The beginning of the new year is right around the corner. Many people set New Year’s Resolutions, vowing to change some things in themselves. But why wait until January 1st? Start now.
Think of how far you will be in three weeks when 2024 actually arrives. Focus on how you will feel. You aren’t giving anything up. You are investing in yourself.
Start tomorrow on the renewal of you. Better yet, start right now…
My older siblings were Straight A students all through school. Not me. I was an A, B, C and D student. Report card day was always a stressful day for me. My teachers and my parents labeled me as dumb. I wasn’t dumb. I was bored.
There are people who were labeled who accepted the label whether it was true or not. They have succumbed to external opinions rather than listening to their own inner voice. This keeps people from living fully. The judgments of others don’t matter. There is one judge and his name is God. He is the only one who gets to define who you are.
If you struggle to overcome being labeled, my encouragement to you is to find your confidence in yourself. Remember who created you. It wasn’t those who labeled you or want to continue to keep you boxed in. God made you, and that’s good enough for me…
The culture of today will tear you down if you get caught up in it. Fear of missing out, likes and shares of our social media posts and comparison will suck the life out of you if that is your focus. How do you maintain a positive mindset in this environment?
Self-work along with self reflection are vital components to maintaining the right attitude. Work on being the best version of yourself. This work never ends because there is no arrival destination. We are all works in progress or works in regression. If you ever think you’ve hit the top, you haven’t.
Take the time to reflect on how you are doing. Be accountable and fair with yourself, but don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Hold yourself to a high standard and don’t compromise your values. Stay focused.
If you find yourself missing today’s crazy culture, it will still be waiting for you to return. I don’t think you will…
Every year you and your family and friends are creating memories. Are you creating a record of them?
Legacies are handed down over generations. We must preserve them or all will be lost over time. There is no way you can remember everything, so write it down. Keep it safe for others to enjoy.
Take the time to make a record of your life. The written word is the best way…
Timing is everything. There’s a right time to speak and a right time to listen. There’s a time to take the lead while there’s also a time to step back and watch things develop.
Your time is now. Unwrap the dreams of your heart and act on them. You won’t have everything figured out beforehand so don’t concern yourself with every little detail. Just act.
There has never been a better time than now…
Depression is real. There are multiple types of depression: clinical, seasonal, post-partum and more. Where someone says they are depressed, please listen to them without judgment.
The hopelessness of depression can lead to all types of irrational behavior. How many times have you heard of or experienced someone who took their own life, yet they had everything? It doesn’t make sense to those of us who aren’t depressed, but it was very real to them.
The holidays can bring on weird moods. Please raise your awareness to what your friends, family and colleagues are saying. They might need a listening ear…
Aging doesn’t suck. There are a variety of benefits to getting older. You have acquired wisdom, you approach things more methodically, your relationships gain importance, and you have learned what is important in life.
Young people would be wise to pick the brains of older people. Learn from their mistakes. See opportunities previously unseen.
And remember, you are like a fine wine. You get better with age…
If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
We sometimes get confused about what a Christian should look like. Christian men and women are not pious or preachy. Christians should not hold others in judgment. Christian people are known by their actions, not their knowledge of Scripture.
Look at Jesus. He was perfect and showed us the character of God in human form. He redeemed and restored others. He hung out with the people no one else thought he should. While many religious leaders of that time shunned sinners, Jesus welcomed them.
We too should be recognized as Christians by our actions. Nothing more is necessary. Take the writing of Saint Francis into consideration: “preach the Gospel always. Use words when necessary…”
The very moment you were born you altered history. That’s right! You are part of the story of the world.
Use this revelation as fuel to create your legacy. Blaze a trail. Leave your mark. Find out why you are here and pursue it with everything you have in you.
It’s your time. Make something of it…
In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.
Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.
Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.
Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.
Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.
Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.
Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…
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