Interesting how I keep seeing quotes that tell us NOT to look into the past because that’s not where you’re going. As if the past is some sort of kryptonite to a good future. As if setting resolutions in the future is the first thing we should do at the beginning of a new year.
I totally disagree!
God is writing your story through every minute of your life. In every chapter of your life He’s there. Here’s proof from God’s word.
- Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you.”
- Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
- Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
Don’t you want to find that stuff?
I believe that looking at your past can actually help you:
- Celebrate your wins… you worked hard, do a happy dance.
- Get clarity of what worked and what didn’t.
- Disaster control for the future so you don’t make the same mistakes
- Reset your future mindset and reframe your past.
In my live online mentoring course “Design Your UnRivaled MomLife” we take on 2017 in a 6-week course that’s intentional and strategic. Finding dreams and designing them while driving carpool and changing diapers. I love planning and looking into the future but as a good life coach I know it’s essential to look at the past.
Most of us don’t want to look last year in the face because we think we will get down and feel like a failure. This is a lie. Don’t be afraid to poke around in your unfinished goals or bad habits. Fear will distract you from celebrating your successes. And you’ll miss discovering God’s handiwork and faithfulness and answered prayer in your life.
Toss the fear and find the gems from 2016. It will be worth it promise. Take my advice before you start your 2017 resolutions checklist. Grab some time, crack open a journal and dig into the following questions. You’re gonna be glad you did.
#1 What blessings came your way in 2016? In our “never enough” culture we can have the tendency to only see where we lack. What if you saw the blessings you have today because 2016 came? What would those blessings be? List them.
#2 What success did you achieve? Be careful here. You may only think grand things count. Not so. Awards, money or diplomas don’t measure success. Success is measured by challenges lived and progress made. No matter how small it is vital that you see yourself as an achiever and woman who moves forward. Write down them all. Go ahead make a long list. Even the small stuff like did 1,000 loads of laundry in 2016. (Trust me that is an accomplishment.)
#3 What struggles have you come through? What did you learn? You may want to look away from 2016 at this point but don’t. There is power that comes in every struggle so find it. Truth is no matter what Facebook looks like we all go through struggles every year, its just part of life. But it’s time wasted if we don’t grab the good from them and grow our faith through them.
#4 What disappointments do you need to acknowledge? Life isn’t perfect and neither are people. You can fail at things and relationships can fail you. It’s important to look at those things square in the eye and forgive.
It’s a practice we must get good at. Looking at past disappointments and hurts is essential as you move forward in your life. It allows you to trust and have hope in opening up yourself to new things and new relationships. Unforgiveness can be a dark cloud that keeps you from seeing the goodness of God in Your past year. Forgive others and yourself today. And if it’s hard to do, get with someone to help you through the process. It’s worth it-promise.
Reframe what’s left. Reframing means to see it as a different picture. See situations with eyes of forgiveness, thankfulness and let the rest go. This can be a challenge and if it’s hard get someone to help you through this important process. Don’t bring this stuff into your future.
#5 What things have you learned this year and what ways have you grown? Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you stop learning or growing. No one knows it all or has it all together. No one! Make a list of things you learned this year. Even if some of it was the hard way. It’s a great feeling to know that you have grown as a woman, wife, mother, friend and child of God.
Now that you’ve given 2016 a good look and a shake down by weeding out the bad and gathering the good you’re ready to move into a new year with a thankful heart, forgiveness of self and others firmly in place. You now have a clarity of your successes and lessons learned to begin writing the next chapter of your amazing story.
Celebrate! Do a happy dance. Thank 2016 and God for it’s presences in your story. You made it! Chapter 2016 of your life is closing and 2017 is full of promise. And if you’re ready to live 2017 to the fullest sign up for my Live online mentoring course “Design Your UnRivaled MomLife” today. Spots are limited so hurry! See you online.
