for whatever reason, let's be happy.

Always.


 

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

‡ Melukis Senja ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 10:36:00 PM

Blog post ini dibuat dalam rangka mengikuti
Lomba Menulis FLASH FICTION ‘Perempuan & Senja’.



Link to the original article here


__________



Melukis Senja

“Aku tidak suka senja.”

Begitu katamu dulu saat pertama kali kita melihat matahari terbenam bersama.

Aku memilih diam tapi kau mengerti arti keheninganku. Kau selalu mengerti apa yang tidak pernah sanggup kusampaikan lewat kata-kata.

“Aku tidak mengerti apa yang orang sukai dari pemandangan matahari terbenam. Aku tidak mengerti apa keindahan cahaya yang menghilang perlahan. Bukankah menurutmu fajar lebih indah dibanding senja?”

Fajar.

Kau lebih menyukai fajar, momen pada saat matahari terbit di ufuk timur. Bagimu fajar seperti cara dunia ini mengingatkan kita bahwa ada hari yang baru lagi untuk dijalani, bahwa kita masih memiliki harapan seperti matahari yang selalu bersinar menyambut kita setiap pagi.

Bagiku, kau adalah fajar.

Awalnya kupikir kau adalah angin.

Hanya butuh beberapa detik bagiku untuk berharap bisa bertemu denganmu kembali setelah pertemuan pertama kita, seperti halnya anak kecil yang ingin merasakan hembusan angin sepoi di sore hari. Senyum lembutmu seolah berkata, “Sampai jumpa lagi.”

Di duniaku yang selalu dipenuhi oleh suara keramaian, entah sejak kapan, hanya suaramu yang mencapaiku. Mungkin kau bukan lagi sekedar angin sejak kau menyapaku dan menanyakan namaku. Mungkin kau sudah menjadi secercah cahaya saat kau memuji lukisan bunga mawarku. Mungkin kau telah menjadi matahari bagiku tanpa kita berdua sadari.

Aku tidak pernah memintamu untuk duduk di sampingku saat aku melukis tapi di sisiku lah kau berada. Aku tidak pernah menuntutmu untuk menceritakan apa saja yang kau lalui setiap minggu karena aku tidak bisa menceritakan hari-hariku namun, tanpa mengenal bosan, kau selalu berhasil membuatku tertawa kecil.

Tahukah kau bahwa senyummu setiap kali aku tertawa membuatku merasa dunia terasa lebih hangat?

Kesendirian yang selalu menjadi sahabatku selama ini digantikan olehmu. Perlahan tapi pasti, seperti halnya matahari yang selalu kembali bersinar di pagi hari, aku mengharapkanmu layaknya manusia yang tak sabar menanti hari baru.

Tidak pernah aku bertemu dengan orang sepertimu, yang bisa mengerti apa yang tidak kukatakan, yang tidak menganggapku membosankan karena keheningan yang kuberikan. Kau bahkan memahami bagian hatiku yang tidak ingin kuakui. Seperti layaknya sebuah buku, kau membacaku dengan mudah.

Hanya saja buku itu tidak kau baca hingga selesai.

“Lukisan senja? Untukku?”

Matamu membelalak terkejut saat melihat semburat warna jingga pilihanku di atas kanvas yang masih berwarna putih sebulan lalu. Jantungku berdetak lebih cepat daripada biasanya padahal kali ini keheningan, sahabat lamaku, kembali lagi bersamaku.

Satu langkah, dua langkah, tiga langkah. Kau semakin mendekati lukisanku dan akhirnya memilih menyentuhnya dengan jemarimu.

Mengapa kau tidak memujiku seperti biasanya? Mengapa kau biarkan keheningan yang selalu kau lenyapkan dengan mudah mengisi waktu kita? Apakah karena lukisanku terlalu sederhana dibanding lukisan lain yang pernah kau lihat?

Apakah karena aku melukis senja yang tidak kau suka?

“Indah.”

Tanpa melihatku, kau ucapkan satu kata itu dengan pelan.

Rasanya ada yang mengambil udara dariku. Nafasku tertahan saat akhirnya mata kita bertemu. Bibirmu membentuk sebuah senyum bahagia sebelum kau ucapkan terima kasih atas hadiah ulang tahunmu yang begitu istimewa dariku.

“Sulitkah melukis senja?”

Pertanyaanmu hanya membuatku tersenyum lirih.

Sulit.

Senja yang sempurna hanya bertahan beberapa detik setiap harinya. Oleh karena itu, setiap harinya, aku akan duduk di teras rumahku yang menghadap pantai, menanti matahari perlahan menghilang dari pandangan. Setiap harinya, aku mengabadikan beberapa detik senja itu dalam ingatanku, untuk mengubahnya menjadi nyata di atas kanvasku.

