Get rid of the clutter in my schoolbag, in my room and in my life.

              This is my resolve as I live through another year.

              It seems to be doable to many but for me, it will entail a lot of self-discipline. So, how I will go about my resolution?

              GOAL NO. 1: At the end of each school day, I shall conduct a thorough search or shall we say an inspection of the contents of my schoolbag. I have been used to amassing a “wealth” of candy and biscuit wrappers, juice packs, paper notes, inkless pens and the like so much so that my notebooks and the other important stuff vie for a space in my schoolbag.

               From now on, the trash shall regularly go to where they properly belong thus enabling my schoolbag to “breathe freely”.

               GOAL NO. 2: First day of the first year of the first decade, I will turn my tiny kingdom which is my room upside down.

               I have to start with my cabinet. It’s about time (and I have to make this an annual practice) to sort out the wearables from the non-wearables. The clothes that I have outgrown shall either be given to my younger sister or to the less privileged kids in the neighborhood.

               No more excuses. “I am in a hurry” is no longer acceptable. My clothes have to be neatly piled and hanged.

               Now, how shall I conquer the mountains of paper, books, notebooks, references and projects? I recall my mother’s reaction whenever she sees my room in disarray. The soft-spoken Mom turns to be a monster Mom as she delivers her lecture on Organization 101.

               Well, I am constrained to admit I used to be constantly reminded on how to be organized. This time, I’ll make it a point to put into practice what I have learned.

               Again, I will have to do a lot of sorting out, decluttering and arranging. Again, no more excuses. No more procrastinations. I may be busy with my schoolwork and Church commitments but I must squeeze in enough time to make my room always spic and span.

               GOAL NO. 3: And how shall I clean the “cobwebs” in my life?

               I have to be more understanding and more forgiving. Easier said than done.

               But I have to do it. I must not let negative thoughts and ill feelings weigh me down.

               As I mature, I come to realize that mean people like backstabbers, will inevitably come my way. But I must try not to be affected. Life after all is too short so I have to dwell on what is true, what is good and what is beautiful.

               With the relatively low success rate of people making New Year’s resolutions, will I be able to make it?

               I will. The Great Gautama Buddha has said “…what you will be is what you do now.”?

               I have to be committed. I have to work at it. I have to see my resolution come into fruition.

               Welcome 2011! Welcome to a better me!