Top 10 things to do in 2018

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

The year 2017 did not go as I had expected it to be. But guess what? It is nevertheless a beautiful and strong year, a milestone chapter in the book of my life. It has taught me so much about acceptance and forgiveness, loving and letting go, and creating beauty in the world. I made endless memories and started out new things like teaching, training, meditating, and cultivating some values to become a better self.

Life took some unexpected turns and initially I was quite overwhelmed, I did not know what to do and how to handle things. But with the grace of the universe and the support of family and friends I overcame my fears and emerged as a stronger individual.

Looking back at my year, I did some really cool stuff and enjoyed my time of 2017. Highlights of 2017 and what I ideas I have for 2018 are here:

a.    Health is Wealth

Your health should be your top priority. If you are not healthy then you cannot achieve anything. But I am not up for extreme and intense workout, I love to hike and trek in the nature and run few kilometres. This year I ran 10 kilometres in the Pinkathon event in the beginning of the year. I hiked few places around the Kathmandu valley and trekked to Muktinath with my students from John Dewey School in 2017.

I plan to run half marathon in 2018 and do some more hiking and trekking.

Health is not just about having an attractive physique but also a balanced mind for which meditation and eating the right quantity and quality of food is a must.I gave up consuming meat in 2017 and I feel awesome about it. I feel more energized and I've lost about 5 kilograms weight.

I have a long, long way to go...
Photo credit: Sudin KC

b.    Meditative lifestyle

Finally in 2017, I got an opportunity to go for a 10 day Vipassana course. I am happy for I could accomplish this ardent mediation. Since, then I have been practising it often.

My challenge in 2018 is to lead a meditative lifestyle.  I plan not just to meditate for an hour a day or 30 minutes a day but to apply the attentiveness in everything I do.

I've met people who claim to be 'spiritual' or even 'spiritual leaders and practitioners' but in their everyday life are quite frustrated and angry at even trivial matters.

Thank you God for Everything!

c.    Relationships matter

I say 2017 was a beautiful and strong year because of the relationships I have in my life. I value my family, friends, teachers, students and everyone I meet in a daily basis. My life would not be as wonderful and amazing as it is now without the people in my life. Shout- outs to all the lovely people in my life who have blessed it with so much love, I want you to know I love you back, even more. J  

In 2018 I will try my best to make you feel more special and proud to have me.

Let's create some magic, let's spread some love.

d.    Education, work and career

Writing, speaking, reading, teaching and presenting are the things that bring life into me. I am among the fortunate people in this world who have built their lives around the things they love. I am continuing to work at John Dewey School; I guide students to improve their writing and presenting skills. A few months back we introduced "John Dewey Talks" a platform where teachers and students collaboratively or individually make presentations on the topic of their choice. Moreover, we also initiated guest lecturing sessions at the school.

I was also invited at DAV school to present on my experience as a writer and media person. Last year I got awarded for my Journalistic works from "Rayamajhi Kuldevta Samiti" which I am quite grateful for.

Even this year I was the Master of Ceremonies for Nepal- Africa Film Festival where distinguished guests from Africa, Europe and Asia were present.

Awarded for my journalistic works

Guest Speaker at DAV School 

And yes I did joined Masters in Business Studies last year and will be appearing for exams in mid- January.

In 2017, I read Malcom Gladwell's "Blink", Kahil Gibran's, "The Broken Wings", Pema Chodron's "Start Where you are", Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns" to name a few.

Basically, like always my work, studies, writings, speaking and ventures keep me quite occupied and I love it.

In 2018, I plan to continue all my works, procrastinate less, read more, write more and love even more. I plan work with dedication and love, read at least 30 books, write and publish at least once a month and I have some more plans which I will be sharing with you soon.

e.    Inspiring myself and others

In my strong and beautiful year I have tried my best to keep myself and those around me happy and motivated.

Now in 2018, I plan to be more positive, helpful and giving. I am all excited to start my new year with full energy and enthusiasm.  I have experienced that the little things that we do brings us more happiness than the honors and awards we receive.

I have created 10 things that I will stick by, these are not resolutions exactly but I call them 'Flex To-do List', simple and changeable according to the situation. You can make your own list according to your needs and convenience:

1.    Wake up earlier. No matter how cold it is or how lazy you are feeling just get out of your bed and stop snoozing! (Weekends and holidays are an exception here.)

2.    Be the queen of accomplishments. Don't leave things undone. Be honest and responsible to yourself.

3.    Maintain your exercise and meditation routine and eat right. Avoid junk as much as possible.

4.    Write gratitude journal every single day. By the end of the year you will have enough things to be thankful for and realize how amazing your life is.

5.    Watch the sunrise and the sunset.

6.    Be more giving and helpful, volunteer for a social cause.

7.    Travel to at least 5-6 new places or countries.

8.    Write a letter or make a presentation for your loved one.

9.    Read something interesting every day. Write at least 200 words each day.

10.  Smile more, talk to strangers (don't be too timid or shy) and help as many people as you can.  

I hope you have a great year ahead, a year full of surprises and may you get all that your heart desires for. Thank you for reading it and being there with me.

Lots of love,

Yours Abhilasha