The holidays are always so festive as friends and families gather to celebrate the various traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is easy to get caught up in the majesty of winter wonderland and all the lights that shine bright, but as quickly as the twinkling lights begin to fade, we start to wonder what’s next for us as we close out one year and begin another anew. For most people during this time of year, they begin to think about the people they didn’t see, the places they didn’t go and the things they didn’t accomplish or complete and decisions are made on what they will keep or discard for the New Year.
As I think of what’s next for my life, I see a beautiful horizon filled with lots of opportunities, surprises and blessings. This time last year was a bit challenging as I saw the end of a marriage and a trajectory change in my career. Although I saw all of it coming, and it was not a surprise, it was still difficult and I had to figure my way through. Especially when I wasn’t most confident, I learned that, more than ever, I had to lean not on my own understanding, but rather trust that God had me and that He would take care of me no matter what was ahead.
After the various challenges I experienced in 2017, I decided to make 2018 a year that I invested and sowed into my own life. It has been a year of traveling around the world, investing in educational opportunities that would increase my skillset and spending time with friends and loved ones (especially the love of my life, my grandson Grayson). I don’t share this to brag, but rather to express how I realized the need to pause and recalibrate; to really look at my life, my core and my values. I had to make sure they were all solid and that I wouldn’t let anyone, or anything, knock me off or away from what I believe or what I know is my true purpose.
I also realized that I had to let some things die in my life for new life to sprout. Death is a difficult thing, but death is part of life. Just as the seasons change from Autumn to Winter, I can see the leaves falling from the trees in my backyard and the trees look bare, but I know that when Spring comes, there will be new life and new leaves that will fill the trees and make them full again. I know that I will be full again and that all I must do is be faithful and consistent.
What broken dreams are you still holding onto that may be holding you back from reaching your true potential or living your true purpose in life? We all have dreams that seem to have fizzled just like the twinkling lights of Christmas, but it doesn’t mean we should give up or throw in the towel. What we need to ask ourselves is what’s next and then begin to prepare for the next season or phase of our lives. When I coach or just help people with their various problems or disappointments, I always say, “let’s have a pity party for a moment and then let’s get up and get back to living the lives we were meant to live.”
I want to encourage everyone as you contemplate what’s next to first just give thanks for all the beautiful blessings you do have in your life. Secondly, take a good hard look at what you want in your life and then take the time to work on putting together a plan to make it happen. Thirdly, just trust your gut and put your best foot forward. What’s next? Who knows? Life may throw us a curve ball, but I think we will be alright.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyEnterprises.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is an international coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected].
