The Future Slayer

In case you haven't heard, 2016 is no more. A new year is among us. With new years come changes, beginnings, goals, and ideas. Start fresh! Make it your best year yet! 

Gag! People, come on!!! With each breath you take, you can make a change, start fresh, and make a difference! We should strive each day to be the best version of ourselves. A new year just means you will write the wrong date on your checks for the next five months. Who am I kidding- no one even writes checks anymore. 

All that being said- don't wait until tomorrow to make your life better. Start now! (I should totally be a life coach. Hmmm...probably not.)

And when I was asked to give one word to be my theme for 2017...

Slay. I want my future to have meaning and I want to be deliberate about it. 

In order to "slay" 2017 and the rest of my life, there are definitely some things I need to work on myself. I decided to share what I have been learning throughout this life change (living with less people, not menopause...sheesh).

1. Things don't matter. I like material things- a lot. This has always been something with which I struggle. I am starting to see how my kids are becoming the same way. I don't want them to think their worth depends on what brand of shoes they are wearing or what type of car they drive. While I do think it is ok to have nice things, my goal is to focus on teaching my kids that they matter because they are children of God- not because of what they have. 

2. Less is more. We got rid of SO much stuff!!! I was so worried that I would miss it. Instead, I cannot tell you one specific thing that I have missed out of all of the junk we threw out. And that is saying a lot! We still have a long way to go, but we are making progress. I cannot wait to have space with nothing to fill it. #emptyspace #lifegoal #loftyiknow

3. Blessing others will bless you. Sometimes God speaks to me and tells me to do things for others. He really likes to speak to me while I am in Academy. Maybe wandering around aimlessly waiting for the boys to finish looking just gives me quiet moments to listen. Maybe the big tin roof transmits His voice. Whatever it may be, God always finds me in the Nike section. I have discovered that when I do the small things He asks of me, my soul is replenished- and that is a good feeling that I want to experience often! Focusing more on listening is something I am continuously working on these days. If you know me, I like to take action, but I don't always like to wait for instructions. I am learning to stop, listen, and then act.

Wherever you are, whatever you may be doing, I hope the future brings you the awe of God's creation, the joy of dolphin rides, the carefree spirit of rainbow cheetah facepaint, and the happiness and love of friends and family. Happy New Year!