I do not make New Year’s resolutions. I did for many years and by the time July rolled around, I would always find myself disappointed and disgusted with my inability to keep whatever ridiculous goal I had set for myself. For 41 years, I have been so hard on myself. I have compared myself with others around me and allowed others’ opinions to hold me prisoner. As 2022 begins, I am grieving the time I have lost trying to be “perfect” in the eyes of others around me.
This year I am making a different type of resolution. I have decided to treat myself with kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, and joy. If the scale is not down 5 lbs. from one week to the next, it is okay. That number on the scale will no longer define my happiness, and I will no longer allow what others think my number on the scale should be to control the narrative in my mind. I understand that when people in my life have made comments about my weight, they weren’t meant as hurtful or harmful but unfortunately, my perception has always been that I am not good enough in that area of my life.
A friend on Facebook posted a beautiful quote from “Faith Over Fear” that is really my inspiration for 2022. “God did not put your beautiful soul on this planet so that you could listen to the enemy in your mind tell you that you aren’t good enough.” That quote is me! I have allowed the enemy, Satan, control of my inner dialogue for so long that I feel as if I am lesser because of my outward appearance. How horribly sad is it to live your life in the shadow of a lie! Wake up Anna! God has made you perfect in every way, and by taking on Christ and the Holy Spirit, your soul has been made clean. I am a child of God’s, and Satan will no longer control my inner voice.
That was really hard to say out loud. My precious husband tells me all the time to stop putting myself down, that it is wrong. I am taking his advice. I can not wait to see how my entire outlook on life will change if I am positive with myself and give myself grace. The notation of giving myself the same grace I give others in life seems ridiculous. Why would you not love yourself?
Most of us are familiar with the love passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. We tend to hear it often at weddings or in reference to loving others around us; and yes, it is a wonderful passage of scripture for those very purposes. But, this year, I am also going to apply it to loving myself. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
I will learn to be patient with myself and kind. I will not boast or be proud. I will not dishonor others or myself. I will not become easily angered at myself and I will not keep a record of my wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truths about myself. I will always protect, trust, hope, and persevere.
So, I am asking all of you to go on this year-long journey of self-forgiveness and self-love with myself. I hope that, if like me in the past, you have been your worst critic and have not loved yourself, that you come with me on this walk to learn to love yourself again. To grow into the person that God has meant for you to be.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:8-39
This week’s recipe is an easy, fast, and delicious breakfast recipe for anyone on the go. And while, eggs are traditionally eaten at breakfast, these are equally as good for supper when served along a side salad. This recipe calls for only 3 ingredients, but feel free to add whichever veggies you love, whichever protein you prefer, and for good measure, throw in some cheese. Enjoy!
May 3, 2024
