January is almost drawing to a close. New goals have been set; some resolutions have been broken (tell me you really went through with that diet post-media noche); and a certain Japanese organizing consultant’s Netflix series has been binge-watched. Whether you’ve actually seen it or not, the popularity of the Konmari method in the past few months has been undeniable. In fact, my colleague Andrei Konmari-ed her own office space. (watch out for her article tomorrow!)
So just before we end the month and claim that January was just a trial period for the new year, let’s look within ourselves and think back on what things have actually sparked joy in our lives *insert meme here*. Let’s not stop at being grateful, and let’s actively bring these joyous things with us onto the rest of 2019.
1. Friendships
Since this is a sort-of new year round-up, it’s inevitable that we’d start with a cliche, but just because it’s a cliche doesn’t mean it’s not true. Relationships are some of the best and worst things we can have, and the thing is, when it’s bad, it hurts. Friendships can be complicated, but they should always be based on understanding and a place of love, anything else outside that doesn’t spark real joy, does it? So take a clue from all the year-end memes of social media, and throw toxicity out of your closet.
2. Skincare
Girls and guys, if you use skincare, from the local favorite Eskinol to the 7-Step-Korean method, quick PSA that skincare expires. I know it seems fairly obvious, but you’d be surprised how few people actually understand this. My own skin was ruined by expired skincare, because I was too scared to use up all the pricey products that I had. I was #tipidlife all the way as a student, and that included the things I put on my skin. First things first, throw out the expired products. For those who can’t tell, here’s a quick explanation on when your products expire. Once you get rid of those, gather the survivors, and make sure to use them up before expiration! (Don’t forget to declutter your makeup the same way.)
3. Books
Since book declutters are rarer than… most declutters really, there’s a good chance you don’t really think about them. I included this as part of the list not so much to encourage you to declutter (though you really should,) but to remind you to clean your books. Those poor dirty pages might cry really silently, but trust me, they’re crying. A good way to tell is to touch the tops of those carefully lined spines and if your fingers come out black and not-so-white, you know those pages have been suffering for at least 364 days. Take out your dry tissue papers, your dusters, or your book cleaning kit (help me build mine please) and wipe those pages clean. You didn’t take those babies out of the bookstore shelves only to dirty them, did you?
4. Character Development
2018 is the last year we stretch ourselves thin! (No, don’t cancel your gym membership.) Some people may be more self-aware than others, but honestly, I don’t buy that there exist people who are not at all aware of their shortcomings. Deep down, though the journey to knowing is often walked on rough and difficult roads, we know our strengths and weaknesses, our bads and goods. No, I’m not saying everyone just automatically knows it. Life has a learning curve, despite society telling us otherwise. But I think we know more than we let on, more than we’re willing to acknowledge. Maybe it’s not the easiest thing to leave our bad traits behind, because that’s a part of ourselves all these years as well, but let’s not forget that we’ve earned good things the past year too. We’ve hopefully become better, matured, and surely came to understand a few things better. Whatever they are, however few, let’s carry these towards the new year.
Whether the mentioned items apply to you or not, it’s good to reflect on the things you want to carry over to 2019. We’re not all the same, and definitely not wired in similar ways, no matter how much we wish we were. We come from different places, so take a few seconds and really think about the things that matter to you. Anything outside of that shouldn’t be wasting any space in our brains.
Got your list? Now, onwards to 2019!
Patricia Li is a frequent contributor to Familywise Asia and Workwise Asia. She loves to read and write, and tries to incorporate this in her career.
