As a SENIORita, I long to speak to you, the younger generation—to share my lessons learned—to impart the wisdom of a life fully lived. Would you listen? I wonder. Do you really want to hear, or are you, in your youthful exuberance, only focused on how you will be better and do it differently than those that went before you? Why do I ask? Well, I was once that young woman—who felt that the old ways needed to be just that, something for the history books.
Despite my self-confidence (what I now see as prideful arrogance), I longed to have that spiritual wise mentor. My mom and I were miles apart—spiritually, culturally, socially, economically. She wanted my life to be different—better than hers financially—and she succeeded. There was a price to pay, however. She was so busy earning a living there was no time to create that mother-daughter intimacy that I deeply sought.
I’ve heard it said, the need is the call. What I didn’t receive in my youth, I now have a passion to share with others. I didn’t seek it, and in fact, didn’t even see it coming. Perhaps it’s a rite of passage or a God-appointed gift, in any case I am beyond grateful.
Over time, God has blessed me with several spiritual sons and daughters. We cross those generational lines with ease, open to learn from one another, and invite the Lord to lead our conversations. I wonder, what might I share with you as we anticipate this new year?
New Year Resolutions? Seriously?
As I consider a younger audience, I imagine you are immersed in your day-to-day routines. It’s a daily balancing act just to keep up with the many hats you wear—daughter, wife, mother, head of family, financial contributor, car pool driver and so much more. Buried under all that you do, lies a dream—a calling, a sense of purpose. You have had to set it aside. You keep telling yourself, and others, it’s not time yet as other needs take priority. Despite that, some of you attempt to defy your reality and make new year resolutions. Year after year you find that your motivation fizzles out as you give in to everyone else’s needs. Can I offer a suggestion? A power word for 2019.
Several years ago, I too was overwhelmed with all of life’s responsibilities. While I wanted to grow and change some things, my new year resolutions just didn’t make it past February. Instead I chose to focus on a single Power Word for the Year. I offer these three tips that have worked for me, consistently:
No. 1 Pray for just one thing… that God would show you the one area in your life He wants you to focus on this year. Perhaps it’s your health, your relationships, your spirituality… trust Him to show you. This is not at the exclusion of your other responsibilities, it simply adds intention. It also makes it easier to say “no” to anything that would keep you from succeeding.
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.”
-Jeremiah 33:3 AMP
No. 2 Ask this powerful daily question: Lord, How can I best practice << your power word >> today? You will be amazed at what shows up for you. I highly recommend you journal the response or find some other means to record it. For me, some of the answers show up consistently until they become a habit. Others appear on an as-needed basis.
As an example, last year my power word was “writing”. I’ve since developed the habit of writing at least 500 words a day. But on Tuesdays, I write and publish a post on my own blog, CoachMaggie.com and this year my deadline to submit my article to the SENIORita column is Wednesday for publication on Monday, giving my editor enough time to do her thing. This takes priority over other things; making it easy to say no to unimportant life interruptions.
No. 3 Today I begin again. These words begin my morning ritual. I write them in my journal and lacking time to write, I include them in my prayers. Inspired by God’s Word found in Lamentations 3:22-23, that says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
These words will offer you an opportunity to practice self-kindness. As you look at yesterday’s goals, notice what went well, and note what you might improve on today. It’s a license to do-over, to do differently, and to do better.
Let’s Stay Connected
My word for 2019 is Self-Care. I am parched and thirsty as I come to the Lord for wisdom as to how I can participate in my own wellbeing. Nine days into the new year, I’ve been blessed with one-on-one girl time with Sammi, my 9-year-old granddaughter, a 40-minute walk with a friend, redecorating my office, and so much more. I plan to share my journey with you throughout the year. It will help me stay the course and hopefully inspire you to do the same.
How about you? Will you consider choosing a power word for this year? Won’t you share it with me? Email me at CoachMaggie@calledtoaction.com. If you don’t mind and to help others as well, I’ll share your questions/comments and my response. Let’s grow together this year!
Photo by Amanda Jones
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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