Let Your Imagination Soar: A New Year's Resolution from Julie Ann
It is officially snowing outside! I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful thing. I guess I can say this because I work from home and me and my warm house and big window have a wonderful relationship. If it were up to me and my car, well snow wouldn't be as welcome. Snow or no snow, today marks the day of new beginnings for so many of us. We are back to work in full swing and all our new year's resolutions are officially put to the test.
As you face your first meeting or trial or homework assignment (or for my high school students…your one last day of freedom), take heart and let your imagination soar this year! You can truly reach the sky and accomplish so much, if you have the right plan and mindset!
I'll share my new year's resolution with you: To set my goals HIGH and not let them go. Last year I realized more than ever before, we all are capable of so much more than we could ever conceptualize and we have a God who will do immeasurably more for us and in us than we could ask or imagine. Last year I became an artist!
With a marketing degree and one abstract art class Freshman year, God has given me an open opportunity to paint on a daily basis. 'Given me' is the correct phrase because I totally didn't think this was the right thing to do. (ok, let's be honest...I still question my path somedays.) I reminded God daily I had no experience, but He apparently wasn't interested. I realize though there is such a long road ahead, and though this door was opened I have to take one faithful step at a time to keep moving forward toward something beautiful.
Let's be clear about one thing: there was no guiding light for me. It was a door, slightly ajar and I had to open it wide enough to walk through. I have to keep walking toward my goals and checking with Him along the way. But I never imaged that would be a door in my future. I never imaged an artist hallway existed for me.
And so, I encourage you to let your imagination soar and you will reach new doors and hallways you never could dream up (and hopefully faster than I could get to mine)!
That's why this year I'm setting even higher goals and walking steadily through my hallway, and I encourage the same for you, let go of your fears and aim HIGH when it comes to your future! There are doorways you haven't even reached yet!
I was encouraged last night by a message given to our high school students (my husband and I lead in a high school ministry). The speaker mentioned three steps we can take to achieving our goals this year, (because a goal without a plan is simply a wish).
1. Change your perspective-Take each day at a time! Look at the small plans instead of the overwhelming goal and make faithful daily deposits.
2. Get people around you-Surround yourself with others who will support you toward your goals! (YOU are one of those people for ME!)
3. Stay persistent- It may take a lot of tries to get it right, but it is well worth it, my friend!
I have so far to go this year and I have so many goals I want to achieve! I encourage you to set your goals high and let your imagination soar on the possibilities and DON'T come down until you reach the sky!
Here is a painting I finished before Christmas break. It shows the power of a little girl's imagination! Sometimes we need to believe in ourselves as much as we did when we were younger!
With all my love, Julie Ann
