You Still Have Time. Don’t Give Up.
The end of the year often brings a lot of different emotions. Some people feel stressed preparing to host family for holiday gatherings or trying to wrap things up for the year. Others are elated with holiday cheer, quality time with loved ones, and time off from work. For others disappointment and frustration may be their tune realizing all of the things on the to-do list that probably won't get done before January 1st. Then there are people who haven't felt like themselves in a very long time. These are the people that I want to check-in with today. What happens when you fail to meet your own expectations? When you look in the mirror and you don't recognize the person that you are? When the choices that you've made over the year didn't produce the outcomes that you desired? How do you cope with the weight of disappointment and the shame of not being able to follow through? Whether is was your own doing or situations completely out of your control, life has a way of derailing our plans and upsetting our expectations.
I just wanted to remind you that you mean so much to people.
Although people may not explicitly state your importance to them, their lives would be different without your presence. You show up for people, support people, help those in need, and always provide for those you love. It is okay if in this season you don't have that to give. It is okay if in this season you haven't been able to show up in the ways that matter most to you and to those around you. The people who are your people will love you through whatever you are going through, even if from a distance. It really is okay to not be okay. Despite what society tries to feed us every day. You don't have to have the answers, know your next steps, or have it all together. You don't always have to be progressing, accomplishing, or moving into something new. It is acceptable to adjust your perception of what showing up may look like. If you only have 20% to give, then on your best days give 20% and your worst days give 1% .
I'm sorry that this life doesn't always give you something to look forward to. Sometimes you don't feel worthy, grateful, or content. Many days it can be difficult to find light at the end of the tunnel.
Give yourself grace.
Forgive yourself for the times you knew better and didn't do better
Forgive yourself for the way you behaved when you didn't know better
Allow yourself to learn from your mistakes and not blame yourself for them
Remind yourself that God loves you for who you are and NOT what you do
Give yourself permission to make mistake and to grow
Release people, places, and things that no longer serve you with ease
Just in case no one told you lately, you have done a great job dealing with all that you have gone through this year.
Everyone is dealing with a lot and I hope that you acknowledge how difficult things have been and that you survived any way. There isn't a real time-limit on your potential. There is still so much time to do all that you desire. Your timeline is unique to you and your journey only. God is still holding you. You are not a lost cause. Your story isn't over. I hear God saying that you are going to be alright. There is still so much time left for you. One day you will look back on these days and be glad that you did not give up & you will be so grateful to God for the sunshine.
Praying for you always
