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As the year comes to an end, many of us are thinking towards what we hope to achieve in the new year. Perhaps some bad habits we would like to give up or some plans we wish to put in to action. Maybe we would like to be more forgiving of others or improve our public speaking. I think one of the most exciting challenges we might set for ourselves is to learn something new.

In the past when wealthy young women were not permitted to pursue careers or work at anything that involved hard labour, they spent their time in learning and appreciating various arts. Music, painting, embroidery, dance, languages and flower arrangement to name just a few! There were many to choose from and a Lady who was skilled in several areas was considered ‘Accomplished.’ I think its great that these days we are not limited to activities and interests that society deems ‘feminine’ but I still think learning some of these skills can be good for self development.

Learning to dance teaches graceful movement, languages and singing will improve your speech, fine arts can give one a wonderful form of self expression and all of these things can improve your self confidence. You may already be talented in one of these areas, so perhaps spending more time there will see your skills rise to new heights. Some may feel that they lack any artistic talent, or that they are not gifted in a skill they would really love to learn. The truth is, with most artforms, natural talent is a blessing but almost anyone can become skillfull with some guidance and determination.

Make a little promise to yourself, noone else has to know, that next year you will learn a new ‘accomplishment’. Choose something you have always dreamed of doing or perhaps something you have been inspired to try recently. Become passionate about it, take lessons, read books, practise practise practise! Set yourself definite goals, such as “By September I will be able to play my favourite song on the Piano.” and reward yourself when you achieve them! If you don’t quite make it, reassess those goals, are they reasonable? Do they require more time than you expected or have you not put in enough effort? Failing is an opportunity to refocus not to give up. Believe in your ability to succeed and nothing is beyond you.

Wishing you all the best with your goals and dreams, have a beautiful New Year!