Christmas is over and 2022 is behind us. It’s already the middle of January 2023! The first two weeks of my new year have been bittersweet. It’s been an exciting time, but also a sad time. We lost a number of family and friends over the holidays. Yet there have also been wonderful things to celebrate: our family was all united again for Christmas for the first time since lockdown. We enjoyed relaxing time together, sharing laughter, watching movies, and playing games. Eva Marie Workshops hosted its Coffee Connect year-end party, and I’ve been planning our first workshop of the new year.
Due to personal family challenges, I had to scale back on workshops, blogging, and coaching in 2022. I did my best to stay connected to the women I serve; I taught a few classes and continued to learn and grow. In my annual year-in-review, I was pleased to discover that I did accomplish some of my goals. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any of the things on my vision board done, but I’m thankful that with God’s help, I did some of them.
I think most of us would agree that life doesn’t always go as planned–that’s where I was six months ago when I had to make the decision to cut back. I’m a visual person, and everyday I look at my vision board. For me, it makes a huge difference. It was hard, knowing I probably wouldn’t accomplish everything. But one thing I’ve learned is that when God has a purpose for your life, it’s His timing and not yours. During 2022, I completed what He wanted me to. One of my favorite verses is, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
It was in the wee hours of the morning when I was journaling, praying, searching for God’s direction and wisdom for this new year that He laid it on my heart that it was time to restart. I pulled out the Vision Board Workshop flier from 2022 and made some changes. I’m so thankful for Shelby Ketchen, who originally designed the flier and helped me revamp it with such a quick turnaround. The first workshop of 2023 is receiving a great response!
I love vision boards because each day our goals and dreams are right in front of us. Each day is a fresh start, a new canvas full of hope. Don’t let a setback stop you. Keep going and don’t give up. He is faithful to us.
In the comments section, please share how you enjoy planning for the new year.
Thank you for reading my blog and responding.
My mom was my best friend. I miss talking to her. She taught me so much.
I’m excited to see how God will lead you in your coaching business. I know He has great plans for you.
I’m sorry for your loss of family and friends. I find myself trying to remember all the things I wish I had done that my mother tried to teach, because now I can’t call her to ask her how she made her garden grow so well. Or how she cooked a certain meal.
Your post gave me a scripture I needed for my new project, which I keep putting off because it requires me to learn skills of an extrovert instead of hiding behind a camera. I know what I’m called to do, but imposter syndrome kicks my butt and I find myself appologizing to God a lot, telling Him I’m sorry I haven’t done what’s in my heart to do.
I plan according to seasons. I’m a highly senstive introver that doesn’t like to be pressured for a deadline. So, I plan according to a season. I know I have 6 months to transform my coaching life into a Bible-based approach, and instead of saying I will get everything done in 6 months; I say, what can I accomplish in this time? Then I make a list and prioritize it. Critical, urgent, and to be scheduled.
I’m going to spend six months seeking God for transformation so I am qaulified to do what I believe I’m supposed to do, and I love Psalm 32:8. It’s a scripture I didn’t know about, and didn’t know it was the foundation I needed for the 6 months, until I saw it in your post.
Thank you for our conversations over the months. I love you friend!