Progress IS progress. Whether it’s one step or leaps closer to achieving your goals or dreams, always acknowledge your progression. It really is a big deal!
Note: Your progress does not have to be visible to others. So stop worrying about who notices. You may not be where you want to be, but you’re moving.😌
Much too often we look at what others are doing or their success, and forget to acknowledge our own progression. I’m so thankful I’m not where I use to be 5 or 10 years ago, even a month ago. Ain’t God good!
No matter how far off things may seem, every day you become a little closer to your dreams. Keep going!
Social media has been excited for weeks now for this day—12/31/23 (123123)—to come so I thought I would mention it. (Smiling). Life is interesting and people are even more interesting. Gotta love them both.
Anyhoo…
Today is the last day of 2023. I pray whatever you were hoping for happened, or somewhat happened. Below is what I wrote last year in my final blog for 2022. I will say my 2023 turned out as I had somewhat hoped it would have because I stayed true to how I approached it, with humbleness and gratitude. I did not ask for much nor expected much, and was grateful for every blessing God sent my way. Here is what I wrote last year.
Y’all, 2022 was one eventful year! I’m so grateful God was with me every step of the way. So grateful for His guidance, grace and unconditional love.
Each year, instead of a setting a New Year’s resolution, I set a theme for the year. This year’s theme for 2022 was “Unapologetically Me.” I loved and lived up to it. I didn’t set it for others to see, or even notice. It was personal. It was for me to feel and embrace, and I did. Let’s just say it’s how I needed to end this decade of my 40s. Smiling
This coming year I’m entering a new decade of life, my 50s, and want to do things a little differently. Nothing bold. Nothing deep. The energy I’m taking into 2023 is humbleness and gratitude. It’s the energy I would like to have as I usher in the next half of my life. Gotta leave the negative energy on this side of my century. Smiling. Honestly, I’m looking forward to turning 50. God is good.
Okay.. so here is the ultra-condensed, yet very significant version of my accomplishments in 2022:
• I conquered a few fears. • I found myself again. • I released control.
I just wanted to add, releasing control was probably the most rewarding. This year, so many things happened that were beyond my control. I had no choice but to give in and go with the flow. Then, there were the things I could control. Well, I found out they weren’t worth the headache or heartache, so I let them go. Y’all, I never knew releasing control could be so freeing. This is a whole-nother level of freedom I never knew existed and I’m loving it!
As I mentioned earlier, I am focusing on humbleness and gratitude in 2023. Not expecting much. Not asking for much. Just grateful for what I already have. If God decides to bless me with more, I will be just as grateful.
As I enter 2024, I plan to remain humble and grateful for everything I already have and anything extra God decides to throw in. The amount of peace I have experienced by doing so has been immeasurable so why change it!
Next year, my goal is to continue practicing what I recently began doing a few days ago which is to stop fighting against (worrying about) things that unexpectedly pop up in my life, and to go with the flow. To allow God to navigate through the craziness while I rest in Him. To have my listening ears open and be prepared to move when He says move and relax when He says relax. To stay at peace despite the chaos and confusion happening around me. To continue loving the way I love as well as embrace the love surrounding me. To build a stronger relationship/bond with God. To stay under His covering and protection. When I tell you God’s protection is everything! Whew!! You better try it! Lastly, to take care of Shaun. Yes, to take care of me. To love and protect myself just as much as I do others. To put myself first so that I my cup remains full while I pour into others.
Well, that’s that. Praying you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Talk to you later.
When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself if you were actually dedicated to the process or just going with the flow? Here’s what I shared last year about dedication.
Facebook Memory: December 19, 2022
Dedication (Merriam-Webster): Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty
Whew!! What a definition! Listen, dedication requires heart and commitment. If your heart isn’t in it, consider letting it go. However, if your heart is there, STICK WITH IT!♥️
Do you have the heart for it?
Listen, that definition is not for the weak! As I wrote several blogs ago, it’s decluttering time. Before we move into 2024, it is so very important that we stop and think about where our dedication lies, then adjust as needed. Make adjustments according to the bigger picture, not the present moment. Per my daughter, “What are we carrying that is not useful?” Additionally, if it does not bring you peace—LET IT GO!
Just something to ponder on during the next few days of 2023. 2024 is all about peace.
There are only two weeks left in 2023! Be sure to spend them doing something fun and meaningful including making beautiful memories with family and friends. Love you!♥️
Clutter can be very noisy and obstructive. It often hinders us from getting a better view of what’s in front of us—the bigger picture. As we close out this year and prepare to move into 2024, may we take inventory of what’s necessary and what’s no longer needed. It is very difficult to see the bigger picture through all the clutter.♥️ ~Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
You must be logged in to post a comment.