Out with the old and in with the new is appropriate as we have stepped across the threshold of a new season. What will this year hold? More important, what is in your reach? What are you holding from last year that impairs you from grabbing the New Year with promise?
I wrote a handful of close friends some questions for the New Year, and I thought I might try some of them on you.
What will you let go of in this New Year?
Sometimes, in order to reach for more, you must let go of what you have tightly held to in your hand. Holding something with a clinched fist is stressful and will require you to control it, but holding life in an open hand is exciting and liberating. When you can let go of what is in your hand to God, He releases what is in His hand to you. What an exchange and surprise.
Holding on to old grudges is a killer and adds wrinkles to your face. If you held others in unforgiveness it’s time now to resolve conflict and decide to let them go free. This will make a great start in the New Year. The only one in a tight grip was you anyway. Forgiveness is possible with His grace, when remembering God forgave you of all.
Holding on to old thinking patterns that have kept you from dreaming and believing is paralyzing. Why run the race of the New Year crippled by small thinking and negativity. Run with swiftness the race in front of you with a focus on the prize before you, seeing yourself in the winner’s circle with your name etched on the trophy of life. Living boxed in will cramp your style and destiny when there is a larger platform from which to dance, live and enjoy. Kick out the slats of that limited small space and soar to new heights.
Old habits are a drain and often life-threatening. Living healthy is not a mere diet but a lifestyle. Living free is a decision. Living expectant is a choice. Living in hope is visionary. Living free is a privilege. I love what one man said: “If you are not living on the edge, then you are taking up too much room.” Live strong and wise this new season.
Old friends might not be the perfect match for your new year of dreams, goals and development. Whose voice do you listen to anyway? Surround yourself with voices of encouragement, vision and wise mentoring. You can find incredible voices of champions from books, videos and even music. Find friends who are motivating and will not hold you down. Choose wisely. Old friends might be comfortable, but be careful to not let them hold you back from moving to the next level. Find cheerleaders and coaches who will help you succeed in this game called life. Learn to cheer on others too with a new view from the grandstands of life.
Old attires and styles are out of date and it may be time for a fresh new look, not just in your dressing for success, but your outlook. Looking back will cause you to trip over your own path today. Looking ahead keeps you from enjoying today. Living in the moment has value as you see with new eyes the incredible potential and gift of today. It is the present. Embrace it and unwrap each day in joy of the realization that you have purpose.
Last year is for the history books. Reflect on what worked and what did not. Take inventory of your skills, passion and dreams and then don’t talk yourself out of them. Refuse the fears of tomorrow and begin to live new and renewed. Eyes have not SEEN what He holds for you in 2013.
Happy New Year to you!
When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!