BY EDISON MARTE SICAD
“I close my eyes to old ends. And open my heart to new beginnings.”—Nick Frederickson
I BELIEVE in the power of starting again. To end is to begin anew and from such a beginning a hopeful change fills me with courage. But with change commitment is needed. To improve, consistency is essential.
As the year is about to end, allow me to share what I wrote on the 9th of January 2024. That Tuesday, I promised to myself:
“This is the year that I am ending mediocrity. This is the year that I will not allow hunger, tiredness, or anything to stop me in getting my daily goals. Everything will be feedback. I will adjust but also assert with humility.
Of course, the enemy will be my old thinking habits. Those subtle, instant thoughts that lead to negative or energy-draining thinking. I will smile now. For if I believe and am confident with my own power, then the future is now. My goals are possible. So, this is it. 2024 is the launching pad to the best version of myself.”
The Year 2024 was a tough one. I was tested as to how to behave in times of scarcity and how to decide in moments of abundance. By analogy, to die of hunger is better than to die due to gluttony. In another way, lack of money simplified my options. And having the money complicated the responsibility of choosing.
For during those times when I can only afford Option A, then that’s it. But now that I can already afford to choose among Options A, B, and C, getting only one made me worry about the other two, to which I would sometimes end up having the three. But despite getting the three options, my level of appreciation was not as deep as compared to those times when I can barely afford to have only one option.
Somehow, it is true. Having more money can make a person less appreciative of the value of things—and even of relationships.
This change brought by money also affected the other aspects of my life. Indeed, money can magnify who you are. Either you get worse or become better. And having the money showed the darker side of me. I became more impatient, inconsiderate, boastful, selfish, egotistic, lazy, and self-entitled.
Good thing I noticed these changes. Horrible changes. I got alarmed. The Jekyll and Hyde personified in its latent stage. But I am thankful that people at home and at work reminded me of the “goodness of life.” They reminded me that the best version of myself is not just about the “getting” of my daily goals. More importantly, it is about the following:
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.
This is my high five to 2025. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year./PN
