I am sure like me, on the eve of the new year, you were staring down the barrel that was 2023 and may have felt a little drag to your feet as you saw the barrel for 2024 being set. You may be dragging your feet because 2023 started promising, reached a high and just did not end the way you expected. You may feel disappointed with some of your choices and are still unsure where you are meant to be. It’s okay. Know that each day you wake up is a victory. If you can get at least one item on your list right, it’s a victory. For this new year be realistic about where you are and how you plan to move forward. Don’t have expectations of yourself you did not meet in 2023 because you were not in a position to be there then; after all, it’s only a day that separates 2023 from 2024. However, despite everything that challenged this possibility, you have succeeded in making it to 2024. If you think about it, you had to claw your way here and maybe drag yourself a few times to cross that finish line but who cares about looking good when survival’s on the line. You are here, be thankful.
Yes, there are things you want to change because you know how bad they are but don’t be anxious. Just accept that it will take time and get worse before it gets better. Know that God will ensure you have the tools, people and inspiration to make each day a success. So, what does success look like? When it’s gonna be different for each of us. So far I have done one thing right out of all the things I have to do since the start of the year and that’s success. It is nothing major, just writing down what I want to accomplish and noting what went well and what did not. I have read a few pages each day of a book I need to finish reading and I spend a few more minutes in prayer. Nothing major but quietly and determinedly I move forward not dwelling too much on what I have not yet accomplished or how I fail each day. I give thanks for the little things that make me happy, like going on a walk, taking some pictures and being free to fail and try again.
For this new year, I hope you take the time to really live in the present and not anxiously anticipate the next day because your current day sucks. I hope you grow in the confidence that there is nothing on this earth truly impossible if you lean into God and allow him to lead the way. I hope you do nothing but trust in his plans and let him have his say. It won’t always be a great year but it will be a year that will build you up to serve God’s kingdom. You will succeed!
