By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I’m ready for this 2022 New Year to be wrapped in optimism. For that to happen, I must make a conscious decision (sometimes moment by moment) to declare joy in all things: ups, downs, and in-between times. It’s easy to write out that declaration, but to enlist optimism and joy, I need help—supernatural help and a commitment to overcome the junk life can send our way. Only God can set us on the right path and pick us up when we stumble. So how can we actively pursue a joy-filled year?
Declare every breath holy.
When we dedicate every breath to God and keep our focus on Him, it’s a whole lot easier to embrace joy. Stress, tension, and conflict will occur, but know we’re not alone.
Determine if there’s action to take when worry stalks us.
Bad news can depress us and make us anxious. We’re fearful. What will happen next?
According to Psychology Today, only 91% of our worries ever occur and of the ones that are real, most had better outcomes than anticipated. If we can act positively to prevent or stop something, then do it and give the rest to God.
Discover blessings.
Sometimes we take our daily blessings for granted. Perhaps designating a Blessings Bowl with a small notepad to record the goodness of the day can encourage us. Some people prefer keeping a journal. Whatever is used, record the good happenings to maintain a spirit of optimism.
Laugh!
Laugh. And do it often. If we need to schedule it on a calendar, then do so. Shake off the junk weighing us down. It’s medically and spiritually proven effectively.
Learn something new.
I’m a bit OCD about keeping my brain engaged, but here’s my philosophy: if we fail to learn something new daily, then our brains will stagnate and turn to mush.
Pray for people who criticize and seek to hurt us.
It’s very hard to dislike someone when we’re praying for them. I’ve done this, and the practice is a solid attitude-changer.
Spend time with God daily.
I prefer mornings, but others prefer evenings. Choose the best time of the day that fits your schedule and preference. When we spend quiet moments in Bible study and prayer, our attitude soars vertically.
Strive for a healthy body by supplying good nutrition and regular exercise.
Most of us ate a little too much of the holiday treats. Embrace each day with determination to eat more healthy and exercise daily. Start with baby steps and make sure to check with your doctor about any precautions.
Take time to rest.
God told the Israelites to rest on the seventh day because He understood we tend to think our worth is based on performance. We can’t complete our purpose if we’re too tired to focus. Whether we’re holding down a day job or working full time at home, we need to pace ourselves.
Treasure loved ones and friends.
Our lives are overflowing with busyness, and it’s easy to get caught up in a day-to-day routine that has no room to invest in others. When our lives are over, God won’t ask us about the things we’ve accomplished, but He will ask about the people we’ve impacted for His glory.
How do you plan to fill the year 2022 with optimism?
Comments 16
With the promise of God’s presence. “Be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:5b–6)
Thank you, Grace. That may be one of the hardest lessons to learn.
I’ve declared 2022 to be the best year ever. It can happenstance! Stay positive, my friends!
Kelly, love your enthusiasm. With God all things are possible.
Awesome advice, DiAnn. If we would do this every year, our lives and the lives of others could change. Thanks for sharing!
Barbara, I think as Christians, we have a responsibility to model Jesus to others. That means looking for God-moments in everything. Be blessed.
Thank you, DiAnn for your list….Along with praying for those who mean you harm, FORGIVE them and then pray. I went through a breakup of a friendship because of what she said about me. It left me with “dry bones.” After I forgave her it still took time to get my health back and to have a merry heart, as Proverbs 17: says. (A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.) The Holy Spirit dealt with me and gave me His definition of forgiveness…..”being able to receive them back into your presence and treat them as though they had NEVER offended you. He said, “What IF Jesus said that He forgave you, but never wanted you to come into His Presence again?” I’m SO thankful that he confronted me with that. It’s not always easy to forgive, but, if we want forgiveness, we MUST forgive….70 times 7….Matthew 18 makes this clear.
Thanks again for all your emails. They’re just full of good things we need to hear….keep them coming……..:))
Thank you, Vondia. Like you, I experienced a friend’s betrayal. Very difficult but God is good. Be blessed!
Food for thought in the deepest sense. It fits in with my situation, where I have been apartment- bound, due to broken tailbone form a fall . I ‘m on the mend, however, and accept that all is in God’s perfect timing, and plan. Thus your post is just for me.
Oh, Frances, so sorry about your fall. Glad you are on the mend. Prayers sent your way!
Excellent thoughts to start the new year with JOY! Thanks! (Need to start that “blessings bowl”….)
Nancy, yes! to the blessings bowl. Keeps us filled with the good stuff.
Great Blog. Encouraging and uplifting.
Gena Barnhill
Thanks, Gena, may your New Year bring joy and blessings.
These are great suggestions Diann. Thanks for sharing them!
Hi Steve, thank you for taking time to comment.