"Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes." Richie Norton. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.
"Starting all over again is gonna be rough, so rough, But we're gonna make it....." Recorded by Mel and Tim. Written by Leroy Phillip Mitchell.
For some reason, this year I did not feel the difference in the time adjustment, as we lost an hour when we set our clocks forward. However, technology (iPhones, cable boxes, etc.) keeps moving forward without skipping a beat. Usually, my internal clock gives me some kind of an indication that I have lost an hour of sleep. This time it did not. I looked at my iPhone and followed the time that was noted.
Annually, we spring forward, resulting in losing an hour of sleep. More than that, this annual ritual reminds us that spring is near. Spring is a time of renewal. Out with the old, in with the new. As fresh flowers bloom, in may ways, so do we or so should we. It is a time of reflection and perhaps a checkpoint to evaluate those New Year's resolutions. We are conditioned to believe that we can, at different intervals, wipe the slate clean and start all over; specifically, New Year's Day and Springtime. A new year brings new possibilities; a new start.
Springtime feels like the whole earth is being renewed; nature is blooming. It is a time when hope springs eternal. The beautiful flowers that appear after the rain showers can be a reminder of the beauty that can follow after the rain; literally and metaphorically.
I think we can agree that New Year's Day and springtime are great times to check where we are; and maybe tweak and/or reconnect. You see, for many of us on New Year's Day, we look back at the previous year and decide that we want to be better or to do better in the New Year, and so we resolve to make plans to make changes (resolutions). By springtime, we realize that we have or have not been as faithful to our New Year's resolutions as we could have been. There is always room for improvement. Hence, the need to start afresh. Spring brings a feeling of freshness, newness; if you will. The issue is that oftentimes we do not know where to begin when starting afresh. Let me suggest that you start where you are. This only makes sense. It makes things so much easier when you work with what you have at whatever place you are in your life.
The concern with resolutions is that you must be adept at identifying what changes are needed in your life that will get you to where you want to be in terms of achieving your goals. Additionally, you must have the discipline to commit to following the steps that you have outlined to meet with success. So, if you have fallen short of your action plan for the new year, think about this: Have you correctly named the change/s that is/are needed to actualize your resolution/s. Have you obtained the necessary resources? Do you have the fortitude and/or resolve to stick to your plans? For example, you may say that you are going to walk for 20 minutes, 3 days a week when you get a new pair of sneakers. I know you may not agree, but this is just making excuses to get out of following through. If you are serious, you will start walking with whatever sneakers you have or with whatever shoes you have. This will motivate you to get those sneakers or walking shoes sooner. "Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over." Guy Finley. So, get out of your own way!
We all experience missteps at given times. Even in biblical times. Look at the story of Peter, one of Jesus's disciples. It's a familiar passage. He and the other disciples walked with Jesus, ate with Jesus, prayed with Him, ministered with Him, etc. The apostle Peter vowed his loyalty to Jesus. "Peter replied. "Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You." And all the other disciples said the same thing." Matthew 26:35. Peter ended up denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26: 69-75). Thankfully, the story did not end there. Jesus forgave him and he was restored and was given a task to do. (John 21:15-17) The apostle Peter got a chance to start over. So do we. As long as you are still alive, you and I have the chance to start over.
"Your new start is only as far away as your fear has parked it." Craig D. Lonsbrough. The topic of new beginnings is always relevant. I think it is because of the many false starts that occur when trying to begin again. Sometimes fear is a factor. If deep down you don't believe you can do it, you won't. The good news is that we are free to start over. "Never feel guilty for starting over." Rupi Kaur
When Germany Kent (an American print and and broadcast journalist, television personality, former beauty queen, author, activist, motivational speaker and more) was asked what she would tell her younger self, she replied as follows: 1. Start where you are with what you have. 2. Try not to hurt other people. 3. Take more chances. 4. If you fail, keep trying.
I wholeheartedly embrace these sentiments.
When you start where you are with what you have, you can start immediately. There is no time wasted gathering things because you are going to use what you already have. This eliminates excuses for when you are going to get started. Now is the time.
No matter what business you are in or plan to be a part of, you must be honest and kind. In my humblest opinion, good will multiply and bad will come back to "bite" you. You know what I mean. You reap what you sow. Success will not be secure or lasting if it is at the expense of hurting others.
You have to step out of your comfort zone. Take calculated or measured risks. But, do take them. If you are too afraid to try something new or a new way, then I believe you will be stuck with the status quo. That's okay, if that is what you are aiming for. But if you want to be all you can be, you are going to have to take a chance or more chances. Of course, get some professional input/advice, and follow it.
"Failure can be a setup for a big comeback." Joel Olsteen. If you are afraid to fail, then you will not be able to face challenges and get through them to get to the next level. You can recover from failure. Lack of trying is deadly. "It is not how heavy you fall. It is how fast you catch yourself." Michael Bassey Johnson. So, if you fail or fall, get up, shake yourself off and keep moving. Any day of the week and any time of day is a good time to start or restart.
Speaking for myself, I have started over again several times. The key for me is that I do not give up. I understand that starting again has to be in earnest and the goal is to finish what you start and not to keep starting. Strive to finish what you start, but do not stress it if you have to start over.
Here's wishing you all the best in all your endeavors. You got what it takes. Get it done!!
Yours, Yvette
Thank you so much for all your support. I remain appreciative. You can comment at vttlane@gmail.com.
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