...why I am happy!

Have you defined what are your plans for 2008? What if you had to put goals for yourself to achieve? Would you define how many pounds will you lose? Or maybe how much your wage is going to raise? Well, you might want to quantify the events and parties you'll go . Okay, now you've done all that... I am interested to know... How many friends will you make and how many will you keep? How many smiles will you give? How many places will you discover? How many times are you going to love and... how much of yourself will you give to your loved ones? How many times will you forgive and ask for forgiveness? How many hearts will you touch? I invite you to meditate about your goals if you haven't done that yet, because what matters is the beauty of our soul, heart and the way we use it in this world. This is the real beauty. The rest... well, the name says itself. ;o) In case I don't post again, Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year!

A man alone can't change the world but if every person does a little, we together can do it. How many times have you doubt about the real meaning of life? About the reason why you live and what is really important. How many people make plans for the future, but waist the present for that? Why do we exist? I am sure that we were not created to earn a lot of money, become famous and buy a new car or a diamond ring. The most precious thing is that we were created to help each other, to give smiles, to embrace, to cry, to love and be loved. That's the reason of our existence. So here is my advice: start focusing in what really matters. Everything you do only for yourself ends by the time you die, but everything you do for the others live forever. So what little thing have you started doing yet? "It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can." (Sydney Smith)

Today I have a message about the word "sorry". Hope you all enjoy it. May we always have wisdom to use correctly this beautiful word. *** Sorry (Created by Aish.com) Some people always have their apology in the planning stages... And there are others who suppress their apology and can't get it out. Some people need to have their apology squeezed out with force... And there are others whose apology is never whole. Some people say they're sorry so many times that it's hard to know when they really mean it. And there are others who will never apologize, unless the other person apologizes too. Some people whisper their apology so quietly, it is barely heard... And there are others who never think to ask forgiveness. For some people "sorry" is nothing but a game of words. And for others their apology is part of a strategic plan. Some people are separated by just one apology. And others are reunited by just one apology. For some people "sorry" lifts ...

You know, it went faster than I thought. I am feeling so happy. It's not that I have no problems anymore, it is just that I've been dealing with them in a different way. This morning I came to the office looking at people on the street. I had a nice conversation with a simple man who begs on the street light... He had a beautiful smile, very sincere. The radio station was playing a new song that says "It's so beautiful to dream. With eyes opened. It doesn't cost you anything but time". Thank God my heart is smiling again. Thank you for all support and concern, my bloggers friends. Have a blessed week.

"If all your efforts have been seen with indifference, don't be discouraged. Because also the sun, every morning, gives an special spectacle while most people are still sleeping". I've been out for a long time and still don't know when I will be back. But the only thing I know is that truly happiness must be found in simple things, that we usually ignore. Because, many times, "great" things are actually empty inside. I've been looking for myself and the simple things I've ignored. Soon I'll come back to my blog and give lots of reasons for everyone to be happy every single day, because we definitely have a million of reasons to be thankful. Right now I just don't have enough inspiration to write (sorry). I'll be back soon. P.S. I thought about deleting my blog, since this post don't say "Why I am happy", but I decided to keep it because I do believe I will get through this very soon. :o) God bless you all. Thanks.

I feel like tons of things have happened in my life in the last few weeks. That's the reason of my missing in the blogsphere. But here I am, to write about connections... I can't remember right now the details but the inspiration for this post is a report about Steve Jobs, from Apple. Since I read it, a month ago, I've been thinking of how much it has to do to what I've been living right now. In this report he says something like we aren't able to make all the connections in our lives (in the present for the future), which means, we can't figure out what exactly is going to happen based on what we do. We just know something is going to happen. I've had a professional opportunity lately (the reason of my lack of time to write) that I believe to prove this theory. The theory that future is made by ourselves. But, hey, I am not talking about great things... I believe that little but powerful details build our destiny. For the good or not. Quoting a good friend ...

