If anything’s become apparent in the past two years, it’s that a new year doesn’t hold the magic we once believed to be true about the new year.
I will never forget telling my husband on the last night of 2019 that I had a terrible feeling about 2020, and for me, that’s when I decided it was time to stop placing hope in the clock striking 12.
I know, I know, it’s not that deep. “New year, new me” is just something we say. Or is it?
When we say these words, we secretly and deep down believe things will be different in the new year; we get a fresh start and beginning. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that – as long as it comes with the understanding that a new beginning can start whenever you want it to begin, but most importantly, that a strong foundation must be in place for real change to occur.
But before we get to that last part, we need to talk about habits.
Habits take place in the presence of discipline, take form in small decisions made behind closed doors, and create change in consistent, repeated actions; they take place one day at a time.
Anytime I have set a future date to start something, two things happen. First, I push it back further and further until it becomes non-existent, or I do it for a little while and then don’t. But when I decide to start something and start the day I decide – well – that’s a different story. It sticks different, ya know?
If we are going to commit to change or create better habits, we have to make the space it will take for the change to take place. That doesn’t mean giving unrealistic time constraints to tell us when we can or can’t do something. Instead, it’s predetermining that we will consciously decide to make the time that change deserves to have. We have to see the actual value in what we are doing, and we have to have a firm conviction that creating that space will give us a solid return on our investment.
Now, let’s go back to the strong foundation…
Let’s get right to it; putting a ton of hope in ourselves sets ourselves up for disappointment and failure. A failure is a teaching tool, but it’s not one we like to plan.
If we begin building new habits, it only makes sense to build them on something solid and sure.
And in my case, “something” really means God.
You can have your own preference for a foundation, but the one I’ve found actually to work is God. I’ve tried building it on myself, someone I love, or an idea that I felt would serve me well.
They fail. Every single time.
But, that’s me.
I have to say that putting my hope and building my foundation on God lays the groundwork for genuine change. I can draw on his strength, goodness, glory, and His love when things don’t go as planned or when I find that I’m at the end of myself (which happens a lot when I try to depend on myself instead of the Source).
I have what it takes to create the positive changes I want to see in my life, but I know from experience that I will get tired, frustrated, and downright disappointed. Life as we know it will inevitably happen.
And as a Christian, when this happens, I have the opportunity to rebuild on my solid foundation, redirect my efforts, and ultimately, reflect the glory to God – the point of it all.
Let me encourage you if you’re looking to make 2022 a year of positive change and habits, don’t overdo it. Instead, make small, consistent, seemingly insignificant changes one day at a time- and start now.
Instead of “new year, new me,” how about, “new day, new me.”
Take one day at a time, but most importantly, take the hand of the One who wants to do it all with you. Who says habits forming has to be boring? With God, it can be a grand adventure; and I promise you won’t find a better adventure buddy around.
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5
Anonymous says
Awesome! Happy New Year, Sweet Friend ♥️
Teresa Simmons Ross says
Awesome! Happy New Year, Sweet Friend ♥️
María Fleitas says
Such an awesome read. I have embraced this idea of “new day, new me” for quite some time now and it has changed my life. Each and every day God has given us another chance to change our lives. 💕💕 Thank you for sharing with us my friend.