Yes, I’ve read all the memes that warn us all against claiming 2021 as “your year” or advising us all to tread lightly into January hence we trigger a calendar year worse than what we just experienced.
So I won’t stand on my usual, positive and forward thinking motivational soap box. I won’t talk about what my goals are and how I’m excited to make strides in several areas of my life. I’ll just sit in trepidation and skepticism of what’s to come.
Except… nope, I won’t.
Because I’ve learned a lot about myself this past year that tells me that’s not who I am and thats OK with me. Pretending I’m something I’m not is just not acceptable for my happiness anymore.
I used to be incredibly fearful of what other people thought of me. Some of the things I would struggle with… am I good enough? Am I a good mom? Am I a good wife? Am I “acceptable” for the role, demographic, heredity and region I find myself in? I was always failing everyone – especially the one in the mirror.
2020 was the year of enough is enough.
It was a year I stopped complaining about what wasn’t fair and started replacing that with gratitude. Seeing the stark variance between my blessed life and the millions hurting changed that.
It was a year that I stopped averting my eyes and swallowing my words. Sadly, it took watching overwhelming death, hate, deception, and division to change that.
It was a year that I started not just talking about my passions and the changes needed but took steps into the unknown and began walking the talk.
It was a year that I became more wholly and unapologetically myself, doing it scared, and that is something I am grateful for and incredibly proud of. It’s something I want to continue.
What’s refreshing is that not only do I get to decide who I am and can tell that to the world, but who God says I am never, ever changes.
I am free.
I am loved.
I am strong.
I should not be afraid.
I am a child of God.
Here’s what I do know 2021.
We are not promised tomorrow. We may have to fight, with love or logic, for the things that make us great and make us whole. We have to start seeing one another and caring for each other as we were called to do.
I’m proud that I have reached a point where some may never be in their lifetimes. To be honest about myself and the world as I see it – as flawed and scary as all of that is. But also able to let go, let God and praise Him through all the things seen and unseen if it is His will.
So 2021, I guess I’m ready for what’s next. He is my strength so let’s do this thing.
Here’s to another year being Honest But Kind.
