"Just DO Something!"

I feel like I am already starting 2016 a little behind.   The New Year snuck up on me before I even had a chance to catch my breath from Christmas.  I just got the last of the Christmas décor’ put away in the attic this week.  

I haven’t planned my schedule ahead.  I haven’t really set any goals.  I’m pretty much just trying to stay afloat.  I’ve coasted into the New Year on fumes, running on empty.  Sad but true.

I’ve had a lingering cold that won’t seem to let go of me for some reason.  My energy has been low which has stolen my passion to be productive.   It’s been very frustrating to say the least.

Colds are a common occurrence for most people during the winter months, but for me it can be very crippling.   When you have an autoimmune disease even the most harmless of colds can drag on forever draining your energy and weakening your already compromised immune system even more.

I have goals and plans and high aspirations for the New Year, I just haven’t had the chance to really mull over them.  I generally try to assimilate them in some fashion on paper (to motivate myself to dream big and aim to be more this year with God’s help), but this year is different.

 

A few years back I heard of people choosing a simple word to focus on for the year.  This word seemingly helped them to better keep their attention on their overall goal.  Some have chosen words like… “rest”, “accountability”, “discipline”, “faith”, and the like. 

The last couple years I have chosen “a” word as well and it really helped me to focus on where I wanted to be.  This year I have chosen two words.

-FORWARD PROGRESS-

This is important to me because this past year I have felt like I have taken one step forward and two steps back all year long as a result of my health.  It has been very frustrating.  God has placed some big dreams on my heart that I have been chipping away at for years and it’s time for them to finally be completed. 

“Forward Progress” to me means to keep moving forward toward where God wants me to be even if it is one step at a time.  If I could shout out loud daily to motivate myself (and not feel weird about it) I would probably say…”Just DO Something!” 

Start by… writing one paragraph in the book you are trying to finish.  Send one note of encouragement to that person God put on your heart.  Have one family night a month.  Set up one meeting to mentor that young lady.  Make one sit down meal this week.  Schedule one date night with your husband this month.  Write one blog post for now.  Read one chapter in that book you want to finish.  “Just DO Something!”

If I could add verses to my words for the year, I think this would be it.  I love how the Message version says it…

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG)

I am determined to keep moving FORWARD this year even if it is by taking “baby steps”.  FORWARD PROGRESS is my goal. 

Take a moment and think… What is the “something” that you need to be doing this year?  What is holding you back friend?  Please take this as my personal invitation to join me on this journey of moving forward.  I dare you to step out and “Just DO Something” and let God do the rest!  Are you ready to make 2016 amazing?  Let’s do this! 

Living to leave a legacy,

Julie