Plan First, Party Later

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, it means you made it to the last day of 2016.  Hopefully it was a good year for you, if not rejoice in the fact that it is almost out of here.

For many, New Year’s Eve is a day or rather a night of celebration.  I plan on celebrating tonight as well.  But, before the “party” begins I like to reflect on “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of the outgoing year and make plans and set goals for the incoming year.

While I do walk by faith, I don’t believe that means to walk blindly.  Whatever your desired destination for 2017 is, you need a map(plan) to get there.  I know we’re used to the GPS, but in this case a “map” is necessary.  Your map or outlined plan will guide you and keep you focused, as you travel from where you are right now to where you want to be this time next year.

The excitement of 2017 is in the air; help make it a great one for yourself.  Plan before you party.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!

In Today’s News…

What has been done in the past, whether bad or good, is old news.  What are you doing today?  These were the words swirling around in my head this morning.

Sometimes we hold onto the past so tightly that it chokes out our future.  Negative past experiences have a way of instilling a fear in some, that is so strong they feel they cannot move forward or they refuse to move forward for fear of failure.  You have to get a revelation that, that was yesterday’s edition, today is a new day, time to make some new headlines.

Negative past experiences aren’t the only ones that can trip us up or halt our movement.  Quite often, positive accomplishments do the very same thing.  We got this degree, received that award, made the team, reached a career milestone and we stop right there.  Yes, accomplishments are to be celebrated.  But, you can’t live in the glory of those same accomplishments forever.

Not knocking anyone’s “glory days”.  Be proud of yesterday’s achievements, but don’t get so caught up in them that you can’t answer the question:  What are you doing now/today?

Year of New

A prompt in one of my Facebook groups to post a favorite 2016 selfie, led me down memory lane.  I did a rewind and playback of this year and was amazed at all of the new things I experienced in 2016.

I started the year off by officially becoming a member of the church I had been attending for a while.  I completed the new members class and was welcomed into my new church family.

As the song says “I got a new attitude”.  This year I put more emphasis on myself and my “happy” and it felt great.

Several new natural hair styles adorned my head.  Some I loved, others were alright. But, I enjoyed trying out the new looks.

Started a new career as a freelance blogger/writer.  The only question in my mind is “why didn’t I do this sooner”.

Gained a new hobby-painting.  Not an artist, but I enjoy the creativity it sparks and the relaxation it brings.

Traveled to a couple of states I hadn’t visited before and am looking forward to returning.

Overcame my fear of guns.  Took a class and went to the gun range.  Definitely not a sharp shooter….not yet.

2016 was my year of new.  Can’t wait to see what I can discover in 2017.

 

 

 

No Pity Party Here

I’ve had this quote from Joel Osteen in the back of my mind since last week:  “Don’t be pitiful  when you can be powerful”.  I posted it on my Facebook page on Tuesday and it has had a grip on me since.

Pitiful or powerful?  You mean we can choose?  Yes!!!  In spite of any situation or circumstance that we are going through, we can choose to not allow it to pull us down and keep us in the abyss of pity, but instead to get up and stand strong in spite of….  Is it just that simple?  Again the answer is yes.

The first and most important step is to make up in our mind that we want to be powerful and not pitiful.  Then we strive to walk in this choice daily, by making decisions and taking actions that align with it.

What does this look like in action?  You lose a job:  Instead of panicking and going into depressed mode, you look at it as an opportunity to explore and obtain a new career.  Facing the end of a relationship:  Don’t allow the negative energy of anger and sadness to overtake you, instead turn it into something positive.  Use this as a time to reflect and grow as an individual, take a class, find a new hobby, spend some time with people you may have neglected during your relationship.  Death:  We all know that it’s inevitable and often without warning, but that doesn’t stop the pain and grief that it brings.  How can we turn the grief from pity to power?  One way is to find a way to honor the lost loved one.  This can be as simple as choosing to live a good life.  Other suggestions include:  becoming a donor to or volunteer at their favorite charitable organization, establishing a scholarship in their name, or doing something that they wanted to do, but never had the chance to.  Find something that you know would make them smile at you from heaven.

The next time life throws you a curve ball, as it will, don’t let it knock you down, catch it and stand strong in your power.