For the first time, I believe that this year could be one of my best years ever. It's always been something that I try to convince myself, but without a genuine plan in place to make these changes. Now that I have a plan and a renewed mindset, I feel much better and excited for all that is to come. I have always been the type to get so excited about the New Year and setting goals for the upcoming year, but I I realized that developing a New Year Resolution can be an overwhelming feeling. You begin to reflect back on the year that you've just had, feeling slightly regretful of the things that you didn't do, lazy thinking of all the things you could have done, and obligated to get it all done in this new year. That's no way to enter a new chapter in life, with the mishaps and failures of the old chapter. Instead I needed to be praising God for what He has allowed you to do and see. Reminiscing on the moments that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world, those moments that left a permanent, positive impact on my life. I needed to be appreciating my growth! That is exactly what I did and what helped me to develop my resolutions for this year.
Traditionally I make a laundry list of things that I want to do in the new year and honestly, it rarely gets done. I use to think that if I looked at my resolutions as a to-do list, it would be easier to get the things done, especially since I LOVE making to do lists and crossing off what I get done. That did not work for me! Resolutions are completely different than just your every day task. Resolutions require you to make continuous, conscious changes over time- completely different from a quick check on your typical to do list. And as the year goes on, who and where you are could change in the blink of an eye, requiring your resolutions to make some changes as well. It was just too much to do my resolutions the old way and I didn't want to develop a new me with old habits!
I decided not to make a long list of things I want to do or alter about myself in the coming year. Instead, I found three words that I want to guide me through this new year. The three words I chose can apply to a variety of circumstances, situations, and life lessons that I come across on a daily. By focusing on these three words I feel less overwhelmed and more capable of accomplishing any goal that I establish this year. Here is 'My 2016 in THREE Words'! ;)
FREEDOM...
from my fears of being a wanderer, an adventurer, and a doer, even if I must be all of those things alone.
from my comfort zone and to try new things whenever I can!
from the opinion of others, the envy of others, and the comparison to others.
from feeling so rigid and conformed to one style of being.
from doing what I DO NOT want to do.
from fear of all kinds!
from submission to societies new norms of life, especially those for women of color.
from excuses as to why I can't succeed, because I can!
DISCIPLINE...
in my work ethic.
with my spiritual life and relationship with God, focusing on Him and not him.
in how I use my mind on a daily basis.
with my health and the undeniable capabilities of my body.
in how I use my words and allowing my actions to reflect positive words only.
with my finances!
to get done as much as I can with the time I am given to do it.
ACCEPTANCE...
with my spiritual life and relationship with God, focusing on Him and not him.
in how I use my mind on a daily basis.
with my health and the undeniable capabilities of my body.
in how I use my words and allowing my actions to reflect positive words only.
with my finances!
to get done as much as I can with the time I am given to do it.
ACCEPTANCE...
of where I am right now on my journey and the resources I have.
of my own initial opinion on situations, and not the second hand self-pity that follows it.
f the strength I possess!
of things that I could change, but don't need to focus on changing at the moment.
of my bad days, but understanding that they only last as long as I allow them to.
of the world we live in today, but realization that I am in this world, not of it.
of other people and their opinions, feelings, and beliefs- without allowing my own to alter, unless I want them to.
of myself, without anyone else's approval, applause, or appreciation.
of the way that people are, whether I like it or not, because I expect people to accept me for who I am.
that helps me to develop tolerance for mankind, good and evil, and unconditional love.
of my own initial opinion on situations, and not the second hand self-pity that follows it.
f the strength I possess!
of things that I could change, but don't need to focus on changing at the moment.
of my bad days, but understanding that they only last as long as I allow them to.
of the world we live in today, but realization that I am in this world, not of it.
of other people and their opinions, feelings, and beliefs- without allowing my own to alter, unless I want them to.
of myself, without anyone else's approval, applause, or appreciation.
of the way that people are, whether I like it or not, because I expect people to accept me for who I am.
that helps me to develop tolerance for mankind, good and evil, and unconditional love.
I challenge you to choose three words that you want to represent your 2016 and begin to live by them. Don't overwhelm yourself with an impossible list (unless you are capable of doing it), but instead start your year off simple and make it amazing along the way. I am believing and praying with you that this is one of your best years ever. Here is to 2016!
Indulge in the BEST 2016 possible, with resolutions that you can obtain!
xo,
BLT