At the start of a new year, I think it's valuable to reflect on the year past.... the good the bad and the plain ugly. This gives us the opportunity to acknowledge things we've done well, and also to learn from some of the stumbling blocks we came across. Here are a few of the important things I learned in 2013.

Last year I focused heavily on health, wellness and nutrition and learned that what constitutes 'best health practice' (despite what Governments and health authorities tell us) is quite often the opposite of what we're being told. Good health is what personally gives us the most energy, clarity of thought, and mojo. We all need to take responsibility for our own health, fitness and wellbeing, and experiment until we find what works for us. 

I learned that you don’t have to exercise tirelessly pounding the pavement, in the gym or in gym classes for hours on end. Evidence has shown that 10 to 20 minutes once a week can give you complete wellness and good health and the body figure you dream of - if you eat right!

I learned that even though the mediums for learning have changed, the necessity for learning certainly has not. Podcasts and video tutorials are awesome. I also learned to use the ol' school library which has a great digital resource for free!

I learned that the single most important trait for happiness is helping someone else, contributing to others. This is a fact echoed by many researchers. That being a part of a true community where you chip in and help others without expecting anything in return is wonderfully gratifying.

I also reaffirmed in my own mind that the basics for creativity and imagination remain the same even today in this fast paced world. Be curious about everything, take time to stop, think and ponder, stimulate your learning mind, chill out, relax, have interests and hobbies outside of work, play and laugh.

And lastly, I learned that when things are not going so great, to remember, “This too shall Pass."