2018 Resolutions...Kind of

Resolutions.

I understand it's to start the new year with the best of intentions and a goal which I am all about! Believe you me, out of all of my friends I'm the nerd about goal setting and vision boards.  However, why wait until January 1?  Really though, ask yourself why does January 1 sound like the perfect date.  Is it because you believe it's easier to start on the 1st?  Is it because everyone else starts at the time?  (I know I'm asking a lot of questions and  really making you think, but hey, it' what I do).

I mean, if you want to lose 20 pounds,  quit smoking or be more present why not now?!  

Did you know that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit?  So whether you start going to the gym on January 1st or January 15th you still have to do it for 21 days for it to become a habit.  I'm not trying to deter you from going to the gym - it's one of my fav activities - but according to USA Today, on average 12% of new gym members join in January and of that 12 percent 95% drop off after January 15th.  BUT, what if we started a week or two earlier?  You would be that much closer to developing a new habit and you might not mind how packed the gym got for those 15 days.

What I'm trying to say is don't wait.  Don't use the new year as an obligatory starting point for this new goal you have in mind.  If it something that is important to you and God has put it on your heart than go out and DO IT!   

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24  

So, if you decide on March 25th that you want to start a daily prayer journal than start that day!  If you decide on November 4th you want to lose 15 pounds than start that day!

Sometimes starting is the hardest part, but if you think of it as working for God's good and not your own it will become easier.  Serve Him and blessings will follow.

Love you always,

Leah


P.S. I'm pretty versed in goal setting and have a few tips and tricks if you guys would be interested.  

What breaks your heart?

I'm serious.  I want to know what breaks your heart!

The reason I ask is because if you are someone who is struggling to find your "career" or "passion", well...that is it my friend! You may be thinking, "Um isn't that the exact opposite thing I should be doing?'  Not really.

Hear me out.  If you're watching the SPCA commercial with the saddest song in the world and you start balling like you're 5 then that's a good indication you should do something in that field.  Their are a TON of things you could do.  Anywhere from volunteering to becoming an actual officer who goes out and saves the day.

Think about it!  It's obviously something you would care deeply about.  You would put your all into it everyday. And, the word engaged would most likely be one of your top 3 words to describe how your job makes you feel.  Scratch that, it's a freakin' career! See where I'm going with this.

If you follow what breaks your heart their you will your people (or animals).  God specifically places in us a deep feeling for someone or something.  He does it because we are here on this earth to glorify Him and that is through YOU!

Next time you hear or see something that breaks your heart, run to it!

Love you always,
Leah

Take Action

Is their anything more inspiring than the Olympics?! I can't think of anything.  I know for me stories of grit and perseverance inspire me to keep going.  It also had me thinking how alike all those athletes are.  Yes they might compete in completely different events but they all have one thing in common; they took action on their dream.  

Todays post is going to be about taking action on the dream that God has put on your heart.  Some of you might be saying, "But Leah, I don't even know what to do first!"  Well to be honest, starting is the hardest part.  The simplest, yet the hardest.  However, you're full of all these great ideas and ambition is just pouring out of you.  You are exuberant when telling your mom and friends of the dream that is aching in your soul.  If they really care they ask you what you're going to do, to which you freeze and say, "I'm not sure."  (Sound of air coming out of a ballon.)  

Now you might feel a bit deflated at this point but that's ok! Everyone's been there.  I have too.  But I want to encourage you to keep seeking after what it is that was put on your heart.  It's not some weird deep desire to go start a farm in Africa somewhere even though you grew up in the upper east side of NYC.  Other people might find it strange but guess what, it's not their dream! He has given everyone a unique path to take.   We can try and do what society expects from us but in the end we don't have much control AND we will feel unfulfilled.   Proverbs 16:9.  

Starting can be as simple as doing research of others who have gone before you.  It can be following a role model on Twitter or Instagram.  Another highly underutilized tool is to pray.  Ask God what you should do.  Ask Him to invite people into your life that believe in you.  Then watch Him work.  You have done your part, now let Him do His.

If you just start you will amaze yourself.  I promise.  

“In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” (John 17:18 MSG)


Just do it.  (No this is not sponsored by Nike).  



Love you Always, 
Leah