Don't Stop; Keep Going

Every year starts with a New Year’s resolution or two; but how does your year end? By this time of year, I honestly don’t hear many people talking about their year anymore regarding the resolution(s) they set in January. If anyone is talking about their resolutions, it’s how they didn’t get them accomplished or agree to start over next year. You no longer need to feel unaccomplished, defeated, or discouraged. This year I’d like you to try something new with me.

In December 2021, I was visiting my best friend on Christmas Eve when she asked me, what were my plans for the new year. I answered honestly that I didn’t have any plans. You see before this conversation; I was living from year to year without a goal or purpose. This conversation changed what would be the next 3 years of my life. She encouraged me to make a vision board for the next year of what I’d like to see happen in my life. I didn’t make the traditional vision board with pictures on a canvas. I began to intentionally think through areas of my life where I would like to see growth, things I wanted to accomplish, and desires I’ve had. I created a vision board with categories. Those categories ranged from health and wellness, community, adventure (trying new things because I like routine), self-care, travel and desired accomplishments i.e. writing a book. This was very helpful for me to see a direction for the next year (2022). Good News! Everything that I wrote down and set out to do was accomplished. For the first time, I felt like I knew what I was working toward. Here’s the thing; I didn’t look back on the past at what I didn’t complete or in the future so far ahead that I felt like I couldn’t accomplish it. I focused solely on that year alone and stayed in the present. (I’m not saying I don’t think about the future because I do. I didn’t want the future to consume my mind of not being in the present seeing the growth that I have attained.)

Have you taken the time to reflect on your year? Or have you said, “I’ll just start over next year” creating the same resolution from last year?

This December, I’d like you to go back through your year and look for ways you have grown (big or small victories), things that you may have done that you would not have ordinarily, or any lessons that you’ve learned from challenging situations that you have swept under the rug. All these moments are a part of you and embracing them will help you move forward into the next year. When you reflect on the year in this manner you will see areas of improvement that you would have otherwise overlooked because you are just starting over from year to year.

Let’s make a deal. No more year-to-year living. Are you with me?

After you have done this reflection, use the next few weeks to see what areas you would like to further grow in and what your goals for the new year are. Ensure they are realistic and attainable. After a few months have passed, take an inventory of what you noticed and continue to move forward with your goals.

Here are a few tips that I believe will help you have a successful year in 2025.  

• Tip #1: Create a personalized vision board unique to you.

• Tip #2: Take notice of any growth moments and see how you can continue the journey for your growth in that area.

• Tip #3: Rejoice in your victories; regardless of how big or small. Those victories matter because you will be surprised how much you have grown or accomplished.

• Tip #4: Presence is key. Life can pass you by when you are living for the future and holding onto the past.

• Tip #5: Give yourself grace, even if you don’t complete the goal, you have won. The grace moments allow you to not be hard on yourself.

• Tip #6: Be flexible and open to those unplanned events and unforeseen moments. Those moments may be something you need.  

I pray 2025 is a year of growth and development, investment, and testimony of what God is doing in your life for His glory and His Kingdom.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Free You Purpose Ministry!

Shantee' Owens, Founder

Free You Purpose Ministry

Website: www.freeyoupurpose.com

Email: freeyoupurpose@gmail.com

Instagram: @free_u_35

Facebook Page: Walking into Freedom

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