New beginnings are hard
5 minutes read
While it looks like I’ve got it all together on social media, the truth is I have been finding it challenging to get back to routine. For many who have work to go to, maybe you’re also struggling with the same emotions.
I wished Christmas could last a little longer.
Even after having visions cast and dreams laid out for 2023, starting the momentum is hard. I have been giving myself excuses that tomorrow will come. Then unknowingly, my to-do list piles up. Now, I am just glad I got up a little earlier to write this, and hope to get on with my newsletters and Procreate Studio updates later this week.
People asked how I tirelessly show up on social media. PSA: There are real awful moments I just want to delete all and go into solitude especially when I am torn between feeling FOMO and showing up consistently. Either path I choose, peace only sits in after a few days of wrestling. That’s when I realize, it takes hours, weeks, or months to process the changes in my emotion as well as the things I am set to do.
For example, I tend to be more eager for conversion when I post content with a call to action. I will be checking the insights every hour to know if actions are taken or if my reels go viral. My mind knows this is an unhealthy habit, yet the fear of missing out gripped me to live the opposite of trusting in God’s time.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Honestly, I am thankful to have this faith that God is in control. Not that He is controlling how I do life but He has a greater plan for me. When He says to learn from Him, He is saying, “I can give you the wisdom you need to get through this.” But this kind of wisdom does not just come in acknowledgement. I believe I grew in maturity as I constantly have to deal with unsettling emotions. This small business thing is actually more of a personal growth I reckon.
James 3:17 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
I love the fact that I have grown to make time for God’s word too. Looking back at my twenties, I regret not making time for His words. But yet, God is gracious and gentle to me. In my daily surrender, He quenched my thirst and restores my youth. Making intentional time to focus on Heavenly thoughts is my desire for you too.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.
Friends, I am as ordinary as you who are reading this blog. Starting SLC, was only a result of sharing my love for the work that I was given to do. How it grew to where it is today? I have no clue but to believe God made it work out.
Whenever I feel disorientated about SLC, I’d remind myself, “One more for Jesus.” If my post only reached out to one person viewing, my prayer is that it will reach he/her at the right time and right place. My investment into God’s Kingdom is the appointed time in the purpose of God, the time when God acts. Kairos is God's dimension —not marked by the past, the present, or the future.
This simply means for me, that God can intervene in any algorithm. He can accelerate, suspend and even reverse time for me.
If He can do it for me, He will do it for you too. Just seek, ask and knock; the door will be open to you. Whether you’re running your own business or working for others. I hope this helps in your calling and vocation; with resources that you can look into to build on new habits with Jesus.
Pray about everything
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Start with a grateful heart by thanking Him for everything little thing. Even for the salt in your food that gives you flavor. Not worrying about anything is an ongoing process. We will always fall short but our daily decisions to pray, sets us apart; readily for Him to speak.
Resource: KingdomCity 24/7 Prayer Schedule
Read His word, keep hearing and chew on it
Romans 10:17 NKJV
So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Trust me, I came from that place too. I did not have a physical bible until I started jotting verses in my journal. For years, I only listened to podcast. I don’t know when it started but I knew deep in my spirit the seeds were sprouting. If you read about my journey to SLC, you’ll know that it took me years to realize God has a dream for me and more years to step boldly into Kingdom’s reality. Pursuing His word grants me the wisdom I need to get through a day.
Resource: Current favourite podcast
Be fully present
Matthew 6:34 TPT
“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Living fully in the moment is the desire of God’s heart for us. He wants you and me to savor Him right here right now. Take minutes a day to be present. Sometimes, it is being with Jesus Himself but most times these moments are well spent when you’re with someone sharing the same faith. A friend who loves and knows Jesus becomes a safe haven for you to be present.
Even on social media content, you can choose to follow those who follow Jesus. Their faith can lift you up and harness courage together.
Follow and be inspired by their faith:
@wordsbynash
@lisabevere
@yaypodcast
@writtentospeak
@wildflowerculture
For my business friends, stay resisted while surrendering your ideation to God, let Him nurture you to who He has called you to be. DaddyGod is much more interested to who you’re becoming than doing. So hold fast to the dreams He has for you and yield towards Him everyday. As long as you’re taking time to invest into His Kingdom, He will not let these moments go to waste.
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