Navigating 2023: Three Essential Lessons Learnt
Some years ago, I started this yearly exercise where at the end of the year, I sit down, take stock of the year, and see how I navigated through the highs and lows of the year brought with it
I think this yearly exercise is one worth starting because of how it always positively affects the coming year. First of all, it positions your heart in a place of gratitude. Also, it is a great way to prepare towards the next year. Finally, this practice is great for extracting the valuable lessons from your entire year’s experience.
Hence, if you want to start the new year on a good and strong note, here are some valuable lessons I extracted from a year filled with tears and triumphs – 2023:
- Let your light shine brightly, guiding others out of the dark: I read a quote recently that literally implied that as Christians, we should never be ashamed to say or behave as Christians. When I saw this as first, I wondered why it resonated so strongly with me but now, I think I understand. Prior to 2023, I felt that my faith or spiritual beliefs should be private or quiet. Well, it turned out that this year was not THAT year for me. Now, it was slightly better because of the Christian folks dedicated to letting their light shine so brightly. Essentially, these believers help bring Christians and non Christians out of darkness through various platforms. Therefore, the year pointed out the fact that my faith is not for private moments alone. Instead, I should let my light shine brightly so those in need of the light can see it in me and partake of it. Simply put, I should never be quiet about my faith because you can never tell who needs the gospel of Christ around the corner.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 NKJV
- Find happiness in the little things: A few years back, I always insisted that when the big things came or happened, I will be truly happy and have a cause to celebrate. As erroneous as this school of thought sounds, it is common among the youths of our generation. We think that happiness and joy will come when we buy that big car or accomplish that great goal. As much as these are great plans to make, what if it does not happen the way you want it? What happens then? These are some of my top questions of 2023. In the course of answering, I realized that it makes more sense to find happiness in the littlest of good things that happen to me. Because the big things spring out from the little things.
- Follow your own path, do not compare yourself to others: In a world as ours with a lot of social media celebrities and influencers, it is so easy to dwell on our failures and incompetences. And trust me, I struggled with behavior pattern for a while. However, 2023 taught me that while it is good to admire and appreciate their work and success story, remember that life is not a competition and every one is on their own journey. Also, it is okay to have it not all figured out at a certain age.
2023 is undoubtedly a year with ups and downs. Nonetheless, it also a year filled with so many great lessons. The ones listed above are a few that I know will do is a lot of good as we enter the new year. Do well to live by them and thank me as your year unfolds wonderfully.
Happy Holidays!!!
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