New day and new year, today I begin again. Beginnings are my specialty. I love the magic of uncharted territories – the hope that fuels a fresh new start. Even as a child I could hardly wait for the first day of school. With my fresh untouched school supplies I looked forward to an unpredictable school year.
Carried into adult life, I approach life in the same way. Monday mornings are my opportunity to do-over, do-better or do-differently. For each new month and now a new year, I set goals. I’m confident that “this time I’ll succeed.”
Change is my addiction of choice. When life seems to stay the same, much to my husband’s dismay, I rearrange furniture or redecorate. Some reading this are high-fiving, you certainly can relate. Others are cringing – change is not your thing. You like things just the way they are.
Whether we are starters or finishers; whether we like change or prefer to stay inside our comfort zone, there is a place and a need for each of us. As a woman of faith, I’m relieved to know that when I allow the Lord to lead me in my goals, He will help me succeed. In fact, each morning He supplies a fresh new round of everything I need.
“It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.” Lam 3:22-23 (AMP)
New Year Resolutions – do they work?
Some of my readers make very detailed New Year Resolutions – yet don’t put their action plan in place. Others scoff at the impossibility of achieving goals and set none. Whichever of those two you fit into, this statement applies to you: No change = No change.
Word for The Year
Instead of detailed resolutions, a few years ago I decided to try a simpler approach. I prayerfully chose a word for the year – one that would represent God’s priority for me.
Last year it was “writing” – simple yet effective. After a few false starts, I’ve now adopted the habit of writing at least 500 words a day and blogging on a weekly basis. One of my articles was published in the book Second-Chance Dogs: True Stories of the Dogs We Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us. I’m working on my first book too! While writing is my passion, there is no need to make it this year’s word. I’ve acquired the habits and I’m well on my way.
This year my word is “Self-Care”. Day 1 of 2019 and I’ve started by asking myself this question “How do I practice self-care today?” The answers came easily and will soon become habits. In addition, I’ve added this header to my daily journal: Today I begin again. That simple phrase gives me permission to show up as me – perfection is not a requirement. Each day, I’ll learn from yesterday’s results and aim to do better.
What About You?
Where do you see yourself on December 31, 2019? What will you be celebrating or perhaps regret? What new habits will you carry into 2020? Will you give up on your goals mid-year or see them through to the end?
It’s about obedience isn’t it? If it matters to God, then He’s asking that we do something about it. Whichever method you choose, pick the one that works for you. Some may ask “What’s wrong with no change – what if I’m supposed to stay the same?” So many bible verses come to mind that don’t support that philosophy. As I like to say, Jesus invites us to come as we are; he doesn’t however expect us to stay as we are. If you choose to stay the same, that’s between you and God.
Are you waiting to be perfect? Consider starting your day with this mindset, Today, I begin again
Not sure where to begin? Schedule a coaching session to explore your options and put a plan in place.
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Photo by Andressa Voltolini
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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