In my previous post I mentioned that I didn't meet my goals for 2013. There were a lot of reasons that I didn't. Distractions, procrastination, laziness, etc. I really prayed a lot about what my goals should be for 2014. In early December I really felt like God was pushing me to work on myself, my attitude and my constant comparison of my life to others. (The two go hand in hand for me.) But since I am being totally honest here, the MAIN reason I didn't reach my goals because of my attitude. WHAT?! That's right. I have a bad attitude. I always have. From the time I was little and could make my presence known I have had a bad attitude. I'm 26 and I can finally admit it. I mean, I'm not a super angry person or anything. I just get frustrated easily. Especially when things aren't going the way I think they should or I don't feel happy. I let the way I feel in the moment, because of what's going on in others lives, affect what comes out of mouth and how it comes out of my mouth. So the minute things don't go my way, I get all sassy and sulky and junk. I know. It's not cute. It's not beneficial to any of my relationships. And it happens because I didn't/don't have a joyful heart.
With that said, my main goal for 2014 is to live joyfully. And not just to live joyfully, but to choose joy. Every day. Even when I don't feel like it. When joy fills your heart, it is so evident in everything that you do. I also decided to start a new tradition of choosing a verse for each year of my life. Naturally, I chose a verse to go along with my main goal.
See, most people think that joy and happiness are the same thing. And they are not at all. Your happiness is based on your circumstances and joy comes from your heart, despite your circumstances. Happiness is a feeling. Joy is a condition. In our day to day lives there are so many uncertain, uncontrollable things. Those things affect our circumstances. Those circumstances affect our happiness. BUT, when you have a heart that's filled with joy, not even the uncertain or uncontrollable things can affect that. You can't control the world around you, but you can control your heart. For me, it's is very important to remember that "Comparison is thief of joy."I am constantly comparing myself to others and how far along they are in their lives compared to where I am. I have allowed the lives of others to have a direct impact on how I feel about my own. Not anymore.
I am committing to #livingjoyfully in 2014. Regardless of what's going on around me, who's getting married, who's pregnant or who got that fancy promotion. Comparing myself to others and what they have going on is no longer an option. God has a plan for my life and for that, I will be joyful. He is in complete control. No more sassy attitude because I'm not getting my way. It's not even about me. AT ALL. Here's the thing, I don't even have to worry about those things anymore. It's not my responsibility. The Lord holds my heart in His hands. He is my joy. He protects and comforts at all times. His presence is constant. No matter what happens, or how it happens, I will praise Him for His plan and be joyful through the trials and tribulations.
Happy Thursday Y'all!
26 comments:
Beautifully said! Joy is something we can all strive for more of. My "word" for the year ended up being contentment. I'm constantly dissatisfied with each phase in my life, constantly waiting for the next one where things will be better! In reality, I, too, am choosing joy over happiness. I'm not happy in my circumstance, sure, but I can be joyful and content in this season that God has placed me in. I'm excited about your journey to joy! Good luck, my friend! Just remember, there will more than likely come a day where you do not choose joy for one reason or another, don't let that keep you down... you have the opportunity to choose joy again the next day!
I feel like this is just so perfect!
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