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THIS IS OUR YEAR

personal 6:50 PM

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Are you one of those people who just claimed 2017 as your year? If you're not, then CLAIM IT. Don't be half-hearted when you say it this time and mean it. Say it again: "THIS IS MY YEAR!"

Though it may seem a bit cliché, don't take it that way. It's a relief to hear that people, though too early in the year to say so, do have plans in making this year count. And that's exactly what this post is about.

Why should we make the year count? What's so important about this year compared to all the other years that have gone by? 2016 was a tough year, I must say. It came by swiftly and it also left a lot of bad events along with the good. These series of unfortunate events have only left me a very important lesson which holds true until now. Time is gold. Time is precious. Time and time again, this phrase simply summarizes everything you need to know in the world. The trouble with people like us is that we think we always have time.

I intend to make this a year not wasted, so I've made a sort-of checklist we could all get to enjoy doing. Here are 5 things I would dare you (and myself included) to do for the year 2017. Are you up for it? Let's do this! 🙋

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1. "This year, I dare myself to save as much as I can."

Go buy yourself a piggy bank or open a bank account. Challenge yourself to put in ₱20, ₱50 or even ₱100 per day, depending on what your goal amount is. But I say, just save what you can and don't think of getting even a peso from your savings. Make it a habit to put something in at least thrice a week or every day would be much better. Later on, you'll be surprised at how much money you can come up with in a year. It's up to you whether you want to use the money to buy something you've always wanted, for your travel funds, or even better, to save it for the rainy days.

2. "This year, I dare myself to travel to a new place."

Unleash your adventurous self! Get out of your comfort zone, take risks and explore the world. It's okay to spend sometimes as long as it's for a good purpose. I personally believe that traveling does wonders for the soul. If you haven't done it the past year, go book that flight now or go on the road trip you've always had in mind. Whether it's that magnificent waterfalls in Cebu you've been looking at on Facebook, that sand boarding thing you've always wanted to do in Ilocos, or maybe even visit those theme parks in HongKong or Singapore, it doesn't matter where. Just go.

3. "This year, I dare myself to keep a planner and write on it till the year ends."

Yes, you read that right. Make use of those planners you've bought! They're not meant for display or for photo purposes, they're meant for exactly what they're called -- for plans. When you keep one, you'll be more organized with your daily activities. You might not notice it instantly but a planner is actually one of life's saving graces. You can't rely on your memory all the time. Your planner will help you think ahead for the whole year and more importantly, you're giving yourself daily reminders which is a big step into becoming a more responsible you.

4. "This year, I dare myself to make my parents feel that I love them so much."

I know for a fact that not all of us are mushy when it comes to family. (Guilty as charged here!) But think about it, when are you gonna show them that you do love them? Don't wait for time to teach you a lesson. Do it now. That's why it's a dare cause it's not gonna be as easy as you think. Write them a letter on a random day. I know we only get to write them long letters during retreats so this one's gonna be so random, they're not gonna expect it. Let them feel that their presence is important to you by hugging them tight every day, cook them breakfast, kiss them when you leave or arrive at your house. There are so many things you can think of, the only challenge is that you must do it.

5. "This year, I dare myself to love myself more and to forgive myself at the same time."

Let me share with you a wonderful piece I've read during the New Year by an anonymous writer. "I support self-love wholeheartedly. You want to post a photo of you looking so fine, do it. You want to walk around stores and check yourself out in the mirror, go ahead. You want to treat yourself with good every day, do it. You want to wear makeup or you don't want to wear makeup, it's up to you. You want to gain weight or lose weight, it's up to you. Do what you want. As long as it makes you happy. You should never be ashamed of what you look like. Go out there and claim your body. This is your life anyway. Why waste your pretty mind on thoughtless critiques?". Reading this made me think that I should appreciate myself more and forgive myself for the times I've made myself feel insecure or unworthy. This year, let's love ourselves and let's help others love themselves too!

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The list is endless. Read and finish a novel, try mountain climbing (which is probably next on my list), go learn a new dance, or make a blog! It's a fresh start for you. Though you don't need a new year to begin doing these things, sometimes, a new year could just be a wake-up call for you to make some changes. It's all up to you. Have fun and have a prosperous 2017!