The New Year has arrived and everyone is excited! Oh, the wonderful challenges of bringing a whole year’s worth of opportunities into our family with a fresh, new start. Our motives have a wonderful drive, our momentum is caught up in the excitement of the new, and our hope hinges on change! With the many things that the New Year represents, we can choose to make the best of our lives—or let it get the best of us.
Here are three ways to bring a new attitude into your life with simple choices you can control.
1. Choose your mood. Tell yourself first thing every morning, “Today is a good day to have a good day.” We can choose our thoughts and our emotions. On a good day we can only manage our own emotions. We can’t be responsible for the feelings of others, but we can choose to make a difference in the way we treat others—with love, kindness and honor. By keeping our “love attitude” on, it automatically directs our mind and heart to look for the good in circumstances and see the positives instead of the negatives. When it comes to advice on attitude, the book of Proverbs is a great place to go:
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” —Proverbs 15:13-14
2. Choose your load. Life is hard and certainly challenging for single parents. We understand that, especially when circumstances are beyond our control. As single parents, we tend to become martyrs, which only isolates us instead of connects us. Moms aren’t built to carry everyone’s load plus their own. So when it all comes crashing in, it’s wise to have a good circle of relationships in which to connect and feel safe. Also, it’s helpful to choose dependable and trustworthy counselors or a pastor for a shoulder you can cry on. Find someone to help you carry the load.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10
3. Choose your game face. The Bible is chocked full of promises about how we are not alone in our life’s journey. The apostle Paul was certainly familiar with bad things happening repeatedly in his life. Yet through all his afflictions, beatings, and mistreatments, he chose peace, joy, patience, love, and contentment. He encourages us to give thanks and pray without ceasing. It’s hard to give thanks to God when things aren’t going our way, but it truly does help us lift our faces to the Lord where His countenance and face can shine down upon us. Letting our faces and hearts meet His will lifts our spirits when we realize the blessings around us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6
When choosing a positive attitude of gratitude—even when you don’t feel like it—you are determining to make a difference in the climate of your home, one that is brighter and better. By choosing the outlook of the year on a positive note, you are setting yourself toward the present-future, instead of the present-past. Looking forward is always a good direction into the unknown.
About Janelle Keith
I’m Janelle Keith and I’m addicted to coffee, lattes, good laughs, and noticing the good in people. I am a globe trotter serving the vulnerable. I have a big story of losing 132 lbs. of excess weight. I’m passionate about inspiring you to live and love in practical ways. I advocate real truth to a hurting generation, bringing of community and encouragement.