At the beginning of every year I come up with some idea/motto/inspirational saying attached to some goal that's supposed to guide me through the rest of the year and help me become a better person.
Last year it had something to do with learning something new about myself everyday (inspired by JYP Entertainment CEO Park Jin Young). The year before that was doing things that I think I can't do (inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt). And the year before that was probably something empty and overly optimistic and cheesy, because I was a senior in high school and you can only have so much vision when you're 18 years old. I guess the same can be said of when you're 20, but I'd like to think that I've gotten a little wiser and a little clearer on who I am and what I want for my life. This year I couldn't come up with anything witty, but I did find two Bible verses that suit where I am right now:
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them (Mark 6:11)
Everyone has heard of brushing the "dirt of your shoulders", right? Bet you didn't know Jesus spoke of this idea first, huh? Whenever you've made up your mind to do something, do it. And if someone treats you wrong in the process, forget them. Because how you answer your calling is between you and God. That's what this verse means to me.
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:23)
This is my favorite Bible verse, because it reminds me that everything I see, everything I feel, everything I want but don't believe I can have, everything I do and how I do it.... it all starts in my mind. Sometimes I get anxious about changes or challenges and I talk myself out of trying. But I've realized that I can make almost anything happen just by thinking a little differently. This might be obvious to some, but I'm just now starting to get it.
So I realized that this semester is a wonderful opportunity for me, since this is pretty much the first time in my life that I don't have anything going on outside of classes. (I know, crazy right? Think of how hyperactive and overbooked we make our kids these days!). I have time to start finding myself, so to speak. To find what I enjoy and do those things, and then to try some new adventures as well. Like reading the Bible everyday, doing yoga every other day (new thing!), trying out for acappella (didn't make it in, but still, new thing!), applying for a position I think I'm underqualified for (no word yet, but still, new thing!) making a point to actually call my friends on the phone, actually having fun...
Basically deriving fulfillment from being in the moment, instead of from my ability to accomplish tasks. People often think changing your life involves making some grand gesture or revolutionary action. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it only takes small changes, a renewed mind, discipline, and an openness to what's new. January's almost over, and as I strive to keep the promises I made to myself on the 1st, I hope you are able to do so as well.
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