Stay Encouraged in 2021!

Greetings Ladies and Gents,

I hope you all are staying safe and warm out here as the temperatures continue to drop with each passing week. While it's crazy to me that we're already at the end of the year, it also makes sense with how fast time has seemed to fly. It's just a prime example of no matter what we have going on in our personal worlds, the days will continue to pass whether we're ready or not. With this being my last post of the year that was 2020, I want to make it one of encouragement that will get us in the best mindset as we gladly embrace 2021. 

The year 2020 has been a messy whirlwind of what seems like one bad thing after another, so it makes perfect sense as to why we'd want it to be in our rearview mirror. As many of us anxiously wait for the clock to strike midnight on December 31st though, we must keep in mind a very important reality. Just because our phones, calendars and televisions start saying 2021 on them doesn't mean we are magically free from all of our troubles. Yes, it's great to be optimistic going into a new year and walking into it with a positive attitude. But we can't reach January and believe we won't have anymore battles to fight or obstacles to overcome. 

First, we must go into the new year with a game plan. Waking up on January 1st and hoping for things to simply work out for you just isn't going to cut it. Life is going to be difficult enough even when we've properly prepared...so it makes no sense to go into things blind and cause further stress. Obviously you can't predict everything that is going to come your way at any given moment, but doing the right preparation that depends on you can make the world of a difference. Stay ready so that you don't have to get ready. 

Secondly, make sure to surround yourselves with people that are actually going to support instead of hinder you. In these days we've been living in for the last 9 or so months, it has shown plenty of folks' true colors when it comes to how they move, think and react in times of distress. While we are all built differently and have various opinions on matters, it is still vital to have individuals in your circle with your best interest in mind. With all the health uncertainty the entire world is currently facing, do what feels most comfortable for you personally and don't let others pressure you into anything further than that. If those are the types of people you're currently involved with, it may be best to leave them in 2020.

Lastly, please continue to stay encouraged despite our current circumstances. Although we predict 2021 will treat us way better than the current year, it would be irresponsible to think that there won't be a fair amount of adversity to still be faced. However, what will give us the ultimate victory over these hurdles will be remaining encouraged and showing a strong level of perseverance. Where so many people fall short around this time of year is when they believe a new year automatically equates to all their woes going away and everything working perfectly. So when that doesn't end up being the case, they get discouraged and spend the rest of that new year waiting on the next one to show up. Being equipped with a spirit of encouragement, faith and perseverance will put a stop to this cycle of negativity. 

While it's fair to say just about all of us would love the date to say anything other than 2020, let us also acknowledge that we in fact made it through this year and will be better for it. The storms never feel pleasant while going through them, but I can't think of one that I've overcome that didn't cause me to be stronger in the end. Be encouraged knowing that if you could make it through the year 2020 then nothing in the future will hold you back from the blessings that are in store. Flex your muscles via your faith and encourage those around you that may be having a more difficult time. Support can be even more contagious than this virus has been. With that in mind, we can carry a sense of joy no matter where life takes us.