Leave ALL OF THIS in 2017...

Hey Family! It’s been a while since I’ve written to you guys. I’ve been busy with life, both good and bad. I put my journal in the backseat (which I regret), but I have been desperate to speak with you guys and felt as though bringing in the new year would be perfect. I don’t know about you all, but there are some things that I’ve grown tired of carrying. I have faith that dropping 6 traits in this new year will bring forth a better, if not best, version of me. I know I usually have a ton of scriptures, but today I’m speaking from the heart. However, it is influenced by Christ. Let’s get into it before you guys head out to your festivities. Here are 6 things that you should WITHOUT QUESTION leave in 2017:

1. FEAR

Please do not take fear with you into the new year! It is a barrier that stops you from becoming. Do not be afraid of things. Do not be afraid of people. Do not be afraid of places. If God places you in front of something he will give you the tools you need to be successful. I mean, he is a qualifier. Understand that you aren’t operating in the ‘Christ context’ when allow fear to enter your heart. If fear does try to make its way, make sure that you combat it with the word of God!

1. Self-pity; Self-doubt; and Self-hate

Guys, I do not think that I can stress this point enough. In 2018, DO NOT FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF!!! If you make a mistake, get back up again. God’s grace is sufficient. That means that it is enough to sustain you. NO! It will never run out. I don’t know who is telling you guys this stuff.His mercies are new every morning. Whatever it is that you are trying to accomplish, you CAN be successful if you operate in the success that has already been given to you. Use your talents and be unapologetically great. Don’t be ashamed and love EVERY PIECE of you. Do not ever pick yourself apart or witness to anyone else do it. Know that you are enough and that God’s plan for your life is massive! I recognize that God has given me a distinct path and my valleys are my valleys. My mountains are my mountains. Whichever season that I am in, I will trust God completely. You should too. Hating yourself means that you hate the God in you. You were made in his image. Walk in it!

1. Cares of This World

OMGEE! This one is crushing us bad! In 2018, please do not focus on the things of this world. Who cares if someone else got a new car before you? Who cares if someone else got a new house before you? Who cares if your best friend gets engaged and married before you? Who cares if someone got a doctorate degree and you only have a bachelor. Life is not a competition, it is a journey. You will do best if you don’t focus on things that will not matter later. Congratulate people in their successes and be content with your portion. Strive to be grateful with the things that you have been blessed with and show God that you are ready to receive more. Focusing on the cares of this world means that you aren’t focusing on the process. You will get things in your season. Don’t faint.

1. Negativity

ALL OF THIS!!! Social media is flooded with people that always state that they are removing negativity. That’s great! However, remove EVERYTHING NEGATIVE! That means places, people, jobs, television, groups, close friends…all of it. Moreover, if you are forced in those situations make sure that even in those places you can be the light. Be positive and forward thinking. If God is taking you through the valley, smile through it. Even his negatives turn into future positives. Its mathematics.

1. Opinions

Everyone has opinions…and unfortunately…it is their first amendment right. You, though, can choose how you respond to them if at all. What you can do in 2018 is not let opinions be bothersome. My ZES (Zumba Education Specialist), Lorretta Bates (follow her lol), said something so profound. She said, “Don’t let the praise get to your head and the hate to your heart”. Speaks volumes, right? It is the perfect notion to take into the new year. In other words, be humble and work hard to continuously get better. Do not allow other people’s thoughts to dictate who you are. Only 1 person has that power seat and his name is Jesus Christ. Treat opinions like the latest news, NO ONE CARES!

1. Unforgiveness

I know! I know! This is a tough one, but how can you grow! They hurt you. They lied. They talked extremely bad about you. They altered the way that society sees your character, but forgive them so that you can live peacefully. I had to recognize that I would be judged on the way that I treated people despite their actions towards me. Yeah, its reallllllll hard to turn the other cheek, fam. It only reveals the rottenness of their hearts anyways. Move around…please.

That wasn’t too bad, huh? Ridding yourself of these things will propel you faster towards destiny and I hope that you decide to take that step. On the other hand, some things that you should take with you into 2018, or adopt them if you don’t practice them already, are boundaries, love, grace, perseverance, positivity, and Godfidence.

1. Boundaries

Give them to everyone and everything! There is nothing wrong with protecting your space! Know exactly what you will and will not tolerate. Let people know that if they want to be a part of your life, here are your boundaries!

1. Love

It’s a thing now to ‘spread love,’ but are you actually doing it? Hardly! Make it your business this year to be nice and spread love everywhere your feet tread. Shower people with the essence of Christ!

1. Grace

Huge! We have got to show people more grace this year! Myself included because I’ll write somebody off fast lol my scissors have a sharp blade lol j/k. As children of Christ, we are called to exert grace. So what if they don’t deserve it! Neither do you.

1. Perseverance

No matter what, never give up! Make sure you stay in the fight. The race is given to the one that endures to the end. Even if you get knocked down, make sure you keep fighting!

1. Positivity

No one desires to be around negativity. Be positive in all things! Smile when its hardest to smile. Be nice to everyone even if they are undeserving. Serve! Pour into people! Don’t make this year about you, but make it about serving God’s people. Help as much as you can wherever you can.

1. Godfidence

This is my most valued point! Walk into this year knowing that you can do all things. Be confident that the Christ inside of you will not fail. Always give hope as Christ gave to us. Become the best version of yourself. Overall, just be confident in God’s word and his spirit over your life. Let people see and feel his ora through you!

I know that was a mouthful, but I really needed you all to get this before midnight! I love you all and so does Jesus! Keep fighting for him. Don’t let people intimidate you from your goals and going after everything that’s already yours. Trust the process. Trust this year. Trust His plan. Most importantly, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Peace and Blessings to you all,

Cici