ALLOW me to share what I wrote and posted on Medium on January 5, 2025. Titled A high five to 2025, this article was my so-called New Year’s Resolutions.
1. Humility and Professionalism
Public service is competence with humility.
It is the pursuit of excellence not only as a personal fulfillment, but more importantly as a social responsibility. Knowledge is not only power. It is also an opportunity to serve better for the common good.
And so, for the year 2025, I will learn more about my work and find ways to improve in my outputs.
2. Generosity and Altruism
In Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development, the 6th and the highest level is about Universal Ethical Principles.
In its essence, a person does something not because to avoid punishment or because it is a requirement. Neither does a person do something because it is demanded, rewarded, or recognized by institutions. In this level, a person does a good act for the simple reason that it is good.
And this is one lesson I learned from the Hall of Justice employees and officials.
And so, for the year 2025, (although stating it here somehow defeats its purpose) “I will give without counting the cost.”
3. An Attitude of Gratitude
The richness of life begins when we make the most of what we have right now.
By analogy, taking good care of my sedan as a preparation of having an SUV. In another manner, to do small acts of kindness to pay forward my gratefulness.
And so, for the year 2025, I promise to be a blessing to others. To donate to causes and charities. To support organizations and advocacies.
Putting into action the phrase “It is better to give than to receive.”
4. Meditation as Medication
In my previous work, I learned about the value of meditation.
In simple terms, I will devote, as part of my daily schedule, a time in silence, in front of the tabernacle if possible. Not to talk to God, but to listen to Him.
And so, for the year 2025, I will cultivate “a listening heart.”
5. To be healthy…
And to take good care of my teeth (seriously).
One painful lesson or consequence of procrastination is a toothache. As we get older, the adage “Health is wealth” becomes more realistic — and traumatic.
And so, for the year 2025, a promise to myself: a regular visit to the dentist and to the doctor. More healthy foods and lesser junk foods. More walks in the splendid Iloilo Esplanade.
A Healthy life is no longer just an option. It is my personal mission statement.
Reflection:
Reading this article before the year 2025 ends made me realize how fast time is. A once empty slate of 365 days is now about to be filled up. Looking back, I am grateful that I have written my 2025 New Year’s Resolutions.
For the past couple of years, experiential learning has been the stimulus that has given me “the courage to make decisions” for my personal growth.
For the year 2026, I only have one goal in mind. I have invested and am willing to sacrifice a lot of things for this goal to be realized.
And so, this would then be my last article for this column.
May we never give up on our dreams and let us never give up dreaming. As they say, believing in yourself is a full-time job. And true education is a lifelong learning.
“I close my eyes to old ends. And open my heart to new beginnings.” — Nick Frederickson/PN
