Four things I’m saying yes to in 2018

Once upon a time there was a girl who wondered how to manage all of life’s chaos, all of the days’ minutiae, all of her heart’s dreams and all of her mind’s doubts. For years she battled with insecurity, anxiety, doubt and worry. The calendar pages moved from year to year, and every Jan. 1 brought her a fresh determination to be different. Somehow, however, by the middle of February she was, once again, overwhelmed, overtired and over it.

Do you know anyone like that? Yeah, me neither.

So, what’s a perpetually stressed out and freaking out girl to do when she has finally decided 2018 is the year it all changes? Maybe, instead of focusing on all the junk, she decides to make 2018 the year she chooses to say yes to things that really matter.

Here are five things I’m saying yes to in 2018 in order to embrace my heart plan for this year.

A great quiet time

This is the key to almost everything else for me. When I’m focused on spending adequate (and unhurried) time with the Lord, everything else seems less frantic. Sure, my life can still be hard and stressful, but it’s much easier for me to see God at work in me and around me.

Generosity

For me, this is less about material resources and more about a mindset of looking for ways to invest in, encourage and help others. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in what is going on in my own life and miss out on the opportunities to be generous with my time, experience and resources. This year, I’m saying yes to open eyes for being generous in every way.

Delegating

Since I’m a perfectionist and a control freak in many areas of life, it’s hard for me to delegate, but I need to. This year is going to require more delegation if I’m going to enjoy the whole process of launching a book.

Gratitude

Gratitude seems a fitting place to end this list, right? I’ve already started several new habits to be more focused on gratitude this year. I’ve long had the practice of listing the ways I’ve seen God work and the good gifts He’s given me on Sunday mornings before I leave for church. I’m continuing that habit, but I also want to make it a more daily practice. To help me, I’ve put a journal and pen on my bedside table with a goal of writing down at least three things for which I am thankful every night before I go to bed.

What will you say yes to in 2018?