Semua itu sebanding dengan senyuman yang kau berikan padaku.

Sayangnya senyuman itu bukanlah senyuman yang mengetahui adanya perasaan cinta yang tertuang di setiap sapuan kuas hingga lukisan itu menjadi sempurna.

Bukan sempurna karena senja yang bisa diabadikan dalam lukisan. Bukan sempurna karena hasil lukisanku yang masih jauh dari karya seorang maestro.

Sekedar sempurna karena ketulusan hatiku untuk menyampaikan betapa aku mencintaimu.

Namun kau tidak tahu.

“Kau memang sahabat terbaikku. Terima kasih.”

Sahabat.

Hanya itulah aku bagimu.

“Adikmu juga pasti akan sangat menyukai lukisan senja ini. Akan kuperlihatkan padanya segera.”

Adikku. Kekasihmu. Orang yang begitu kusayangi seperti aku menyayangimu. Sosok yang membuatku memilih menjadi senja yang hanya sementara karena, aku tahu, dialah fajar bagimu.

“Aku jadi menyukai senja karenamu.”

Lalu kau berlalu untuk menemuinya dan, seperti hari-hari sebelumnya, aku berdiri sendirian, menunggu senja yang terasa lebih sedih dan sepi dari biasanya.

Rasanya aku tidak ingin melihat senja lagi.

Kemudian, seolah langit mengerti, hujan pun turun.

Tetes hujan pun menyembunyikan air mataku.

Beritahu aku. Salahkah bila aku tidak menyukai senja lagi?

Karena senja mengingatkanku padamu.


☆  END  ☆

 

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

‡ 7 Reasons: Travel Alone ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 11:44:00 AM

Do you like travelling?



I do... or, at least, I think I do.
I never travel alone though (in my own definition of travelling).

The first time I left Indonesia without my parents is when I went to Singapore with Brenda, Dewi, and Monica (I wrote about it here) on 2011. It's quite interesting since we just went here and there based on online research by our own.

I went to Singapore again on November 2012 with Alvin, Liani, and Tono. Although I visited the same country, since I had different companion, it did feel somewhat different -- I enjoyed both experiences for sure.

Then Malaysia is my next destination on 2013 with Dewi, Indra, Liani, and Stella (complete story is here).

I went to Singapore (again) this January 2014 with my Mom. Third time but definitely the most different experience since I was the one who in charge for everything. I took a couple of hours to walk around Orchard alone during the third day since my Mom was too tired at the moment.

On additional note, I went to Bandung on January 2014 with Alvin, Liani, and Stella -- only for random walk and food. Another visit to Bandung (and Lembang Floating Market) last February 2014 with Jeanette, Matthew, and Wien.

I have this (probably) resolution to go on travelling alone (yes, no friend, no tour guide) one day. The destination? I have the name already but, well, I need to increase my savings first. *laughs*

Anyway, I just want to share an article I read this morning with all of you. Who knows if you find this kind of true? ;)



7 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone At Least Once In Your Life


1. You will meet amazing people.
While traveling with friends or a significant other can be a lot of fun, traveling solo for a certain amount of time can prove to be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do because of the great people you’ll meet.

When we travel with friends or a partner, we tend to stick to that little group of familiar faces and even though you’ll meet new people, the dynamics and interactions won’t be as deep and fulfilling. While you’re on your own on the road, you’re much more eager to meet travel buddies, team up with other travelers and generally reach out more in order to socialize.


2. The overwhelming sense of absolute freedom.
When you travel on your own and you start meeting people and making awesome friends, you’ll probably team up with travel buddies and end up expanding your travel plans. You’ll probably change your plans once you hear about that amazing waterfall, that incredible desert beach, the opportunity to bungee jump from a high bridge, or taste a special delicacy you’ll only find off the beaten track.

When you’re traveling, you’re open to change and you’ll welcome it with open arms. The great thing is that you don’t have to fit into a group’s agenda, give explanations or disappoint anyone, you can follow your rhythm, desires and move like the wind.


3. Traveling alone challenges your fears and insecurities
This is a big one, especially if it’s your first solo experience. I remember the first time I traveled when I was 18 and moved to London on my own for 3 months to be an au pair and live with a local family. I was terrified of the unknown, but if I would have surrendered to that fear, I would have never get to know the strong, courageous and adventurous side of me. I was scared, but I did it anyways and by the 3rd day, I was really proud of myself. From then on I never let fear stop me. 16 years and many adventures later, I still have a little voice inside my head, asking: “What if something goes wrong?” “What if you get into trouble?” This is normal and perfectly human; fear exists for our own protection and boosts our awareness. But we shouldn't let it control our lives.

