New Year, New Me

Christmas has come and I hope that all of you had an enjoyable holiday filled with lots of love. We enjoyed a simple holiday at home which was exactly what we needed. But now that Christmas is over it is time again for us to access the year that will soon be coming to a close and consider what changes we would like to make for the upcoming year.  It is time to make those dreaded New Year's resolutions which few people actually keep for more than a few months.

Every year I attempt to make resolutions that I think I can truly fulfill; lose 15lbs in a year, stop drinking cokes, go to bed earlier, maintain the laundry, be a better friend (friends are needed for this one so I tend to not include this one...hahaha), read my Bible more... and the list goes on & on.  I very rarely make it 6 months into the year feeling like I am on track with my resolutions. My birthday is shortly after the New Year and I always go out to eat so I have a coke to drink, well there goes one resolution. Then I get to the spring and instead of losing weight I have gained 5 more, guess that one is out.  Why do I set myself up to fail? Why do we as people set ourselves up for failure? It is good to have goals for the upcoming year but they need to be obtainable goals that play to our strengths.

So having said that I have decided that this year I am only going to have one resolution, Peace in my life and home no matter what it takes. I had a friend pose the question of New Year's resolutions hence the posting today, but as I was thinking of what I really wanted for myself in the New Year all that came to mind was peace. This year I am seeking peace in every area of my life; relationships, finances, home life, etc.  I must have peace. If I have to eliminate relationships from my life then so be it. If commitments have to be cut out then to bad so sad. If beans and cornbread are what's for dinner then we will learn to love beans and cornbread.  Peace is priceless and I must have it in my life. I can no longer allow myself to feel pressured and stressed, I must fight for peace.  Toxic relationships will be ended, spending will be cut, rest will be a priority, and maintaining Christ as the center of my life will be put at the forefront of my commitment list.

This year if I gain a few pounds so be it, if I drink a coke everyday who cares but I will not be manipulated or mistreated. I will not be bullied by anyone.  I will fight for peace and if you are a manipulator then get ready to be kicked to the curb. Fighting for peace does not mean that I do not love people or that I do not want to be involved or helpful but it means that I am giving myself permission to say no. I love myself enough to say that it is not a good time. This is not against anyone or because of anyone, it is personal. I love to help which in turn causes me to over commit, I want acceptance so I do not always remove toxic people in my life quickly enough... no more. Peace at any cost is my motto and if you don't like then lump it. Yeah that is what I said, lump it... hahaha.

I hope as you sit down this week and think about the changes that you want to make in the upcoming year that you too will consider resolutions that are obtainable and of true importance.  Getting healthy physically is great but getting healthy mentally is more important.  Making new relationships is fine, but building healthy relationships is better.  Inner peace, loving yourself, and making yourself a priority must happen and when it does everything else will fall into place.  I do not know what I am called to do, I am unsure what God's plan for my life is but by seeking His peace I will in turn discover His plan for me. 

By making peace a priority I may pay off some of that debt, lose a few pounds, and even get all that laundry completed. To all of you I say, Happy New Year and good luck with those resolutions!!!

Helena