There's Room for All of It - Looking Back with Curiosity

For many, this time of year brings traditions to the forefront. Family traditions, cultural traditions, faith traditions. While we partake in all that these traditions bring, take a moment to pause, tune in to you, and recognize the emotions behind it all.

Do these traditions bring you joy? Is there still a sense of wonder there after all these years?

Do these traditions bring exhaustion? Year after year it feels like if you don’t do “the things” then they won’t get done.

Do these traditions feel bittersweet? You do them because of those who came before you, those who introduced the traditions to you -- but those people are no longer here, and you miss them. 

There’s room for all of it.

Tune in to you. Is there a thought or a feeling that’s something like, Once we get to the New Year, then…

• things will calm down

• I’ll be better able to focus

• I’ll feel motivated

• I’ll finally have the time to (fill in the blank)

As we look forward to the New Year and all it may bring, I encourage all of us to also take a moment to pause and look back at what has been.

I know for some, looking back is the last thing you want to do. It was difficult and painful enough the first time around. Why would looking back be something you’d willingly choose?

Looking back isn’t just to re-live what has happened. 

Rather, looking back through a lens of curiosity can bring a sense of peace that you may not be expecting.

If you have a relationship with Jesus, looking back with him will absolutely bring a sense of peace - whether you’re expecting it or not.

Invite him to join you as you look back at what has been. Give him space to redefine things for you, to show you his perspective, to show you things you may have missed or misunderstood.

Lord, I invite you here. Sit with me as I look back on the year. Show me what you want me to see. Show me where you were in the moments where I didn’t initially see you. Remind me of what was good. Heal the hurts that are lingering. Show me the places ahead where you would have me direct my focus. I choose to enter this new year with you.

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If you’d like to talk more about looking back as you move forward, send me an email or schedule some one-on-one time with me. And consider subscribing to my blog where I post lots of helpful suggestions on how you can begin (and continue) this journey of recovering your blueprint!