Reflection
It only seems fitting to write about the new year since, well since it’s the new year. A new decade. The roaring 20’s one hundred years later.
I’m not big for resolutions because unless I’m truly committed (and that doesn’t typically come on January 1), I won’t stick to it. Still, it’s nice to look at the past year or few years to see growth. Ten years ago I was in tenth grade… okay, maybe let’s not look that far.
Where were you 1, 3, 5 years ago? How have you grown? Make a list, draw a picture, or just think about it for a few minutes. But celebrate your wins. Thank God for where he’s brought you. Thank the people around you who’ve stuck by you during your craziness (they’re the real MVPs). However you choose to reflect, do it with reverence. I’m all about self-love and self-care, but I think sometimes “self-love” has been championed in a way to avoid deep reflection. There’s this mantra of “I love myself and you can’t say nothin’ about it because I’m brave and bold and beautiful.” Listen, God made you pretty great, but we all have blind spots and if you can’t look at yourself with humility, your self-love is actually self-worship, and there ain’t nothin’ brave or bold or beautiful about that. We have enough narcissists in the world today.
What’s going to be a game-changer for you this year? There are endless possibilities - spiritual growth, career development, emotional wholeness, investing in your relationships better.
I digress. Because seriously, look at how far you’ve come, at how much you’ve grown. Look at how much others in your circle have grown - your friends, your kids. Now, look at your present - what’s holding you back and what do you still need to learn? What’s going to be a game-changer for you this year? There are endless possibilities - spiritual growth, career development, emotional wholeness, investing in your relationships better.
Look to your future. Dream a little. Where do you want to be at and how do you get there? What do you want your future self to be grateful for that you decided to do today?
No matter how you choose to forge ahead with the new year, do it with grace, humility, a healthy dose of self-love, and with those you hold dearest.