2021

So, here we are at the last day of 2021. As I spent time reflecting upon my life’s adventure these last 364 days, I was filled with optimism for what 2022 would bring—even in light of the insanity of this past year. I share this with you and wish you an incredibly blessed, transformed, happy and healthy 2022. God bless!

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It’s a brand new year—a new book of 365 blank pages waiting to be filled with our stories. It’s a time when we wish others a “Happy New Year” and make resolutions to do life differently, whether by tiny tweaks or through monumental changes.

Those of you who know me know that I hold a strong faith in the teachings, works and gifts of Jesus. And while I oftentimes write my posts without religious references (I don’t like religion, either), there is a particular passage of scripture that I am choosing to strongly embrace as my building block to a truly “happy” new year. I think it is quite relevant for anyone, regardless of your spiritual orientation:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:2

Therein is found the key to being happy; the way to keep resolutions. We achieve transformation by changing our mindset; by changing the orientation of our hearts and our actions. 2021 may have been filled completely with difficult and overwhelming challenges and disappointments. If you have been wallowing in grief and defeatism, there is no way that 2022 will be any different if you continue to do so. Yesterday is not today. While you may not have complete control over your circumstances, you most certainly have control over how you choose to (re)act toward them.

Being transformed—living a better life—means to stop doing most of the things that other people are doing. Keeping up with the Joneses is a lie. Less is indeed more. Living simply means living happily. Examine the way you speak to others—is it caustically and sarcastically (like people in movies and TV shows speak to one another), or do your words express encouragement, compassion or love? Do you go into debt to have that next big thing that will “wow” your neighbors and make you feel more important? Do you turn toward things to make you happy (disposable things that 50 years from now will be of no consequence), or do you invest in relationships that will last a lifetime? Do you fill your schedule so full that there is barely enough time to breathe, or do find time to reflect upon the sheer awesomeness that can be found in life? When is the last time you looked really closely at a flower and just marveled in its delicate intricacy and beauty?

Resolutions are good, but unless you get out of the pattern of this world, every page of your 2014 book will look the same. Change your mind. Change your heart. Change your focus. Ask yourself, “Does this thing or that thing really matter?” And if it does, pursue it with passion. If it doesn’t, let it go.

So as you begin to write the story of 2022, I encourage you so search your heart. Find and pursue those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. In doing so, you will truly have the “Happiest” New Year.