New Year’s Eve Encouragement

New Year’s Eve. The day we say goodbye to the year that was, and prepare to say hello to the year that will be. A time to reflect, and a time to look ahead. This year was like no other. (Granted, you could say that about every year but, yeah…2020.)

It’s safe to say many, if not most, will be eager to forget about this past year and move forward to whatever may be ahead in 2021. I understand, as this was a very difficult and challenging year in many ways, here. If it was a rough one for you, I am so sorry. Losses have been plentiful for so many – whether it has been loss of life, employment, activities, etc.

But, as we start to fix our gaze upon the seemingly “can’t be any worse” year ahead and the hope of a better 12 months to come and try to just sweep 2020 under the rug…I’m going to challenge you to do something.

Think about what you can take with you from this past year. As in, focus just for a few moments on what you’ve gained or learned or been blessed with in 2020. The list might be short, I get it. But, my guess is there’s something you can put on this list.

Something you’ve made it through this year has made you stronger. Something you learned about yourself can be used for good. Something you gave of yourself will be returned, with interest. Something you struggled with will be used to help others, through your experience with it. Your hardships will lead to healing and your story might just be the very thing used to bring breakthrough to someone else’s life, someday.

This isn’t being written to say everything’s alright or that we should all just be fine. Just wanted to encourage you today, because I still believe everything happens for a reason and I believe the tough times in our lives are ultimately used for a greater glory. And, in the end, it is well.

Happy New Year to you. May 2021 be the best year of your life.

Happy New Year

As many people do this time of year, I’ve been thinking about the past 12 months as well as what’s ahead in the year to come.

2011 has been one crazy, crazy year.

I’ve seen stories of tragedy unfold, followed by strength and recovery. I’ve seen how love can overcome a lot in life. I’ve seen how faith is so important to everything. I’ve seen lives changed for the better and I’ve seen things not go so well in some cases. I’ve seen lives on Earth come to an end and have seen lives begin, too. I’ve seen reason for optimism and reason to think otherwise.

I’ve been up, I’ve been down. I’ve been blessed beyond belief with my health, the love of others, and a closer relationship with God. I’ve felt confident about my future and I’ve felt like just getting through another day was a challenge at times.

It’s been a roller coaster ride but I know all that has happened is exactly what was supposed to happen to this point. It’s life and I’m glad to be able to live it. I have so much to be thankful for right now and so much more to look forward to in life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all of it.

So as I sit here counting the blessings I have and at the same time thinking about the things that are unresolved in my life, I know that my mission for 2012 is to not just think positive, but act it out too.

It’s time to start doing more to be happy instead of just hoping to be happy. Happiness really is a choice and so my resolution is to make that choice 🙂

I’m looking forward to good things in the coming year and I’m praying that God will bless all of us with peace, love, healthiness, and happiness in 2012.

Happy New Year everyone.