Now that the holiday frenzy is over, we can continue on our way. Not with the resolve to slog through life, but with the intention to feel more fulfilled and content.
So, if we’re ready to reach new destinations, we need to release what doesn’t work so we can claim what does. As you consider this spiritual checklist, remember that some of these will require a tweak, while others may need an overhaul.
| Release | Claim |
| Engaging with people who ignore, disrespect, diminish, or denigrate you and/or who continually violate your boundaries. | Connect with people who honor and respect you, your feelings and needs, and your right to your own space. |
| Needing to do it all, especially if you think you “have to” or “should,” because someone else is creating your to-do list. | Review and evaluate all your activities and obligations so you can accomplish what matters most to you. |
| Holding yourself to ridiculous, unhealthy standards of living, especially if they’re generally recommended, but aren’t personally fitting. | Discover deeper self-awareness so you know which foods and exercises strengthen your system and which weaken them. |
| Needing everyone to like you and your lifestyle, posts, choices, and beliefs. | Embrace your own well-being so you know what you truly love and where to expend your energy in the best ways. |
| Needing to have and use money for instant gratification. | Re-discover treats and joys you already have or something fun you cherished as a child. Open a savings account with automatic deposit so you can pay yourself first. |
| Following and liking multiple organizations, places, people, and pages, especially if they’re trendy. | Choose the top three (3) to five (5) which most encourage and inspire you. Then dig in to learn how they have surpassed obstacles and achieved success on their own terms. |
| Eating, reading, working, driving, and/or traveling the same way you always have. | Shift your routine and discover new cuisines, topics, skills, friends, and avenues. |
| Being continually distracted with conversations, calls, texts, feeds, and activities. | Turn off the noise and unplug at least once daily to be silent and still. An hour before bedtime is ideal. |
| Believing that life is martyrdom, sacrifice, and struggle before it’s fun. (Yes, pain occurs, but suffering is optional.) | Schedule time for simple delights, such as a cup of cocoa, favorite sit-com, morning walk, or lunch with a dear friend. Choose to laugh and play daily, even when you feel challenged by circumstances. |
| Seeking quick-fix spirituality, or following the latest guru, especially if you tend to jump ship when pushed to a personal edge. | Commit to one (1) spiritual practice which affirms your divinity and which encourages you to stay strong in your faith, even when life is difficult. |
Remember, as you work this process, that you already have within you the divine discernment and intuition to choose your next perfect steps. Continually affirm that the power and presence of God goes before you, beside you, with you, and within you as you release all you no longer need. And travel faithfully, as you embrace the courage of your convictions and the strength to live anew.
© 2019 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks. All rights reserved.
Perfect Rev. Jennifer, thanks.