Finally, we have approached the end of the year and honestly I can’t believe it! It’s common to say “this year flew by fast” but honestly, this year has gone by FAST! That being said, with the end of the year comes plenty of reflection, excitement, and for some regret 😅.
For those who are reading this and don’t know me as well, I love writing end of the year reflections and new year resolution blog post. Honestly, I could go all year without writing a single blog post except for those (haha)! So today, I wanted to reflect and I hope these thoughts bless you just as much as they have blessed me.
As I was reflecting on the past few years, I’ve realized once December hits, I am merely just trying to get by. I find myself weighed down in more ways than one. Weighed down with food because it’s the holidays, weighed down mentally because my new year resolutions weren’t accomplished, and weighed down emotionally because my time with God became obsolete. At each passing day I would look forward to January – a fresh start.
Surprisingly though, this year feels different. I don’t feel like I’m just making it and I don’t feel weighed down from the year. I attribute a lot of it to my mental health journey. For those who don’t know, with God I started on medication this year for my anxiety and it has changed my life. I made one simple decision to resolve for better regarding my mental health at the beginning of 2022 and it has had lasting results. While I am looking forward to this new year, I don’t see it as a fresh start but a continuation of what God has already been doing in my life. Truthfully, I admit I haven’t lost all the weight I’ve wanted, I haven’t picked up the Bible consistently in the past few weeks, and I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to at the beginning of this year. I’m okay with that. If this was last year, I would be beating myself up with all that I’m not doing. This year, I choose different. This year, I choose to reflect on what I have accomplished.
No, I haven’t lost all the weight I’ve wanted but I still consistently workout for my mental health. No, I didn’t completely cut out junk food but I did incorporate deliciously healthy recipes that have become my favorites. No, I haven’t read my one year Bible but I have learned how to have a guilt free relationship with God. No, my anxiety isn’t completely gone but it has gotten so much better because I’ve taken the steps to get the help. No, I’m not where I want to be, but God has taught me so much about being a better mom, wife, daughter and friend.
Life truly is journey with many highs and several lows. As I reflect back, I choose to focus on the good of this year. So I encourage you just as I’ve encouraged myself. Don’t only look back at the things you regret but reflect back on the good. What I’m learning is that reflecting on the good is the greatest ammunition to a successful 2023!
Jannetta Cox 