Musings on the sidewalk of Times Square

Standing half smothered in the middle of an almost 2 million strong crowd is probably not the most ideal location for 2012 reflections.  Not to mention that the current cold of 0 degrees is creeping into the gloves and boots, leaving numb fingers and toes in its wake. But with 5 hours of waiting to go till the ball drops to signal the entrance of 2013, and considering after all that it IS Times Square we are standing at,  it could probably pass as the best TIME. My mind echoes the song which is right now ringing through the streets of New York City, asking, "How do you measure a year?" 2012 has been a year of pushing limits, of challenging ideologies, of growth.  It has been a year of working hard and playing hard, peppered with moments of success, pain, frustration, disappointment and happiness.  I have made new friends and reunited with some old friends.  I have been reminded through circumstances to treasure my loved ones and family.  I learned that sometimes, it is not weakness to cry if you have been strong for too long.  I learned that the strength of one's mind is determined by one's heart, one s passion. I learned that wisdom lies not in speaking all the time but in speaking at the right time.   I have learned better how to work with different kinds of people, how to handle situations, how to lead and also be a team player. I produced my first two short films together with friends, got a promotion to Key Accounts Manager, and beat my personal best records at work last month out of my three years in sales.  I am now helping out with the Girls Brigade on weekends, on top of work and school.  I have gotten to travel to Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and the US (where I still am, for just one more day!). In fact, I have found my current trip in the US to be a reflection of life itself.  In life, we will always be in different places at different times, we will experience new things, we will make new friends and reunite with old ones, some people will walk into your life for a short season but leave footprints, we will say hello and eventually have to say goodbye, not knowing when or whether our paths will cross again.  And at the end of it all.... It will be time to go Home. To the people who have made an impact on my life and have always been there for me.. My family, my QADS, my lovaduckies, my friends, thank you. Life would be so empty without your presence in my world. And now, 2013 is here. It has always been my belief that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.  My resolution this year is to treasure the moments. To take time off to appreciate life and the milestones, to feel the emotions that make me human.  To never be too busy to spend time with those who mean the most to me.   Because, in the end, that's what makes life worth living. :) Happy 2013 to everyone!