I can't forget their faces... Their way to look at me as if we had met before. Their request for my lap as if I were their mom. I can't forget their laughs... Their smiles as if their lives were only happiness. Their hugs as if we could stay like this forever. I can't forget that moment... With so much love for a stranger. A tough moment to say goodbye. These words represent exactly what I felt yesterday, when visiting (for the first time) an orphanage. I thank God for this opportunity, showing me life just the way it is (or it should be). When I left, all I could remember was a big lesson - of happiness , hope and true love .

"Success is a journey not a destination." Ben Letterman I read this phrase in a Mizuno's advertising a month ago. Do I agree with that? I thought a thousand times... and couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe there was some kind of "secret of happiness" in it... Maybe not. But the thing is that after a while I realized it has a lot to say, so this is what this post is about. People often live of making plans in order to guarantee a successful future. Sometimes thinking that one day they won't have to fight in "battles" anymore. They'll won and that's it. But the truth is that battles never finish. When you are a child your battle is to finish school. Then you get older and have to finish high school. After that, your struggles become what course you will take at the university... Ufff, you've done all that... you must find a job... where? how? am I going to be good at it? how much? You think "things will get better when I find ...

Some photos of Rio de Janeiro from the Statue of Jesus.

Yesterday the New 7 Wonders of the world were announced. For my sweet surprise my city (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was chosen as a new wonder because of our beautiful and famous Statue of Christ Redeemer! I am so happy, especially because it is a statue of Jesus. It is an inspiration from everyone who visit the statue and for those who have the privilege to see the statue everyday, like me! :o) The Christ Redeemer from New7Wonders's website : "This statue of Jesus stands some 38 meters tall, atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. The statue took five years to construct and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms. " The New 7 Wonders of the World: The Great Wall of China, Petra, Chichén Itzá , the Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal.

Yesterday I felt like Shrek... not belonging to the world. I felt like a stranger and that made me feel really sad. But you know what? Today I see a positive side of it. I mean... what is the point of being like everyone? Being different doesn't mean, in the first place, being wrong. Being different means being yourself. How many brilliant and talented people have contributed to the world? Weren't they different? That's why they could make the difference. From this point of view, I kinda like the idea of being different. In fact, I love that! Check out what people think about being different... "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." (Coco Chanel) "Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." (Cecil Beaton) "Share our similarities, celebrate our differences." (M. Sco...

photo: of mine (check out more here) How many times we get surprises from life... Sometimes desired in our hearts, they can make us the happiest person in the world. Other times unexpected, they hurt us so profoundly that it seems to be hard to breath. These daily surprises of life are actually the life itself. I am the kind of person who make plans for everything, living always ahead of time. Or behind, analyzing my past. My favorite questions are "Have I done the right thing?" or "What would have happened if I had done that?". Questions that will never end, because past and future will last forever. So today I ask "What about today?". Why do we make so many plans if these surprises of life come, sometimes obligating us to start all over again? I still believe it is important to think of both past and future; to avoid mistakes, to improve, to achieve goals, to make the difference, to be happy... But if that costs us the present, then we should care less ...

Note: I wasn't able to make a colorful and interesting post from youtube, so I've decided to use my creativity (okay) in the next post. Enjoy!

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)- Baz Luhrmann While organizing some stuff at the office last night I found an 'old' CD that I brought home and played this morning. Everybody's Free was the first song. So touching. So true. Just amazing. So I've posted the video here. It's funny how everytime I feel blue something great happens to show me how life is incredible and marvellous. God is always there to help us out. Wow! It's so good to exist! My Top 10 phrases: Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don...

I don't know who wrote this but it has been circulating in the internet, so I've decided to post it here. It is simple but true. "Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, And treat people, just the way you want to be treated." Não sei quem escreveu isso mas tem circulado na internet, então decidi postá-lo aqui. É simples, mas verdadeiro. "Tabalhe como se não precisasse de dinheiro, Ame como se nunca tivesse se magoado, E trate aos outros exatamente como gostaria de ser tratado."

