~🌸~ Embracing Transformation~🌸~

2023 was full of ups and downs. I’ve been keeping an eye on my personal growth, looking back at the tough times, and seeing how I’ve grown from them. I’m proud of myself for pushing through every hurdle and checkpoint. It takes a lot of strength to fight for yourself! Sometimes we get wrapped up in what others think, and we forget to be true to ourselves. Peer pressure and persuasion can lead us down the wrong path, and projecting our own beliefs onto others can be hurtful. It’s a shame that we often do these things to each other.

Societal pressures and external opinions can have a negative influence on our authentic selves. These influences often lead to feelings of hatred, pride, or arrogance, leaving us feeling hopeless. It is the most popular ammunition out there, and as we grow older, starting from childhood, our unaffected authenticity becomes tainted with all the burdens of the world. I didn’t see it like that before because I was a part of it too. It becomes natural because we are literally taught from childhood that the way the world is, is normal. However, there was only one person who helped me think outside of what was considered normal, and to understand that it’s not the only way to live, and that’s Jesus (by reading his word).

Take a minute to really think about who you are, like the real you and nobody else. How much of that stuff are you actually listening to and letting it hold you back from doing what you really want to do? I wrote a blog post called “The Confidence in Me” where I shared how I’m becoming the person I want to be by leaving my comfort zone, and adopting new values. I realize the importance of acknowledging the voice that holds you back once you have decided to pursue change. When you’re about to try something new, those thoughts come flooding and you talk yourself out of it. Don’t let that happen!

Top priority to bear in mind is to be careful to not make it all about ‘me, me, me’ or ‘I, I, I’. One should always strive to avoid being selfish and making everything about oneself. It’s more about having that cool balance, you know? Like, being confident but not going overboard with it. It’s about believing in yourself and striving to improve without turning into an ‘I’m the best at everything’ kinda vibe. Despair consumes each and every one of us, and Satan has a significant influence on all of our lives so it can be challenging to move forward. But we can’t forget that we’re not the only ones out there. We need to keep our confidence up, but also be aware that other people are struggling too. It’s a fine line to walk indeed!

”There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.“
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I love this scripture because it reminds me of the important things I need to keep in mind on my journey of self-renewal. The world we live in is far from perfect and rarely promotes harmony. When I look at the state of the world and the years that have gone by, I see that nothing has changed, just as the Lord said. It’s hard to find righteousness in people and we live every day in chaos caused by ourselves, with Satan as the hype man.

This verse inspires awe in me, reminding me of the Almighty’s power and wisdom through His divine poetry. It’s like standing in awe of this boundless knowledge He holds. His words aren’t mere statements; they’re promises etched in the fabric of reality. Life, transformations—everything He foretells unfailingly unfolds. He’s the sole orchestrator of certainty, speaking with such unwavering confidence. Surrendering my life to Him means placing it in the hands of absolute purity and divinity. No other voice resonates like His, assuring not just security, but a serene journey ahead. I break away from negative mental bondage each time I come up against a chain, because Jesus believes in me! I have been able to overcome obstacles that I never thought I could, and glory be to God for being my guide and my foundation! Faith and trust in the Lord are the answer to all of life’s problems. Thank you for reading.