Everyone says “New Year, New Me” but is it really a new you? Why would you want a new you? I want to kickstart this new year with a few thoughts on “How to Start a New Year” without worrying about all the hype with New Years resolutions.

1. Take a Look Back: A common theme on IG around New Years is to do a top 9 photos or to go back and post pictures back from each month of the year. For me, this year, it was a huge reality check. I started last year off strong with my blog but quickly declined. I am right back where I started in Jan 2018 from a Blog standpoint. However, it I were to compare my mental state and look at how far I’ve come personally in personal growth – I know, without a doubt that there has been huge progress.
2. Write Down Specific Goals: This can be in the form of a Vision Board or just a word document/journal but just write down your goals, say them out loud and make them real. How can you reach for something if you don’t know what you are reaching for? Also, be realistic. Think about this past year and all of your ups and downs. Think about things that are important to you and go for it.
3. Take Care of You: Starting a new year can be overwhelming. Their are so many “things” pushing New Years resolutions, and “New Year, New You” slogans, etc. Don’t start playing the blame game or the get stuck in the comparison trap. Take a step back and take care of you. There are so many ways in which you can take care of your mind, body, and soul. Take each day as a new opportunity to better yourself. Don’t stop working out or eating better just because you failed 3 days into the new year. Also, meditation and journaling is a great way to take care of you. I find that when I do journal and can look back at where I was throughout the year, it’s always an eye opener and a learning experience.
4. Don’t Give Up: When life gets hard, when challenges come your way, or maybe you fail at something, don’t give up. Keep pushing forward in the areas that are most important to you. Don’t accept the failure and don’t think that just because you’ve had a bad day, you can’t start fresh tomorrow. Each new day is a new chance to keep making progress. Each new minute is a new minute you can choose to take action.
5. Live Loved: This is my most recent area of focus and it’s about living my life knowing that I am fully loved by our Jesus Christ. We do not need to long for the acceptance of earthly things or depend on the affection from others to feel loved. I have lived so many years afraid of rejection, fearing the loneliness and being shy in large crowds unsure of what others will think of me. I’ve spend the better part of the 10 years I’ve been with my husband depending on him to make me happy. It will never work – I’m telling you from experience. Other humans can never bear the weight of your happiness. But it’s not just that, it’s walking into a crowded room, not knowing anyone, and scared to death to start up a conversation – but choosing to rely on God’s love to fulfill you. I’m getting all of this from a book I just started reading- Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst. You can by it on Amazon here. This is by far one of the best books I’ve read – right up there with “Girl, Wash your Face” by Rachel Hollis.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and maybe it is all about being a “New You” but don’t let that be your focus. Let your focus be on empowerment, growth, love, and taking small steps to achieve your goals. I love you all and would love to hear your goals or see your Vison boards for 2019.

Happy 2019!