Clarksville, TN – I remember the first day of 2013, and I remember the things I prayed for. I don’t remember the things I let go of (as I am in the habit of intentionally “letting things go” on New Year’s) because thankfully, I truly did let them go.
I didn’t get everything I prayed for this year. I am certain that there is good reason for that, and I always strive to seek peace in that area. But like a kid at Christmas I “got” many blessings I didn’t pray for at that time. Often it takes me a long time to remember to pray for some of the areas in my life that are the most delicate.
Here are 3 intentional efforts I made, with God’s help, which saved me from myself this year.
Taking better care of myself–I am eating better (not perfectly), I work out 3 times a week, I take vitamins daily, I read the Bible regularly… am even flossing more (Dr. Wenrick, are you reading this?) I am taking better care of my health, not for my vanity, which is losing its hold on me, but for my mental, physical and emotional health.
The benefit–I have way less anxiety, more energy and I am way more pleasant to be around.
Letting go of guilt–Guilt of my past mistakes, guilt from today’s mistakes, mommy guilt, wife guilt, perfectionist guilt…and they say Catholic’s have guilt! I must have inherited it from my Lutheran family! Through daily prayer, writing, and some real-life self-talk, I am healing from chronic guilt symptoms like self-loathing, fear, regret and hopelessness.
The benefit–I am tackling projects and opportunities I would have shied away from (because I feared I wasn’t good enough to try, or that someone would point out why I’m not qualified). I am helping others!
Letting go of tomorrow–In our flesh, we can rarely resist wanting more; more success, more recognition, more stability, more love, more __________.
Yesterday, I was lying in bed, perusing my Facebook and seeing everyone’s babies, got a little teary-eyed. I realized I went another year without a baby.
Then my sweet husband (still asleep and completely unaware of my sadness) put his arm around me and pulled me close to him. And then I remembered, I already have a good future.
The benefit: Shifting my focus back to today, helps me to be thankful for my many blessings, feel more peaceful, and enjoy the happiness of my friends.
Take this time to reflect friends. What did you accomplish this year that changed your life for the good? Take some time to pat yourself on the back, thank those who supported you, and thank God for loving you through it all. “Next year” will be here in a twinkling. I bet what you accomplish this year will amaze you, but you will not do it alone!