Movie clip of the song about the story of Profeta Gentileza. I love what it says: "Love, the word that gives freedom"

Gentleness generates gentleness. How a simple phrase can make so much sense nowadays. A simple attitude that makes the difference in a world hungry for peace and love. I want to take the example of a man called José Datrino or Profeta Gentileza, that became famous in 80's for his words written under a viaduct in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While a child he had a very simple life in a rural area, where he started to work very young with his 9 brothers. Because of his work he learned to brake in donkeys. Many years later, he would describe himself as "the tamer of not clarified urban men". When he was 12 years-old, he started to have premonitions about his mission in the world, where he believed one day he would leave family and possessions to do it. Eight years later he moved to Rio, where he got married and had 5 children. There he opened his small company, which became successful. In 1961 there was a big fire at the circus called "Gran Circus North-American", a tra...

Free Hugs Campaign is based on a real life story of Juan Mann. Hope it inspires you as it did to me! If you are too shy to hug strangers, start giving smiles! What matters is that we can always give something good (and free of costs) to the others who need. And believe, sometimes that's the best we can give. Lots of hugs, smiles and kisses to you!

Everyday we have difficulties. But everyday we have opportunities. Remember life is short. We should make of our daily choice the best one, renewing our votes of hope and faith and staying happy. Sometimes bad things happen, bringing us unsureness, but trusting in God gives back peace and love into our hearts. May you all have good options everyday! and thanks for the support. :o)

Hey, I invite you to check out this blog - The Cool Hunter . It is really worth it! Have a good week. ;o)

This week I've thought I couldn't post anything. How could I write about happiness if inside my heart was crying? I've had some struggles and a great loss in my family. My uncle has passed away after suffering from a heart attack. He would get married in 3 months, that was his dream. Why? I thought. What does that mean? I knew there was something else to learn from that. I believe it always has, although many times we don't see. This questions ended up as I read an e-mail that showed me the difference from living and existing. "The last day" That was his last day, but he didn't know. In that morning, he wanted to stay in bed a little longer. He was tired and hasn't had a good night of sleep. He gave up the idea, thinking of how many things he should do at the office. He got ready automatically, paying no attention to his exausted semblant, result of so many nights without sleep. He had his coffee in a hurry and left, wishing a good morning that couldn...

How interesting life is. This week has been tiring for me and for some time I thought I couldn't stand such stressful atmosphere. I shared this with a co-worker, who said: "This is the right moment for you to make the difference, by holding tight, instead of giving up". That simple and almost obvious phrase was enough for me to have my enthusiasm and optimism back. Today, I've got a message from a person I worked with about 3 years ago. She is now married, pregnant and looks very happy. Her message was exactly the song I sang to her when she needed help. We were working together by that time. "Everything I want, I'll try even harder than before, wherever my destiny might be, I'll search for the luck and be happy. Everything I want, my Father in heaven will give me, He will give me all the courageous I want, and may I never lose my strengh to fight." It really touched my heart, especially because the same song has so much to do with me now. Life is so...

That's what I first saw as I got up this early morning. A sweet surprise of a beautiful sunrise. At that time, my reaction was to catch my camera and take as many shots as I could. So I did. I didn't want to forget this moment ever. Especially because I felt, at that very moment, the greatness of God. And His incredible creation. Happy Easter to everyone! :o)

What you'll read now it's a mix of thoughts from different sources... There is a way to be good again. You should never let anyone take from you: Your faith in love , even in times of war; Your power to transform lives ; Your hope to make dreams come true ; Your freedom 's mind; Your pride to be yourself, even with imperfections; Your energy to start over again ; Your courage to face challenges; Your capacity of asking for help ; Your happiness in doing the right thing; Your certainty that life is worth it ! The worst place to be in this life is in the half-way. Never be conformed with less than everything.

I've just finished reading the book The Kite Runner from Khaled Hosseini. I found it amazing and touching. A beautiful story that I highly recommend in case you haven't read it yet. "For you, a thousand times over!" he said to his friend. I kept thinking of how special a relationship must be for someone to say that. I believe it has to exist a sentiment, strong enough to make everything worth it, even a sacrifice. Other amazing thing is to know that, when done by heart, this 'sacrifice' can be transformed in such happiness for the person who does it. As written in the book M inutes of Wisdom : Always try to give the most you can... a good word... a smile... a gesture of incentive... a generous thought... And you will feel the greatest truth in your heart: is much better to give than to receive! Haven't you noticed it yet? Try it then! Help someone with no interest, and observe how it will come and knock at your door, with hands full of joy, the greatest h...

