It is once again the Auld Lang Syne time of year when we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the New Year of 2025. Bidding farewell to 2024 reminds me of a post by my friend Dr Patrick Liew.
Dr Patrick Liew is a multiple award-winning entrepreneur, humanitarian and philanthropist. He graduated with a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California. Regarded as one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and investors, he has helped list more than three companies from three industries on three stock exchanges (SGX, ASX, NYSE). Dr Patrick is actively involved in supporting humanitarian, philanthropic, and charity causes, and he has won awards, accolades, and appointments for his good work. He has also won international business awards, including the Global Leader Award, Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award, Global Digital Entrepreneurship Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Social Contributions.
As we leave behind our past and look to the future, it is worth reflecting on Dr Patrick Liew’s reflections on the past and what they could mean as we welcome the New Year. I reproduce below (with some minor editing) a post from his post, Time is Created for a Purpose.
As we leave behind our past and look to the future, it is worth reflecting on Dr Patrick Liew’s reflections on the past and what they could mean as we welcome the New Year. I reproduce below (with some minor editing) a post from his post, Time is created for a Purpose.
Reflecting on time, I am mindful that you have a past that you can never change. However, the past does not have to shape your future. You can decide to sink or soar as a result of the past.
Our Creator has created time so you can bury your broken dreams. You can choose to learn from and build on it. So, why let pain and sorrow weigh your spirit and become a burden? Why lay them bare on life’s journey and make them a part of your being? Why let them become a bondage and be a burden on your heart? Why let a broken heart and uncompleted files hold you back from the passion of living and your dream?
It’s time to revisit some of these unfinished stories left hanging in the back of time. It’s time to craft or re-craft the remaining chapters for a beautiful life. It’s time to close the files and let a boulder roll off your chest, releasing a burden from your heart.
When you let go of negative emotions and baggage from the past, you will be free to run farther and faster in life. You will become lighter, and your steps will be quicker. Eventually, you will take flight and soar to the stars of your dream.
Go4It!
Yes, go for it! Be a dreamer and may your dreams come true in 2025! (If you don’t have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?)
I wish you a bright and prosperous New Year.
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
