I read my journal at the end of every year. During this time, I look to see what things I need to change or add to my life for the upcoming year.
Below are the three lessons on the top of my list:
God is not on my timetable
In 2019 I scheduled God to speak to me at 6:15am during my morning devotion. I had the audacity to put a timer on God. I had a set routine that I followed daily and it included sitting quietly with soft music, waiting for God to speak to me. But the kicker was that I set a timer. I actually allowed five minutes for God to tell me something profound for the day. When I think back to that time, I just shake my head. I can laugh now, because you know God did not perform at my command. He did not want to be scheduled at 6:15am and then only given a few minutes. There were other times during the day He wanted to speak to me. I can’t put God on a schedule, I have to be open to listen whenever He speaks.
Rest is necessary
I always felt like taking time to rest was such a waste of valuable time and that doing nothing was a sign of laziness. But in 2019 when I started feeling overwhelmed, impatient, and found it hard to write, I knew it was time to do something. I started spending time sitting quietly, listening to music or meditating.I found it was in the stillness that I got peace, clarity and direction.
Stop saving my “good things”
This goes back to my growing up and being told not to play in my good clothes. When I was cleaning my closet, and saw clothes and shoes I had forgotten I had, or had not worn in years because they were my “good clothes.” I knew it was time-out for that practice. It reminded me of the time I helped a friend clean out a house. The woman had died and the family had donated her things to a women’s shelter. There were piles and piles of things, and many of the pieces had tags on them. I realize it is time-out for saving things for a special occasion. There is no time like now. Life is to be lived now.
So, there you have it. My 2019 top lessons learned. I will be going into 2020 letting God lead our conversations, listening to my body, and getting the adequate amount of rest and using my “good stuff” now.
Conchetta Jones, a Shazzy Fitness guest blogger, is a Certified Life Coach, personalizing in personal development and confidence, and founder and CEO of "She's All That!" - a personal development and mentoring organization for girls and Owner of Confident Woman She's Alll That! - a lifestyle company for women. She loves motivating and inspiring women and girls to step out of the box that society puts them in and live life on their own terms.