Solidarity

I spoke with a couple friends about my New Year’s resolution, and they got so excited about it, I thought I’d share it with my blog readers

My new year’s resolution is to have the most positive year of my life so far! And the choices I make will do a lot in determining that. While it is important to remember “bliss is a state of mind undisturbed by gain or loss” (as my tea bag tag so eloquently put it), and true happiness comes from being happy with where you’re at and with what you have, there are actions we can take to make our lives better.

When you wake up each morning tell yourself that it will be a great day, smile and thank God for what you have. Remember the compliments people give you (write them down to read on a gloomy day!). Make a list of blessings God has given you, everything from a gorgeous blade of grass to wonderful friends and family. Take risks–scare yourself–stretch your comfort zone–and you’ll be amazed at how new and exciting life can get everyday you do so!

And while it’s important to move towards positive things, we need to weed out negative things in our lives, too. Is there anything in your life that you don’t have peace about? Do something to change it! Do you have a bad habit that you’d like to get rid of? You can get rid of it! It takes 20 days of conscious, consistent deciding to not do your bad habit to stop it, and about the same time to learn a new good one.

Any more ideas? Feel free to comment on this blog.

I’ll leave you with another quote from a tea bag tag:
“Make yourself happy so that when others look at you, they become happy too.”

Happy New Year!

If there is anything that can get me through a difficult day or year, it’s knowing that, in fact, this too shall pass.

For every moment of anxiousness, sadness, restlessness, disappointment–anything–that won’t seem to go away (and nothing, even fervent prayer, helps) remind yourself that it WILL pass and trust that God has everything under control. Because He does. And there is a beautiful thing about stormy times: there is no storm that isn’t followed by sunshine, no matter how hard or long the storm hits!

There is another struggle that comes with tough times. It’s trying to still have the joy and peace within, while making our gentleness known to everyone (Philippians 4:4-7) that can be the hardest. The only thing that I know to do, thanks to Mother Theresa, is to fake it. And it might even grow on you! (It’s scientifically proven that if you force a smile, it tricks your body into thinking you’re happy and you will start to feel happier!)

Another thing to remember is that good always shines, even through the storm. There will be times when you realize that you are wiser and have a greater understanding of God’s love, grace and presence in your life because of the storm that you are in. That is a huge gift of being seemingly carelessly tossed around in a fire: we are gold just need to be refined in a fire!

This Christmas I am thanking God for His gift of His life, which transcends into every aspect of our lives, redeeming everything from our difficulties to our eternal lives.

Merry Christmas! May God bless you with His peace, joy and love in all aspects of your life!