SCRIPTURE: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isa. 43:18-19 KJV)
QUOTE: “Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ―Tony Schwartz
NOTE:
To clear space for the new lessons, you’ll take along, you can also leave things behind. This will be especially rich for 2023. Consider what you want to ditch, purge or eliminate. I know a large company who was moving to a new building and they had a bonfire event for employees. Each person had the opportunity to write what they wanted to leave behind on a piece of paper, so it could be tossed into the fire. It was a celebration and a reminder of all they were intentionally choosing to let go. Perhaps you want to leave behind an old mindset or a belief that was holding you back. Perhaps the job that was eliminated wasn’t that great for your career anyway. Perhaps you can decide to turn your back on fear or anxiety or even those extra few pounds you attribute to the pandemic. Getting clear about what you no longer need can be powerfully positive for your wellbeing as you move forward.
ILLUSTRATION:
“Weary travelers. You’ve seen them — everything they own crammed into their luggage. Staggering through terminals and hotel lobbies with overstuffed suitcases, trunks, duffels, and backpacks. Backs ache. Feet burn. Eyelids droop. We’ve all seen people like that. At times, we are people like that — if not with our physical luggage, then at least with our spiritual load. We all lug loads we were never intended to carry. Fear. Worry. Discontent. No wonder we get so weary. We’re worn out from carrying that excess baggage. Wouldn’t it be nice to lose some of those bags?”
REFLECTION:
Have you considered shedding the excess…?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Genesis 29 – 31, Psalm 19