One of the best things about waking up too early is the absolute peace and tranquility that engulfs me in the magnificence of daybreak. It’s still dark outside which I find surprisingly comforting. I wrap my hands around my morning cup of tea and snuggle into the comfy couch. The heating will soon take the chill off the room, but for now I’m grateful for the soothing warmth from my mug of hot tea. A welcome silence surrounds me. The talking box sleeps on, no ringing phones to intrude, it’s time to be still – just me and my thoughts – before the daily routine kicks in and the serenity is transformed by the routine sounds of the day. No noise to distract me from the moment. I am alone to examine my soul – just me and God. I’m granted a few moments of quiet reflection.

I’m actually grateful to cut my sleep short today. New Year’s Eve morning happens only once a year – a time to briefly reflect on life in 2014! An honest look back at these past 12 months before moving into 2015 to seize its promise of a fresh start, a clean slate, and the resulting anticipation of what the future holds for me, our family and our business. There are encounters to explore, questions to ask of myself to gain valuable understanding, greater clarity, and a heightened sense of discernment, intuition and vision. Hopefully the answers will help me be better at who I am and what I do. What goals did I achieve? Where did I fall short? What would I do differently? Why? What was my thought process and what thinking must I change to produce a different outcome?

As my thoughts stray back in time and I relive events and experiences, I realize what a full year it’s been. Yes, it’s definitely been a full year…. a year full of joys … and heartaches. Times for celebration … and moments of sadness. Days full of challenges … and days of calm reflection. There have been ups and downs and twists and turns. I’ve been thoroughly tested this year. So what else is new? It’s just the thrilling roller coaster we ride on the journey through life – life in all its glory. A life I love to live.

I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that got me thinking. “To make 2015 amazing … you are going to have to leave some stuff in 2014!” I’ve been reflecting on that. What will I leave behind? After examining myself and my life in 2014, I’ve come up with some “stuff”!

Asking the hard questions and taking quiet time for soul searching has enlightened me with answers. I’m proud of myself for attaining most of my goals last year, some of which were extra challenging due to unforeseen circumstances outside my control. You know – those inevitable side swipes of life that disguise themselves in sneak attacks to distract you from attaining your goals. This year one or two personal goals {writing being one} escaped my grasp, my own fault – due to procrastination. So goodbye to “procrastination”, I am dumping you! I’m leaving you behind in 2014.

There are a few others that will stay behind to accompany procrastination. Control, lack of focus, irrational fear, multitasking and clutter {mind and physical} will all join the heap of “stuff”. And I’m letting go of my attempts to be all things to all people by trying to save them from themselves…or some one, or some thing. Yes, I’m also closing some doors in 2014 to free me up to walk through new doors as they open up to me. Different chapters of life, and brand new adventures await me. I’m excited about the future.

How about you? What will you leave behind in 2014? Who or what will you let go?

What lessons have I learned from these moments of reflection? I’ve learned I’m stronger than I thought possible, that I have nothing to fear from the mystery of 2015, because 2014 has taught me well, and prepared me for the coming year. I know I can handle whatever comes my way, not because I’m invincible, but more that when I am weak and weary, God is strong and He provides me with all His power to deal with the task at hand.

I know that no matter how strong my goals, or how clear my plan, I must also be resilient and flexible, so I will leave room for adjustments, be willing to go with the flow, because when all is said and done, there is a power greater than I with a plan for my life that is more meaningful and more beautiful than I could ever dream up. So my sweet Lord, I will set my goals and make my plans and ask you to bless them, but I will submit to your will. I will let go and let God. And to You be all the glory.

Morning has broken, the birds are singing. My honey is up and making familiar sounds – a second cup of tea is on the way. The newspaper rustles, the TV is disclosing the world news {such as it is} and our day has begun. Time to go seize it.

Happy New Year
2015

Healthy blessings
Anthea

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21