It’s the start of 2017, and I must say that I feel like I have entered in with a whirl of declarations, hope and purpose…only to be hit with an onslaught of negative thoughts, old and ugly memories, and a sense of purposelessness. Why is it that so often when we are able to muster up the discipline needed to declare a new season in life, that it often feels like we lace up our shoes, put a huge smile on, spin on our heals anticipating the exhilaration of destiny only to run smack dab into a brick wall. [Side note: This reminds me of the time when my teasing husband grabbed my arm to keep me from going to the kitchen, but instead the force of my attempted escape ended up throwing me smack dab into the hallway wall where my nose and the wall became extremely intimate a little too quickly. haha] But, honestly that’s how life often feels like when we make decisions to change.
So, what do we do about it? In the past, I’ve found myself give up. I start listening to the negative thoughts and believing that they are true. I start comparing myself to the endless perfect smiles on social media, I look at all of my friends who appear to be living the dream, and I grab my favorite snack while sitting on the couch filling my mind with useless tv shows pretending that my short little escape is actually true comfort when it is nowhere close. And, I do this over and over again until I have thoroughly validated my pain and self-medicated with all of the things that bring me “comfort.” And, it’s completely okay and well deserved because I of course am the “only one” who has ever been this lonely, disappointed, hurt, rejected, etc. Unfortunately, the cycle never ends…until now.
This year is different. I haven’t had a radical mindset shift. My emotions and the negative/discouraging feelings have not subsided (if anything they have increased), but something has changed. I planted a seed. I planted a seed of truth that will grow because I will not stand in its way. What’s this magical seed? It’s certainly not a magical bean from Jack. No, it’s something better than that. It’s a seed of truth that my emotions will not dictate my life. In fact, my emotions are subject to what I choose, and this year I’m choosing truth. And, the truth is that I am AMAZING. The truth is that if I could switch places with anyone on this earth (past, present or future), I wouldn’t because I would never get the opportunity to see the masterpiece that is me. And, I want a ticket on that ride. I want to watch my life unfold. I want to live unselfishly and alive. I want to love with passion and devotion. I want to give life-giving freedom to everyone I meet, and I want to bring as many people with me as possible.
So, as you start this new year, will you join me? Let’s take a chance on the impossible. What if, this was a year of freedom from letting the fear of disappointment paralyze you from dreaming? What if this was the year you took a risk? What if this was the year you reached your goals? What if this was the year you could celebrate the success of others? What if this was the year that when you looked in the mirror you smiled? What if this was the year you looked at life with anticipation instead of expectation?
No one can force you, and I guarantee that this journey will be challenging. But, will you take it with me? I want to live a life that is loud and free, and I don’t want to do it alone. I’m choosing to believe in the truth that will set me free from the control of my emotions and the negative thoughts that ensue. It’s time to light the world on fire. It’s time to awaken love. And, it’s time to dream.
Let’s step into the impossible, and see it as the normal thing to do.
With Anticipation,
The Lily
I AM THE LILY 