That's from a small research I did some weeks ago. I didn't use it at that time but couldn't erase nor leave it as draft. They are too meaningful for that. Enjoy. Wisdom is the ability, developed through experience , insight and reflection , to discern truth and exercise good judgment. "Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." -- Sun Tzu "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." -- Plato "I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be." -- Thomas Jefferson

"How come can you leave at this time and still have a smile in your face?" That was what I heard from a co-worker last night, as I left the office at 10 pm. I stopped for a moment, trying to figure that out. "What could make me feel that happy?" I thought for a second. Then I remembered of an article that I read a few days ago and has a lot to do with it. "The 90/10 Principle" - by Stephen Covey What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Let's use an example. You are eating breakfast...

I've been practicing rowing for 2 weeks. Last week I had an interesting experience. The tank where the beginners practice (including me) was pretty full, except for a single spot in the front. The instructor called me. "Okay, it's just a spot", I thought. As soon as I sat there he said "You are the watch of this boat. Whatever you do, they'll copy you." Then he repeated the same instructions to the group. Trying to avoid an embarassing moment I whispered "It's my third class, isn't it better if I exchange with someone more experient?". "No, you'll be okay." he replied. At this time, I became sure it wasn't going to be an easy task. I was right. During the trainning, part of my mind was out of there. There were so many feelings going on at this time... It was just a simple trainning day, but the moment and atmosphere made this particular day greater than itself. I could only think of how similar sports and life can be s...

A wise man arrived in a village called Akbar but people didn't give him much importance. Apart from a small young group, the wise man couldn't be of anyone else's interest; in contrary, he became the reason of irony for the villagers. One day he was taking a walk with his disciples through the main street, when a group of men and women started insulting him. The wise man approached them and blessed them. As he walked out from there, one of the disciples commented: "They said terrible things, and you responded with beautiful words". The wise man responded: "One can only offer what he has". This passage was adapted from an article written recently by Paulo Coelho in a magazine. It reminded me that the best way to react to any kind of aggression or disrespect is to do exactly the opposite. In fact it's contraditory to complain or disgard others attitudes if we react to them in the same way. So let's remember to use our strongest weapon when facing a...

A forwarded message that I received in my e-mail this week... ___________**__**_____* ___________***_*__*_____* __________****_____**___****** _________*****______**_*______** Being happy is not ________*****_______**________* ________*****_______*_______* having a perfect life; ________******_____*_______* _________******____*______*Being happy is recognizing __________********_______* __***_________**______** that is worthy it to live *******__________** _*******_________* even with all challenges and losses. __******_________* ___***___*_______* ___________*_____* _______****_*___* Being happy is stop _____******__*_** ____*******___** being victim of the problems ____*****______* ____**_________*to be the author of your own story... _____*_________* _______________* _______________* Being happy is a conquest not a coincidence. _______________*

This is so true. Sentiments are the only thing (as far as I can remember or recall) capable of being multiplied when shared. Love, peace, happiness... for these things, we all should use this 'math' on daily basis. I've read this phrase today in the book "By the river Piedra I sat down and wept", written 13 years ago by the famous brazilian writer Paulo Coelho . Besides this thoughtful sentence, I am also quoting a part that I liked a lot and wanted to share with you. "(...) Every day God gives us - with the sun - one moment when it is possible to change everything that makes us unhappy. Everyday we try to pretend that we don't perceive this moment, or that it doesn't exist, that today is like yesterday and it will be like tomorrow. But, those who pay attention to their days, find their magic instant. It can be hidden in the time we put the key in the door in the morning, in the instant of the silence right after the dinner, in one thousand and one th...

