Life’s Journey #13: Choose Joy
Did you know that most people make a New Year’s resolution every year without fail? And yet every year most of those resolutions do fail. Statistics state that over 70% of people break their New Year’s resolution by the beginning of March. Yikes! So by today, the beginning of March, many people have given up and moved on without their resolution in mind.
Some year’s ago I stopped making New Year’s resolutions because I was always one of the 70%. I decided to look at the year as an opportunity to select seasonal or annual focal points. It’s not an all-or-nothing goal or a big aspiration or a workout that takes lots of time or energy. The focal points for me are do-able steps I can take in my daily life that add up to change my perspective or improve my outlook or increase my knowledge. There are no deadlines or requirements or specific actions. The focal points inspire me and allow me to be creative within their parameters. Here are some of my focal points for 2023:
# 1: CHOOSE JOY – Annual
After the last two year’s of battling health issues that frequently caused anxiety or depression, I decided that I wanted to make an effort in my decisions and circumstances to CHOOSE JOY, no matter the circumstances. This phrase became such a powerful message for me to overcome my anxiety and change my perspective that I wanted a permanent, daily reminder to focus on God’s joy. So I got a tatoo! Not only did I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY, but I also wanted to remember that I will grow in my trust and faith in the power of Jesus in my life by doing so….that is the purpose of the vine symbol of the tatoo. What are you changing this year to help you focus on the positive elements of your day?
“Do not grieve. For the JOY of the Lord is my strength.” (emphasis mine)
# 2: WIN FOR THE DAY – Annual
Focusing on my WIN FOR THE DAY has also given me an opportunity to end each day processing the good that has happened in my life. My daily points of gratitude. I write these in a little journal called the Panda Planner. It is the perfect format to record what I was grateful for, what was my WIN for the day, what were my priorities and schedule as well as white space to expand on the positive elements. I also record prayer requests for my friends, family, community, and the world. This focal point keeps my mind off myself and allows me to praise God for the my WINs. Since starting this, I have found multiple WINs each day, and I have seen the impact on my attitude. What is your WIN for the day?
# 3: LEARN A NEW CRAFT or TECHNIQUE – Seasonal
I have a passion for learning. Truly. I think I could spend every day, all day, reading, DIYing, crafting, researching all sorts of things. I love to learn new crafts, new facts, and new DIY gift ideas! Each quarter I try to find something new to learn or engage with for a challenge. I believe it is good for my emotional health and mental health to continually expand my talents, activities, and knowledge. These challenges bring me joy even if I discover some of them are NOT activities I want to keep doing! Last year I taught myself…along with the amazing Toni Lipsey from TLYarnCrafts…to Tunisian crochet. I also re-engaged with how to handmake greeting cards with paper and some simple tools with my dear friend Jill Pegram, a Stampin’ Up consultant. Finally, my daughter taught me the basics of watercolor painting and my daughter-in-law gifted me the tools to do it on my own. So far this year I have learned two new crochet stitches and spent some time learning about St. Augustine, FL…the oldest city in the country. What was the latest craft you learned or the latest fun fact?
My latest new stitch…the Star Stitch! I am making this blanket as part of my service group called Graceful Hands Go Group. We knit, crochet and sew for charity. This will go to a foster care ministry that provides items for kids in foster care.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER: (Please share your responses in the Comments section below.)
- What motivates you?
- What do you do to alleviate boredom?
- What is a new craft or skill you have learned?
- What are your focal points for 2023?
- What are your techniques or tools that you use to focus on gratitude and positive thinking?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
PRAYER: Abba, Father, you are an awesome, creative God. You created us uniquely yet at the same time orchestrated our lives and our callings to blend together and support each other. We all have things to do, to learn, to serve and to give. We all have trials yet each day brings blessings too. We only need to open our eyes and sometimes change our perspective to see the blessings. Lord, don’t let us miss these moments and the people that bring them. Help us reflect and process the positive elements and choose joy in all circumstances. Amen!
Hugs and blessings to my Circle of Friends!
Stacy
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