Safety can be a great comfort, but common sense is the key. Read and research a lot before you travel, check out hostel reviews, and research feedback from other travelers in forums and blogs. Respect the local culture and I guarantee you’ll be fine.


4. Fall in love.
Everyone wants to find their better half and much is said about failed relationships while on the road. It doesn't have to be like that! We find love when we meet someone who shares our interests, dreams, and goals. While traveling solo you’ll meet so many people from all walks of life that falling in love might just happen. Whether it will be a great summer love or end up at the altar, no one knows, but there are many people out there with amazing stories.

If you already have a partner, this time away can boost your passion and once you’re back, you’ll appreciate each other’s company more.


5. You can take the time to nurture yourself.
If you have a stressful life back home, either studying hard or working too much, traveling on your own can be the time to take some time off and nurture yourself.

Whether you’re a backpacker traveling cheap or if the sky is the limit as far as your budget goes, you can use this time to pamper yourself. Indulge in rich and delicious local meals which will boost your energy and health, take long walks on the beach by sunrise, or get a massage. Do some yoga and relax a lot. Enjoy all the wonderful things you deserve, and understand that happiness is a birth right, not a privilege.


6. You’ll have a chance to recreate yourself and be who you want to be.
While traveling solo, you can leave your grumpy, tired old self behind and start to be a new you. Explore parts of your personality you are not very comfortable or familiar with. When on the road, you might be challenged by unexpected factors and be positively surprised how well you respond to them. Empower yourself by unleashing the wonderful, irresistible and intelligent person you are, but whom you've neglected in your everyday routine.


7. You can finally take time to leave everything else behind.
Just disconnect from the world for a while. Turn off your mobile, “forget” to check you emails for a few days… don’t think about the bills, the responsibilities, the duties and problems. Leave them behind.

Some of the most intense creative times or the ones where we find the solutions for all our problems are actually the moments when we disconnect and stop worrying. Have you ever tried to remember a name or a date and you just can’t spit it out, but after you quit trying it pops out? It’s the same for the rest of life. Sometimes our brains need to get rid of old thoughts in order to be able to create space for new ones, better ones. So just disconnect yourself from everything and you might be amazed by how fresh you’ll feel once you get back home.

Original article: here



Credit for the image(s) goes to the original owner(s)

 

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

‡ Right, Wrong : Person, Time ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 10:21:00 PM

Apparently, tonight I bring 'love' as the theme again.

I read an article, written beautifully and amazingly true. You can read her writing here.

Every girl has her own ideal type.

Tall. Humorist. Smart. Handsome. Friendly. Easy going. Honest. Sweet. Creative. Independent.
Mr Nice Guy. The Bad Boy. The Alpha Male. The Romantic Prince.
Musician. Artist. Cook. Photographer. Sportsman.

The list goes on and on, according to each girl in this world who has personal preference for boys.


I remember writing this one question around three years ago. This question would linger in my mind whenever I feel like standing at the edge of somewhere; not knowing whether I'm going to fall on safe place or to the dark abyss.

"Am I the right person who appeared in the wrong time...

or am I only a wrong person who appeared in the right time?"

According to J.cheong (the writer of the article I mentioned above), there are three men in every girl's love life.


The right person you meet at the wrong time.

During your time of youth, a girl could have every first time with this one person. Your first love and, probably, your first heartbreak. He's the right person who became the one who told you that not everything you wanted is what you needed.


The right person you meet at the right time.

Then there is this one person who could make you realize why everything didn't work out the way you think it should be.

For girls who love romantic stuff, this person is the one who would be the companion in every moment you would love to remember for your whole life. For them who are not too romantic (including me), he is the man who is your best friend, brother, and lover at the same time. He would be glad to tell you that imperfection is what makes love even more beautiful.


The wrong person you meet at the right time.

As for the last, the writer talked about marriage -- about how true love is all about a matter of timing. Perhaps, for now, he is the right one but, in ten years, he might not be the one anymore. She mentioned about marriage is not (always) about the right one at the right time, but it's because he is the right one forever.


I'm just going to add a small point here but, no, I'm not going to talk about marriage since I know barely nothing about it. When we talk about the wrong person at the right time, girls in their 20s would probably think about this one guy who appeared in the low points of their lives. He would lift you up, shine on you, stay with you like no other.