It was an interesting and sweet surprise! My blog was nominated "the best blog of the day". Well, I don't know much about this award; I just know that someone has nominated my blog as "the best blog of the day". And that's pretty cool. Even though it might have come from just one person, it means a lot to me. It shows how important we can be to other people and their importance to us as well. It proves that everyday our simple attitudes influence people's lives and in many cases we don't even notice. Every contact, smile, 'hi', every single movement has impact to the others around. Thank you reader. You make all the difference to me. I only have a few readers, but even if I had just one, it would be worth it to keep writing. I've been learning a lot from you. Thanks, thanks and thanks! ;o)

There is a story that comes to my mind every now and then, since I've heard it from a close friend of mine. That was some days ago, while I was sort of complaining about having too much responsabilities to carry on. When he told me that story, I stopped. There wasn't space for complaining anymore. By that time, I became sure that life is what you want it to be. It is also what you choose to see. I might not tell the story the best way, but I'll try. By the moment I heard it, it sounded magic to me... Sometimes life puts you in a position, as if you were holding a candle. This candle is necessary to illuminate yourself and the others around you. It is dark and you are the person who holds the candle. While you see yourself as a privileged person for being in that position, you'll be very proud, happy and thankful. On the other hand, as soon as you start thinking of it as tiring or an obligation, the simple candle will turn to a heavy pack to carry. Then you will stop and...

I am impressed by the fact that most people doesn't know what is really important in their lives. In fact, everybody knows what is best and could make their own top 10 list, but theory sometimes is far away from the reality. I myself have had a hard time trying to balance my priorities. And it seems that I never get it. I had a teacher in my master who used to compare economy to a short blanket. He used to say "If the country reduces the interests in order to acelerate the economy, it will suffer from inflation. On the other hand, if it increases the interests in order to control the inflation, it will suffer from stagnation". From that I want to make a parallel to our lives. To cover all we need or want we sometimes change our priorities. In this way, we are constantly trying to balance our lives, though not always with success. Since the last few weeks I've had some struggles. I've had no answer for them or maybe I just couldn't see their real importance. Th...

I want to share with you a passage that my friend Fari took from the Bible and sent to me yesterday. It has a lot to do with this blog cause it shows us some important attitudes we all should be guided by. Those are: Compassion Kindness Humility Gentleness Patience Forgiveness Peace Thankfulness Each one is important and can make all the difference in our lives and relationships. Now I invite you to think of how many wrong things (like wars, arguments and violence in general) wouldn't happen if the world were guided by these amazing words? May we be the example around us. Have an awesome week! :o) Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ...

Since the last few days I feel like writing poetry. Many things have come to my mind, but at the same time, nothing has made sense to be written. I guess I'll have to insist in writing about my thoughts until I get something interesting. To fullfill my current desire I've decided to write down some verses from songs I like. Because they are in portuguese, at least in english they will sound like new poetry to me. :P I've been working all day I've been thinking a lot I've been doing some things That are not quite right I've been thinking about you I've been thinking about you When will you return? *** Who has invented the love? Please explain to me Who has invented the love? Please explain to me While life comes and goes You look for someone That one day will tell you I just want to stay with you Who has invented the love? *** They tell me about a place But where is it? Where there are virtue and intelligence and people are good and sensitive and the light in...

By the title you might think this post is sort of old, since this movie came to theaters in November, 2006. In fact, I am writing about " Copying Beethoven " because I want to bring up something more than the film itself. The reason for writing this post is to make you think rather than giving you information. Even though this drama has been 'created', it has still a beautiful message. That's what I want to share with you. First believe in yourself. Then act. Don't miss either. Surpass your limits. It is always possible. Pursue your dreams. That means dedication and also sacrifices. Listen to your heart. It always tells you what is the best. Have passion in all that you do. Use love as your fuel. Be yourself, whole. You have amazing things to share with the world. Life isn't black and white. Don't miss the variations of the gray. Nobody is perfect. Everybody is beautiful. Get to know the first; live according to the second. Music is the language of the...

