Earlier this month, I bought an origami book from a bookstore. I chose the earliest version available - those meant for children aged 3 to 5. Honestly, kinesthetic activities are not my forte but I have faith that I would be able to 1) figure the instructions out and 2) embrace this new habit into my life.
As I look back on 2025, I am proud that I have picked up scrapbooking. I cut out Chinese-related materials and Science-related stuff and paste them on exercise books - and go through them with my son as a form of primary school preparation. I also began the habit of writing two Chinese sentences a couple of times a month, intentionally using Chinese idioms. Hopefully, my son will learn to use them himself in time to come.
So, I think I will make this origami thingy work! It will be great to prompt my son to think about area and angles in a fun and non-threatening way. Wish me luck.
Of course, there is no better time than now, and we can seek to incorporate new habits into our lives whenever we want and not wait until next year. Still, nothing to get the engine revved up than the start of a new year.
Congratulations, great choice! Origami is on my to-do list. Personally, I've been getting back into entertainment and exercise this year. My plan for 2026 is to master this habit and keep improving.
I wish you good luck! 🤞
What other things are on your to-do list?
Another thing on my to-do list, to work on implementing and getting back into the habit in 2026, is early morning Tai Chi. In recent months, I've significantly reduced the intensity of my practice, between things to do, a new home, helping with Christmas preparations, a trip, and other work and personal matters. I haven't been practicing much, and I need to get back into the habit of waking up earlier and immediately doing my Tai Chi routine to start the day stretching my body and calming my mind.
@cristaiji does tai chi as well. I think you will enjoy reading his journal
Now that I've completed all my training, I'm probably going to start organizing a number of workflows for projects I have ideas on to flush out my skills portfolio. Time to put all that study to work.
Sounds like 2026 will be a busy year for you!
Are you working in project management?
It's a little early for me to finalize any new year's resolutions; although I think you've picked a good project for your son. I've done lots of origami in my life, and although I was never notable in the origami communities, it was my notoriety at school for a while [fidget spinners weren't a thing, although math teachers got a kick out of seeing a new model appear by the end of each class].
I recommend avoiding dedicated origami paper. If you need squares, teach your son how to cut squares from printer paper. It's both cheaper to buy printer paper in bulk, and mercilessly rewards accuracy early-on. Paper specifically manufactured for origami can be a nice present after he has the skill to make good use of it.
Thanks for your pro tips! It will come in handy because he’s at the age when he loves using scissors