Here at the start of 2015, people have been given the small blessing of several days’ holiday together. Of course, work resumes just a few days later, and I, as is my wont, have made several New Year’s resolutions. To be sure, just because someone starts to weed a plot doesn’t mean he will enjoy a bountiful harvest from it. But taking some small steps towards your goals does make you feel better. Over the course of my life, I have come to understand that life often throws curveballs. These keep things interesting. By continuing to do one’s best despite changing circumstances, one can find beauty in everything.
This year, Taiwan Panorama’s 40th, finds the magazine flourishing and well established. Fate didn’t lead me to work here until I was already middle aged, but perhaps a young spirit lives within my heart, because I began my editorship of the magazine with the cover story “A New Generation, a New Era.” For this feature we interviewed many young creative workers and entrepreneurs who have deviated from traditional career paths and even left Taiwan to broaden their horizons and shine. Importantly, all of these stories start with people “pursuing something that they themselves are moved by.” For example, W.island’s “Travel with a Purpose” program has selected young people aged 20–26 to embark on journeys abroad in the coming year, during which they aim to interview 100 global leaders in a variety of realms. The confidence, energy, and drive of these youngsters offer great hope for Taiwan’s future.
In this issue we also have a special report on New Zealand, which includes a story about film and video collaborations between Taiwan and New Zealand in the land where The Hobbit was filmed, and another on the trials and tribulations of Taiwanese immigrant entrepreneurs in New Zealand. The Taiwan–New Zealand free trade pact (ANZTEC) has been in effect for a year, and it represents an important step in Taiwan’s global push. We do indeed need to gain greater knowledge and understanding of New Zealand.
A brand new year lies in front of us. What do you want to do this year? In a year’s time, what changes would you like to see in your life? There’s an essay I’m fond of, entitled “If I Had My Life Over,” that includes these lines: “If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.” So what are we waiting for? Whatever we want to do this year, let’s get on with it!
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