I think difficulties are important to bring us to our center, even though we have the tendency to think the opposite when facing a hard time. This week has made me reflect a lot about this. It's been tiring and busy, including the longest hours ever, at the office. Many things didn't seem to be right this week. Besides that, I broke my first resolution for 2007 (no long hours... lol). Today is Saturday. This morning I had planned to catch up some stuff in the computer when I found out it was someway broken. I don't know, it's just not working. Maybe my PC is in a bad mood. Anyway, all these little 'big' things would make me mad in other times. But I chose not to react that way. A friend of mine told me "we must learn how to live in the chaos". Things come and go, good or bad... so take advantage of what you have. I am now in my brother's computer, happy to have at least a chance to write in my blog today. Thanks bro! I'm going now to the office...

Last year I did my first trip abroad and I can say it was the best experience I've ever had! Travelling is like changing an old B&W televison to a brand-new colored widescreen. You see things so much better! You have so much fun! You amplified your limits, being able to make better comparisons. You become addict to it. :o) Reading a magazine today I've found an interesting article, written by Martha Medeiros (a very good brazilian writer). She describes her experience in letting her teen daughter travel out of Brazil. At the end of the article there is a poem written by her about 12 years ago, that reminded me of my adventure to Canada. "I've embarked my daughter in the ship and said, my daughter, go said, my daughter go to find out what exists in the other side of the ocean I embarked and said, go my daughter, find out what exists that aren't possible to tell said, go and look with your own eyes what none love can detail go, my dauhter, dream and know the wor...

"Your light must shine from inside to outside. Manifest to everybody your interior light which vibrates in you through your acts and words of comprehension and optimism. Be yourself your own light, illuminating all with your words of comfort and incentive, your smile of enthusiasm and encouragement, your example of faith and optimism." Extracted from the book "Minutes of wisdom". "Sua luz deve brilhar de dentro para fora. Procure manifestar a todos a luz interior que vibra em você, através de seus atos e de suas palavras de compreensão e otimismo. Seja você mesmo sua própria luz, iluminando a todos com suas palavras de conforto e incentivo, com seu sorriso de entusiasmo e de encorajamento, com seu exemplo de fé e otimismo. " Extraído do livro "Minutos de sabedoria".

My trip to the countryside was awesome! A bit of what (and who) I've seen there... Minha viagem para o interior foi tudo de bom! Um pouco do que (e de quem) eu vi por lá... There is much more at my Flickr album . Why don't you check it out? :P Tem muito mais no meu álbum de fotos do Flickr . Por que você não dá uma conferida? :P

Using google to translate sentences to French, like I did in the title of this post? This is a tip for brazilians who are interested in learning French online. Created last year from a partnership between Brazil and France , Francoclic is a free access website where you can learn French and also get to know more about the France culture. It's a very good initiative of Brazil and France, that amplify the possibilities for people to learn another language. It is not enough to be able to communicate perfectly in French but it is a good start! Have fun! I will too! :) Usando google para traduzir frases para o francês, como eu fiz no título deste post? Uma dica para brasileiros interessados em aprender francês online. Criado ano passado de uma parceria entre Brasil e França, Francoclic é um site de acesso gratuito onde você pode aprender mais sobre a língua e cultura francesas. Uma boa iniciativa do Brasil e da França, que amplia as possibilidades das pessoas em aprender outro idioma. N...

After some reflection, I've decided to disactivate my other blog "why I say no". Although I do believe we have many wrong things to complain about (in a constructive way, of course) writing about it has changed my focus. As written in a religious lyric: "I just want to bring to my memory what brings me hope". This is the way I will contribute to make another world possible! :)

Have you made promises to 2007 yet? Every year I make them, but forget in the first month. So I've had an idea to make a good use of my blog and write down my promises, in order to be able to check them later. 1) I will work less - no 'endless' long hours anymore. Yes, that's a tough one. I always make this promise but never realize it. This year I'll make it! 2) I will have enough sleep - which means discipline to turn off the computer... no internet stuff after 11pm. Ok, weekends are permited. yes! (this one is necessary because of the third promise) 3) I will practice sports - after one entire year doing nothing it is time to get back to the gym, dance class, jiu-jitsu, whatever makes me less sedentary. 4) I will make a good use of my time - taking care of my relationships, meeting new people, reading & writing, having fun, learning something new, loving more, helping more and keeping my heart in Jesus Christ. Enthusiasm, passion and courage to you in this Ne...