Ending a year causes us to think about all the things that we did not accomplish or complete. I recently was having a heart-to-heart conversation with a dear friend, and she said that she hoped to be more like me and complete things that she would start. I had to admit to her that I have not always done a good job of completing everything. She thought I was being humble, but I was actually being honest. After our conversation, I started reflecting on my life and the things I had not finished as well as all other aspects of my life; personal, professional, spiritual, physical and mental health. There are some things in our life that we need to regain and reignite and there are other things we need to release and let go of. We cannot let past mistakes, bad choices, or poor decisions hold us back from becoming who we are meant to be.
This exercise of reflecting made me recognize that without consciously realizing it the pandemic had robbed me of some of my motivation, inspiration, and determination. I had to acknowledge that COVID-19 had made me stop dreaming. I believe that dreams do not die, someone usually kills them, and some of the best dream killers are family and friends but, in this case, it was a vicious virus. I also realized that I was creating reasons or making excuses on why I was not achieving some of my goals. I use to be razor-focused and now I was easily distracted. I use to have great follow-up and follow-through but now things were sometimes not as clear. I use to be a person who made things happen and now I was wondering what the heck happened. I had to regretfully admit that I was not being my best self. If you have lost your dream or your dream has turned into a nightmare, it is never too late to get a new dream and try again.
Life has many things to figure out but nothing is more important than figuring out what God has called you to do. God has given all of us a purpose and true success in life is leading a purpose-driven life for God. I have been blessed that I have been able to integrate my faith within my professional life. When I was not sure what I wanted to do in life, I asked God to help me find something I was passionate about, something that I was good at, something that could help others, and something that would pay well. Praise God He answered all of my prayers. No matter how difficult the road you currently are traveling on is, you have to keep showing up and never give up. The only place where success comes before work is the dictionary.
As we start a new year and begin to hopefully come out of this terrible pandemic it is important for us to search the depths of our souls and see if we have any new dreams or old dreams that we need to pursue again. What we sometimes discover is, what we once thought we wanted, is not what is best for us. It may not even be what we need anymore. The question we must ask ourselves is, whatever we feel has died are we willing to do what it takes to bring it back to life. Nothing is impossible if we really want it bad enough and we believe.
It is time to put away the excuses and do the necessary work to achieve the life we were called to live and deserve. I realize that it might not be easy, but it is definitely worth it. Are you willing to join me in making 2022 your best year yet?
Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.