Everything felt perfectly right... but it's all just your feeling. You thought he's the right one but, no, he's just there at the perfect timing. There would come a moment when it hit you hard, "Oh my, what was I thinking again? How could I not realize that we're not meant to be?"


Is it love when that moment came up? Is it regret? Is it a complaint?

Depends.

I'm not going to count it as a regret nor complaint. You just learn another life lesson. You celebrate his existence in your love history but, you know, he's not the right one.


That's the end of my random opinion tonight.

How about yours? ;)




credit of the image goes to the original owner

 

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

‡ What Is Love? ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 11:50:00 PM


Love.

What is love really?

Ask ten different persons and they might give you ten different answers as well.

Valentine's Day has passed for more than one month but, like what people said, it's not like we only celebrate the existence of love on V-Day, right? ;)

Let's start this topic with my own simple definition of love.


Love is universal.

Nowadays, most people come up with an idea of a couple -- man and woman -- when one speaks of the word 'love'. Lyrics, movies, books. Everything.

Of course it's not wrong. It's definitely one kind of love. I just add the love for God, love for family, love for friends, and love for the world in my dictionary of love; the very reason why I define love as universal.

Love is not only restricted for two souls who will be together for life (or somewhere around that point).


Love is sincere.

When it comes to love, you don't demand others to be like what you want. You accept them for who they are but doesn't let them to fall out to the abyss when it brings no good.

You don't blame love when you feel hurt. You don't ask for people to return your love because, yes, loving is not about give and take; it's about loving without regret.


Then why do we cry because of love? Why does heart keep breaking? Why can't everyone just be happy when we love others?

Some said life is not fair and so is love.


Just because you love someone, doesn't mean the person should love you equally. Remember, love is sincere. Love is not about who loves another more. No, of course, it's not wrong to expect the person you love to return your feeling but, if your intention from the start is just to love and ask it back, be ready to be blown by your own expectation.

Sure, hearts break. Someone could break your heart, the same way you might break another heart. However, there will be someone who could gather pieces of your heart and make you realize your imperfection is perfect, the same way you could be that 'someone' for a soul in this world.

Crying is not a weakness. If you cry because you feel hurt by loving someone, perhaps it's because you lose the essence of loving yourself; we forget that loving someone else also means that we should love ourselves as well.

Cry for love. Cry for one you love. Cry for a heart that loves you. Cry for a world which exists for and after you.

With all those reasons behind your tears, you'll find even more reasons to smile for love.


Aren't those words sound too dreamy? I know. I feel that way as well but, well then, that is exactly what I think about love.

How about you?


"If a thing loves, it is infinite."
- William Blake




credit of the image(s) goes to the original owner(s)

 

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Thursday, January 02, 2014

‡ More Resolutions for 2014 ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 3:22:00 PM

Are 25 resolutions not enough for 2014?

It's 2 January 2014 and, here I am again, to list down more resolutions for you to read. However these are not my resolutions; I wrote everything already yesterday.

I read this article from the same website where I quoted the 25 resolutions. Apparently they shared even more resolutions for this new year. Perhaps it can inspire you to have better resolutions -- especially for all of you who are in 20s (I'm still 22 anyway!).

Let me just do CTRL+C and CTRL+V first here and just quote what I like the most.


1. No more procrastinating. If something needs to be done, you do it then and there.

2. No more eating when you’re down. You’re just going to gain weight and make yourself feel even worse.

3. Get to bed earlier. Nothing great happens after 2 am.

4. Wake up earlier. You don’t need to see the sun come up, but if the birds are chirping then you should be working.

7. Give your liver a break and stop being a short step and stumble away from alcoholism.

10. Stop spending money on things that you don’t need.

12. Leave your comfort zone at least once a week — every week.

13. Travel more.

16. Give up commenting on topics you are clueless about.

17. When you don’t know the answer to things, ask.

18. Speak up and be heard. Being brilliant is useless unless others recognize it.

19. If you’re introverted, practice being a bit more outgoing and interactive.

20. If you’re extroverted, spend some more time alone, being contemplative.

21. Stop harassing others.

22. Stop allowing yourself to be harassed. Stand up for yourself — no one else will.

23. Resolve to get to know yourself better. You’re the most interesting person you’ll ever get to know.

25. Learn to think for yourself.

27. Understand that there is always a better, more efficient way to do something. Then figure out how.

28. Be more curious. Life may be an unsolvable puzzle, but it’s a puzzle nonetheless.

29. Start giving back to your community — you may need its help one day.

30. When someone does something nice for you, thank him or her genuinely.

31. Tell those you love that you love them; they won’t be around forever and then you’ll wish you’d have let them know when you had the chance.

