Bring it on 2016

2015 wasn't my best year and I recently said to my husband, "it can only get better from here." Although I want to believe this, sometimes it is hard to move on from loss, disappointments and other struggles we encounter. As a teacher, I look forward to a break and when Christmas time comes around I get excited about unwinding a bit from the chaos I encounter on a daily basis. I want to sleep in a little, take the dog for a walk, spend a little more time with God each day, catch up on some reading and spend time with the family. This year, I did get to do some of these things but the stress of the year caught up to me as soon as break started and I was down for the first week and a half. With a headache that wouldn't quit and a bad attitude, life Had snuck up on me. With the adrenaline of working long days, I hadn't noticed I was falling apart.

Life this year has to be different for me. I lost focus on what was most important and let the world get the best of me. Little things started to bother me and the people I love got the worst of me. The pressures of circumstances I encountered built up and made me sick and I didn't even notice. For someone who loves health and fitness, this seemed out of place. I eat well and workout regularly but I wasn't taking care of my heart and mind the way I needed to. 

Even if you aren't a teacher, you may be going back to work tomorrow after a long weekend or a few extra days off. This year, focus on taking care of yourself in whatever way you need to. For some of us, it is a renewal of heart and mind. Maybe you've let negative thoughts take over and need to be reminded of God's grace and mercy. Let Him renew your mind and bring clarity. Others may want to focus on on something external. Our bodies are important and setting goals to lose weight or get more rest may be necessary. Maybe you have a physical illness that needs some attention. Get to the doctor or take it easy for a few days. Whatever it is you are looking forward to this year, know that you are capable of tackling any challenge ahead of you. 

Most of us know that resolutions don't stick. The gym will be packed for the next few weeks and then back to normal before February. Some will vow not to drink something or eat something or do something they have been trying to do for years to only fall flat sometime mid-March. But the reality is, none of that matters. Instead, try focusing on one day at a time. Wake up and decide to be your best every day and if you fall, get up again and start over. 

This verse comes from a song we used to sing in my high school youth group and I loved it. Today, the simplicity of it is reminder that God is the only one who can make me pure and renewed. 

        “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NIV