It's that time of year again when we shake off the old year and welcome a new one. Some of us are in reflection mode while there are others of us who wish 2009 would come to an end now, right now! Then there are those of us who are looking forward with anticipation. Others, with trepidation. None of us knows what 2010 holds but one things is for sure, it's going to be an interesting year.
For me personally, each year, I set some goals with the hope of achieving them and I have to say that so far, I have done pretty well. In fact, that my writing this blog is testament that resolutions do work.
The key to achieving your goals are quite simple ... they must be achievable and realistic! It makes no sense to set a goal to save a million dollars for the year when you do not earn half as much and have no secondary source of income. There are some persons who set goals to go to church more often, they get a good start with Watch Night Services but after that every perceivable challenge occurs...tiredness, events, the job, the kids, the husband or wife... and so my first goal is usually to be RESILIENT and PERSISTENT!
I have always been told, 'if you want to achieve something, you have to go for it'. So my encouragement to you for 2010 is to set some goals. Dont' be afraid of not achieving them. If you achieve only part of the goal, add the remaining part to next year, you may just finally achieve it... My Driver's License was part of my 1998 goal, I achieved this in 2007... yeah, yeah, i know, but guess what ... it happened!
All the best for 2010!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Life's just about to get harder
All the pundits are saying it... life is about to get harder in Jamaica.
But can you imagine it being any harder? Can you imagine not being able to buy those things to which you are accustomed? Can you see yourself curbing your appetite and enjoying those things you once said 'you'd never eat, wear or enjoy?
I think if we are honest with ourselves though, we will admit that we had this coming! I am of the belief that if Jamaica as a nation was living within our means long ago, we would not have half the financial problems we are now experiencing. Don't get me wrong, I'm no politician and I am not aligned to any political party but the fact is that when you borrow, borrow, borrow and identify no suitable means on payback you are going to be in debt, perpetually!
My grandmother had a saying "bad luck wus dan obeah" and I believe that the current administration is either 'bad lucked' or was 'obeah-ed'... everytime they are in control either the country or the world is suddenly in a crisis. Back in the '80s when they were on control, I was only about 10 or so, but I clearly remember the hardships with the involvement of the IMF and other multilaterals but I have never seen anything like this in all my life.
The tax 'packages' announced by the government have been a sore point but the fact is that maybe, just maybe, it's what is needed to begin the healing... truth is it's gonna be hot, we have started feeling it already and come Friday (Jan. 1, 2010) it's gonna become even more unbearable.
I believe however in the resilience of my people. As I said I have never seen anything like this before but I know we will rise to the many challenges that will face us shortly. Take heart, we are Jamaicans... we will survive!
But can you imagine it being any harder? Can you imagine not being able to buy those things to which you are accustomed? Can you see yourself curbing your appetite and enjoying those things you once said 'you'd never eat, wear or enjoy?
I think if we are honest with ourselves though, we will admit that we had this coming! I am of the belief that if Jamaica as a nation was living within our means long ago, we would not have half the financial problems we are now experiencing. Don't get me wrong, I'm no politician and I am not aligned to any political party but the fact is that when you borrow, borrow, borrow and identify no suitable means on payback you are going to be in debt, perpetually!
My grandmother had a saying "bad luck wus dan obeah" and I believe that the current administration is either 'bad lucked' or was 'obeah-ed'... everytime they are in control either the country or the world is suddenly in a crisis. Back in the '80s when they were on control, I was only about 10 or so, but I clearly remember the hardships with the involvement of the IMF and other multilaterals but I have never seen anything like this in all my life.
The tax 'packages' announced by the government have been a sore point but the fact is that maybe, just maybe, it's what is needed to begin the healing... truth is it's gonna be hot, we have started feeling it already and come Friday (Jan. 1, 2010) it's gonna become even more unbearable.
I believe however in the resilience of my people. As I said I have never seen anything like this before but I know we will rise to the many challenges that will face us shortly. Take heart, we are Jamaicans... we will survive!
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