It is the holiday season where everything is supposedly ‘merry and bright’! While this is true for some people, others are just about ready to see this year come to an end so a new beginning can begin. For them it is the idea of getting a fresh start which seems rejuvenating to their soul.
Maybe you have experienced a relational loss this year and you are ready to put everything behind you so that you can let go of the hurt and pain that stems from the loss? Perhaps this was a difficult year financially and you want to get past the season of giving so that you can get yourself back on your feet again? Or maybe you stepped out on a crazy limb of faith and that limb broke leaving you to crash into the ground.
Regardless of what you may have experienced in 2014, there is a new year approaching, a new season, a fresh chance to look forward to what is now ahead of you. No, we can’t erase the past, but we can leave the past in the past and move on towards our future. This can only be done if you are willing to fully walk away from what is behind you and all that is attached to it. Leaving the depression that haunts you, the loneliness that surrounds you at night, and the hopelessness that awakens you in the morning!
If you want to successfully move forward and embrace the new you must first get rid of your OLD thought patterns. Are you used to failing at everything you do? Then wake up every morning and choose to affirm yourself rather than feeding the lies that lead to hopelessness. Are you tired of being single? Stop allowing your mind to wallow in self pity and thoughts of loneliness. Instead spend time every day making yourself more compatible inside and out. Spend time learning to love well rather than wasting your days wishing love would hit you in the face.
People spend most of their lives never walking in the fullness of who they are, because they spend so much time reflecting on all the ways they are not who they desire to be, or how they have not accomplished what they wanted to accomplish! Today I want to give you some tips for letting go! Release the past so that it won’t hold you down and hinder you from walking into the new! See if you can apply any of these tips to your life! End 2014 on a positive note and embrace 2015 so that it is your best year yet!
1. First things first. You must choose to be happy. Easier said than done? Yes! Think of it as that brownie someone offers you right before you hit your goal weight. They idea is tempting, but you know if you resist you will feel that much better!
2. Recognize what thoughts are truth verses what thoughts are complete lies. You may have failed one thing in life but that does not mean you will fail at everything you attempt from this point on. Don’t feed the lies by agreeing with thoughts that are not true. Stand up to the thoughts in your mind the same way you would if someone was speaking lies about your best friend.
3. Reconcile with anyone you feel yourself holding a grudge towards. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you will erase what has happened. It is simply a chance to forbid unforgiveness the power to dictate your life.
4. Keep yourself from engaging in conversations that do not build up those around you. If you find yourself negatively talking about others chances are you are not really happy with yourself and the life you have created. The ancient proverb is true. What goes around comes back around. What you sew you will reap.
5. Find a healthy outlet to cleanse your mind. Resist turning to foods, substances, or unhealthy relationships to release negative emotions. Do something that promotes healthy thought patterns. Physical exercise is proven to release feel-good brain chemicals creating a calming affect on your body. This is an easy way to reduce anxiety and depression! Honor your body and give it a healthy outlet to release stress.
6. Find a safe place where you can come face to face with past hurts and deal with them! Maybe this is a relative, a close friend, a significant other, or a therapist. You need someone to talk to that will take the time to speak ‘life’ back into you.
7. Don’t spend time dwelling on what you do not have, but spend time believing for the best! Find reasons to have hope rather than allowing your thoughts to drown in doubt. See the bright side of life and choose to not allow your thoughts to only meditate on what has not gone right.
