This is going to be your best year ever!2010 is pregnant with possibilities and it’s time for you to move forward.But there’s only one thing standing in your way – you!The way you think is keeping you from progressing into your dreams. Can you really handle another year of unfulfilled promises, regret and bad relationships?Admit it.It’s time to take control of your life.
To start, identify the hindrances and cycles that have slowed down your momentum and, in some cases, brought it to a halt.If you’re battling grief or fear, get ready to defeat them for good.If you have questionable relationships or can’t forgive people, stop, take inventory and put things in order.
A Challenge to Change
Even when we make the wrong decisions and suffer the consequences, it can be hard to change bad habits. We get used to thinking and doing things in a certain way but somehow, whatever happens, we learn to live with the outcome.Are you happy with your decisions and results?Be honest.Avoidance will only guarantee that you’ll repeat mistakes and the unproductive cycles that operate in your life.You have to break out so you can be free.The best part is that you can start now by examining key factors affecting your thinking and, ultimately, your progress.
Getting a Grip on Grief
2009 was a challenging year for most of us. And looking at the unemployment figures, it’s obvious many people loss something in the process.Did you lose something?Was it more than you expected?Perhaps you lost a loved one, job, income, opportunity or friendship.Maybe you lost your hope or passion for a dream.Such losses can release grief or “deep mental anguish’ into your soul.This kind of hurt goes deep.It rocks the core of your foundation and leaves you feeling wounded, empty and lifeless.You may be saying to yourself grief is no stranger to me.I’ve been dealing with it for years.And trying to cope with it has left me emotionally exhausted!
I understand how you feel.When I lost my mother it took years for me to heal.Her death was unexpected and I felt like my entire world had crumbled beneath my feet.At 21, with no family support and facing homelessness, it was difficult for me to find my way back to the living.But with my heavenly Father’s help and guidance, I did.God gave me the faith and strength to fight my way back.You can find and fight your way back, too.
First, admit that you’re grieving.Then give yourself permission to grieve.And finally, allow time for the grieving process to be completed.In the meantime, find a support system.Surround yourself with people who are trustworthy, loving and willing to listen.Above all, you need faith to believe you will survive the grieving process, be healed and take control of your life again.It’s impossible to create a painless world, but it is possible to arm yourself with the faith and support required to brave the storms that come your way.
Facing Your Fears
Fear is the mother of all hindrances.But she’s difficult to identify because she’s sneaky.She subtly disguises herself as shyness, worry, quiet intimidation and timidity.But at the end of the day, she’s still fear.Have you ever asked what if I don’t get the job?What if (s)he breaks up with me?What if I don’t get accepted to school? What if I don’t make the team?If you’ve asked these questions and nervously waited for the outcome, then you’re living with fear.If left unchecked, fear will torment you.It will make you afraid to try or do anything new.
Personally, fear is my number one enemy.So, quite naturally, I refuse to live with it.I do realize that we all deal with some kind of fear, even fear of the unknown.And of course fear can show up out of nowhere, uninvited.But it doesn’t have to control or rob you of your life.If fear is stopping you from advancing, it’s time to serve it an eviction notice.You must regain momentum this year.Remember, you have people to meet, communities to transform, and inventions to discover.Don’t let fear stand in your way!
There’s a scripture in the Bible that says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear.” What does this mean?It means that when you understand how much God loves you, when you understand that you were “fearfully and wonderfully made,” when you know you were designed for a great purpose, you will understand you have nothing to fear.The pathway to success has already been paved for you.The love of God will give you the boldness to step into your dreams.
So, here’s a “what if” for you. What if you get the job, (s)he breaks up with you, you get accepted or make the team and it’s the best thing that ever happened?
From Forgiveness to Freedom
Now, let’s talk about forgiveness.Yes, forgiveness!I know it’s hard to forgive someone when you feel betrayed, wronged or hurt by them.In fact, just thinking about what they did to you can fuel the anger all over again. Anger is actually a justifiable, human emotion.But it can get out of hand if you act or respond irrationally in the heat of the moment. Striking out verbally or physically won’t erase the pain. Refusing to talk about it or suppressing it, won’t help either because the anger is still alive and burning within you.Anger can lure you into an emotional prison that will repel favorable opportunities and ruin your life.
Break anger’s hold on you by letting go of the hurt.Refuse to live in emotional bondage. Forgiveness is the key to your freedom.How will you know when you’re free of anger?When you think of or hear his or her name and it doesn’t bother you.When you recall the incident but your heart is at peace.Then you know you’re healed.
Ferreting Out Frenemies
When I was a kid, the old folks used to say “you’re known by the company you keep.”Translation:The people you choose as friends tell others a lot about who you are.I like the shorter, snazzier version myself.So, what does your choice of friends say about you?Are you kickin’ it with frenemies, negative or abusive people? Be objective as you re-consider your circle of friends.If there are bad grapes in the bunch, “friends” hindering your growth, jeopardizing your joy, push the disconnect button.Real friends sincerely care about what concerns you.They challenge you to be better.And their love will always heal and restore you.In short, good relationships add strength and health to your life.
You Can See Clearly Now!
Wow!Is that a sparkle in your eye?Are you seeing things from a different perspective?Thinking at a higher level? If the answer is “yes,” I’ve successfully challenged you to boldly ─ and mentally ─ go where you’ve never gone before.Now you can move forward!
Spice Up Your Year!
Start the year off right by making goals for yourself.Don’t let life just happen. Instead, take charge by designing a life plan you can monitor.This way when the unexpected does happens, life won’t spin out of control.List your year-end personal, spiritual and professional goals.Then, based on the list, create monthly and weekly goals.Keep it simple and realistic to avoid failure.And once you meet a goal, no matter how small, reward yourself.As the year progresses, you’ll be amazed by what you’ve achieve.
One final suggestion, as you’re setting goals for the year: Spice it up a bit!Try something new like finding one or two mentors.You don’t have to know them personally.Mentorship through a professional’s book, conference or website can be just as impacting.You can also visit the library to check out hardcover or audio books that will motivate and inspire you.Always include biographies of successful people and organizations.You’ll be surprised to see how their insights, wisdom and failures will change your thinking.
And while you’re at the library, find a few organizations that share your passion for pets, drawing, cars, dance or whatever you love.Commit to volunteering a few days a month and see how great you’ll feel.Better yet, start your own organization to inspire and encourage others.
But don’t stop there.Teach a class on your favorite hobby at the community center.Share your expertise through mentoring.Write a book.Sell the product you created three years ago.Attend a play, learn a language, travel abroad, ride a horse or climb a mountain. Whatever goals you add to your yearly plan, remember the ultimate goal is three-fold:to discover yourself, the world around you, and to connect to your destiny.
Your Journey Begins Now!
As you whistle down the pathway of success this year, grief, fear, anger, even bad friendships will no doubt get in your way to hinder or stop you from connecting to the people, opportunities and inventions meant for you.But now that you’re seeing and thinking clearer, you’re better equipped to confront and defeat those interlopers.Well, you better get moving.There are 11 months left to this year and you’ve got a lot of living to do.Enjoy yourself!And if you’re not busy, drop by and let us hear about your adventures.