32. Take that resolution that you have been “working on” for the last half-decade and actually get it done.

33. Give to those in need. One species, one family.

35. Allow yourself to fall in love. You have to want it to find it.

36. Conquer a fear. Then conquer another. Life is to be lived, not feared.

37. Learn to accept what you can’t change.

38. Find the courage to change what you can change.

39. Figure out what you actually want out of life. If you don’t know what is important to you then you don’t know yourself.

40. Find a passion and run with it.

41. Make mistakes. Then learn from them.

42. Learn from the mistakes of others.

43. Read more.

51. Stop texting when you’re having dinner.

52. Resolve to spend more time talking to people face-to-face.

53. If you get turned down then don’t dwell, move on.

54. Never live in the past — only in the present and near future.

55. If you forgive then forget.

57. Spend more time with those who matter and less time with those who don’t.

58. If you hate your job then quit your job. Don’t torture yourself for yet another year.

59. Attempt to do something that you don’t think you can do and then truly give it your all. You’ll be surprised with the results.

60. Be a better son or daughter.

61. Be a better brother or sister.

63. Appreciate the things that others do for you.

64. Make your appreciation known. Not being appreciated has the same result as not knowing you’re appreciated.

65. Wave and smile at strangers. You may just save their lives.

66. Don’t poke fun of those who are in a bad situation. They have enough weighing on their shoulders.

67. Give a helping hand whenever you are able to — not just when you are in the mood to.

68. Become more self-reliant; in the end it’s really you against the world.

69. Either practice what you preach or stop preaching. If you’re going to point a finger then point one at yourself first.

70. Start making more money. When there is a will, there is a way — a legal way.

71. Stay up-to-date on world news. The world keeps getting smaller and smaller and our voices keep getting louder and louder.

72. Resolve to take at least two week-long vacations. Aim for four.

73. Start every day excited and on full throttle. Being energetic in the morning often leads to being energetic throughout the day.

77. Don’t let people make decisions for you. It’s your life and you’re a grownup dammit.

78. Learn to take responsibility for your actions.

79. Learn something new: a language, an instrument, a sport…

80. Resolve to do what you believe to be right.

81. Promise yourself to keep an open mind and to weigh all the options carefully.

82. Read up or brush up on philosophy. It will change the way you perceive the world and your purpose in it.

83. Accept that there is no one reality, but a multitude of them—each person perceiving things just a little differently.

84. Don’t get worked up during arguments. They’re not worth the stress.

85. See things a bit more black and white. It’ll make making decisions a whole lot easier.

86. Practice self-control. You may not be able to control every aspect of your life, but you can control you.

91. Make those who are important in your life feel special. Give them the attention and love that they deserve and they will reciprocate.

94. Resolve to find more balance in your life. Extremes are a part of life, but without overall balance, we will fall off the deep end and drown.

95. Train your brain. It’s the greatest and most important tool in your arsenal. Learn to use it better.

96. Delay gratification. The wait itself is usually the best part.

98. Keep the promises you make and don’t make promises that you can’t keep.

99. No more making excuses for yourself. You are in control of your destiny; if you fail to make something out of yourself then you are the one that is failing — nobody else.

100. Stop taking life so seriously. It’s supposed to be fun. And besides, it’ll all be over before you know it.

Original and complete article: here


I personally like a lot of them but, yes, I have my favorite points.

No more procrastinating. I do this a lot. Most of the times actually. I always have excuses to procrastinate everything.

Stop spending money on things that you don't need. I have a problem with money management, I must admit.

Travel more. Anyone? I'd love to travel to places I never visit before. By myself,

Allow yourself to fall in love. For anyone who said that fall in love is easy, no, I'm not going to say it's wrong. However, falling in love needs courage and I'm not allowing myself to fall in love; simply because I know I lack the courage.

Conquer a fear. Refer to my own resolution.

Figure out what you actually want out of life. This continues to the next one.

Find a passion and run with it. My passion refers to my job (or my career) and it goes on to the next point.

If you hate your job then quit your job. Refer to my own resolution.

Make those who are important in your life feel special. This, everyone, is a really nice reminder. 2014 just started so let's make it special with special persons.

Keep the promises you make and don't make promises that you can't keep. Because, like what people said, a promise means everything but, once it is broken, sorry means nothing.

No more making excuses for yourself. I should stop procrastinating. Yes, I should.

Stop taking life so seriously. My four most random friends (refer to my previous post here) taught me this point in a smart way. I believe they didn't have any intention to do it but, yeah, I took it as a life lesson.


So is there anything that inspires you? ;)


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