The Journey Called Life

Ushering in the New Year

Original image credit to Kelsey Chance

My Dear Lovelians and Lifers,

The week between Christmas and New Year’s has to be one of my favorites. A particularly peaceful atmosphere settles around my house as we enjoy our gifts and watch tv. We also use it as a time of brief reflection of the past year before ushering in the new one. At some point during the week, my family members circle up and discuss it. We call it Stop. Start. Continue. They are sort of like resolutions but typically do not rely on emotional motivation, whether or not we feel like carrying them out, because oftentimes change is already occurring in our hearts.

To Continue. Starting on a positive note, what am I doing right now that works? I have to accredit this lesson to my younger sister, as she has been my example. I will continue accepting where I am even though it’s not where I desire to end up. I have come quite a long way from last year regarding mental health, which is my biggest hurdle at the moment. It’s okay, necessary even for confidence’s sake, to celebrate the mountains I’ve climbed and valleys I’ve endured.

I must be content with where I am in my journey because I know my best looks like failure to some. A hard pill to swallow to be sure. It shocks and hurts me every time. Encountering someone who sees where I am but not where I’ve been and shakes their head in disappointment. Which leads to my next point.

To Stop. What isn’t working, mindsets, habits, etc., needs to be dropped leading into the new year. I will stop receiving the judgement and disappointment from others that tell me my best isn’t good enough. Heck, the best people in the world are those who understand the journey called Life and don’t overstep their bounds by telling others where they should be in it.

Guilty as charged because the reverse is also true. I will stop setting the bar for other people, whatever it may be, dating, adulting, success, morality, because it’s different for everyone. My standards are for me and me alone. If I am asked what they are, I will elaborate, but my pride does not get to dictate what everyone else’s standards should look like and call it love or care. And all my sisters say Praise God.

I read this the other day, and it has become a firming agent in the foundation of my confidence and humility:

…and they [Jesus followers] are subject to the scrutiny

of no one but God. ----The Passion Translation

This brings me immense comfort because I know He sees me. He sees my journey and how hard I try every day. Funnily enough, He loves me even on the days I don’t try. He’ll give me a gentle prod or put encouragement on the heart of someone who cares for me, reminding me it’s okay to take a breather but worth it to keep going, that He is the source of my emotional strength. Breaks are so nice. I love setting aside weekends to stay home, have some tea, and listen to music or write; I even enjoy going out to eat once in awhile by myself. The world becomes a different place when I’m alone, and it fills me with curiosity.

To Start. What do I need to introduce into my life in order to grow? I will start just enjoying the presence of others and leaving out the evaluation. I read people easily, which serves me well because this skill helps me connect with them (and steer clear of creeps). However, I can only read a person’s present based on how they behave right now, not their history. I have often made the mistake of thinking less of someone else based on my observation and opinions formed off of it. My Jesus makes it clear that this is not my responsibility or jurisdiction, not only because I don’t have the full picture but also because my opinions of others are nullified by my own flaws.

Friends, we are all on a journey. If I am to be a Lovelian and fall in love with life, I must accept and appreciate the people before me, not who I wish they were in order to suit my needs or not push my buttons. And if I am to truly be a Lifer and put a little goodness back into the world, I must actively pay attention so I know how to encourage others where they are, not just say ‘sorry, sucks to be you; sending happy thoughts’. In some cases, this means remaining silent and trusting those who know them best and love them most will step in and do what I cannot. I’ve also learned to trust Jesus. He can say things to me, He has said things to me, no human could say that I would receive.

Happy New Year, Dear Ones!

Stay Curious,

Olivia

P.S. Currently re-reading the Harry Potter series and re-watching Star Wars Rebels. Ah, it’s magical being a kid again.

P.P.S I found this on Pinterest yesterday, and it made me laugh out loud.