So everyone was really bracing for the “end of the world” last December 21. But life went on through the day and beyond. Just like the Y2K scare when the year turned to 2000.

When I was in grade school, I also thought for a while that I would not live beyond year 2000. I thought years were always expressed as “19 something” and was a bit scared to reach the 2000 mark. But here we are. Yes, pinch yourself alive.

What many scientists and astrologers believe though is that the “end of the world” was really the “end of an era.” The end of greed and hostility. The end of anger and hatred. The end of animosity and fear.

This new year, how are we preparing for the new age, or the new era? Other than our usual new year resolutions, we must really think of a new us or a new YOU!

If we always were overweight, we should seriously consider losing some kilos. If we were always sleeping late, we should try to sleep much earlier or consciously get more shuteye.
What do we hope will happen in this NEW AGE?

•More people eating healthier. There is a growing trend of restaurants turning local and organic. More restaurants and cafes serving locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, coffee and even chocolates.

•More people watching their health. With so much younger people getting “adult onset” ailments like diabetes and hypertension (due to saltier food and stress?) even children must now start eating better, healthier food.

•More people going into exercise. There are trends like badminton first, now triathlons, but no matter what people have to move those muscles! There are zumba classes, planaforma, barre3 and more.

•More people getting into their spiritual selves. More people taking up yoga for meditation and relaxation. More people going for retreats and recollections especially come Lent.

•More people reducing intake of chemicals in medicines, food and even household cleaners and cosmetics. The more natural, the better.

•More people caring about the environment. After Mother Nature reminded us through the calamities namely: Typhoons Sendong, Pepeng, Ondoy and now Pablo, more people are conscious of the effects of deforestation, and of using plastic bags and other bad practices that cause floods.

•More people caring about their neighbors. The calamities made us aware how we should think about the less fortunate. The disasters made us realize that Nature picks no one—rich or poor—and that everyone is equal in the eyes of the world, Nature and God.What do we want to see LESS of?

•Unscrupulous traders, merchants and sellers who pass off bad products or stuff that harm people.

•Profit-takers who only think of themselves and put money as their main reason for living.

•Greed.

•Hatred.

•Fear.

•Anger.

It is never too late to change whether we are 15 or 50, 16 or 60. The idea is to be conscious that we now live in a different world. And the way to adapt to a new world is to be our new selves, too.

As Einstein said: The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
So changing over to a new you is definitely a sign of intelligence. Happy New Year!

Chit Juan is a founder and owner of ECHOStore sustainable lifestyle, ECHOmarket sustainable farms and ECHOcafe in Serendra and Podium malls. She also heads the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines and the Philippine Coffee Board Inc., two non-profits close to her heart. She often speaks to corporates, youth and NGOs on social entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and coffee. You can follow her on twitter.com/chitjuan or find her on facebook:Pacita “Chit” Juan. Email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .