On settling into the (new) year...

Anyone given you a gist yet in 2024? You know I will.

Photo by Erik Witsoe on Unsplash

“Let me guess…‘new year, new you, right?’”

Hold on a second, especially if you’re about to harm me with a look of disdain—those weren't my words. Someone else who doesn't give the least care about resolutions probably didn't flinch.

A bit of context and backstory. The new year aura was thick in the air, as it was January 1st, 2024. The only one there would ever be. Plus, I was in a bubbly city at the time, and was looking forward to having a great time before WORK begins. Then came my first encounter with disappointment this year—the quoted statement that began this newsletter. Was it addressed to me? No. However, I took it personally, and here's why—

I know. The intent of the writer was supposedly humour or something like that, especially because it was a caption to a meme-intended, sorry-looking picture (no offence). But something felt off. It gave off an impression of ridicule. An opportunity for the enemy to sponsor discouragement. Imagine if someone with a weak resolve had seen that. It could have been a cue to give up on the year before it even started. Either I'm overthinking, overreacting or OVARY-ACTING, I don't know. But what are the odds?

Given, “new year, new me” is cliché, and there's something about overuse that gets annoying at some point. Especially if the person making such a resolution is all talk and no action; mere promises to do better next time, yet no intentional effort. But, still.

And of course, it's a facade that with a new year automatically emerges a new you, yet I'm perturbed by how some people would rather choose to make their point in disdain, rather than offer encouragement. But then again, not everyone wields godly wisdom. No surprises there.

Anyway…

Onto the main purpose of this newsletter.

Recently, I found out that some of my conversations carried along with it, a statement I don't know how I started using often—“settling into the new year.” I've asked it as questions, “Hey…so how are you settling into the new year?” Also, I’ve given it as replies, “I’m doing alright. Settling into the new year just fine.”

So what does that look like for me, since the last time I said, “we go again?”

• Realigning my priorities:

  For someone like me who wears many hats (and wants to look gorgeous when I wear ’em), I do not want my engagements to weary me this year. Most especially because I’ve found that while trying to be versatile, I sometimes overcommit. This causes weariness to set in, and I just want to run away from the chaos I’d inevitably invited into my space. Hence the need for this discipline.

• Spending significant time in prayers, fastings and hearing from God:

  You know what it is. Gotta set the stage for prospering in God’s will per time. I’m choosing not to run on empty.

• Getting creative in my love-walk as a believer:

  Recently, the Holy Spirit gave me a creative idea—to give love through letters to people. I put out the question on a social media network where I’m very active, and the turnout was more than I had hoped for, in all honesty. I didn't know we still lived in a world that believed in “it’s the thought that counts.” But yeah, the vision is to prompt smiles, and keep blessing hearts one letter at a time. I'll keep you posted on this one. Perhaps in a future letter. P.S (I’m fully booked now😂. But there would be another opening soon, and anyone else interested could let me know by then).

• Finally, I’m EXPECTANT:

  Here's why: “Thou (God) crownest the year with thy goodness; And thy paths drop fatness.” (Psalm 65:11).

Oh, well, this is me keeping it concise. Now, I hope it makes sense when I say, “I’m settling into the year well.” How about you?

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Hello everyone. Happy new year for the umpteenth time! Thank you for reading me yet again. I meant it when I asked, “How about you?” You already know my favourite part of writing on here is when I get to read your heartwarming comments. 💛

Yours in Quality time,

Adebola🦋.