The Year of the Bounce Back

The almighty, all powerful 2020 is over! Praise Him! However, just because we're in a new year, doesn't mean we've left the old one behind us. How are we supposed to overcome??

2020 brought the best and the worst out of people. Many people started businesses, grew spiritually, and were able to give to people in need. However, everyone's story isn't all bells and whistles. Whether you're a teacher pushing through virtual and face to face learning, hurting financially, or grieving the death of a love one, 2020 sucked! COVID alone brought many crises with it, that a lot of us still can't fathom. Then, 2020's big cousin 2021 came in full force with the Trump supporters losing their everlasting minds at the capitol on Election Day. So yeah, we have a lot to recoup from. For New Year's Eve service, Dr. Craig Oliver at Elizabeth Baptist Church spoke on resilience. Even through all the bullshit we've been through, we made it and it's time to bounce back from it. Believe me, the struggle will never end, but knowing how to bounce back makes the transition much easier.

Prayer

To be transparent, with church not meeting in person, it was easy for me to slack on God. I only went on Sundays, but it helped guide me for the rest of the week. However, church is just a building. Your relationship with God is what you make it. God is trying to tell us something during these times, and it is important that we take the time to listen. Without the pain of my scalp condition, I wouldn't have heard God tell me to start this blog.

Transition hurts! With all the hurt, pain and confusion we're dealing with, God is showing us their is something great coming our way. We've witnessed that during the elections. Even through the madness, the greater good couldn't be stopped! Regardless of what you're going through, continue to have Faith. Whether you're religious, spiritual, or whatever you want to call it, use this time to get into the Word, be thankful for what you have, and appreciate God's presence. We are here for a reason, and we are going through this for a reason. Seek God first, ask for resilience and pray that he shows you the way.

Scriptures on Resilience (CEV Version)

Philippians 4:13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

Joshua 1:9 I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord you God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against the rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you won't have to do a thing.

Goal Setting

We all have something that we want to do differently this year. A lot of us create vision boards or make declarations at the beginning of each year, to affirm how the new year will be. The problem with these new year resolutions is that after a month, they slowly fade away. I thought you said you was getting a six pack, yet you're downing Cheetos for lunch everyday *no judgement*. Didn't you say you're saving for a a new car, yet you have the new J's every time they come out??? *no judgement* Where's the sacrifice?! If you want to see change, you need to take action. Praying to God is definitely important, but it's not going to mysteriously fall in your lap without you doing ANYTHING. God is that powerful where he could do the unknown, but when has life been that easy?

Action Steps to Take:

• Create a list of goals that are attainable (be real with yourself)

• Map out how you are going to achieve these goals

• Actually follow your plan (this is the hard part)

Almost everything that I put on my vision board came true, and if it didn't I am still working on it now. Speak your life into existence and live a way that will make it happen. There will be bumps and turns, but nothing is going to take you away from your destiny. Bounce back from the old, and get your mind set on the new *puts up church finger to excuse myself*

Live Your Best Life

Don't let the struggles in life take you out. Change and challenge is part of life. If you understand that, and accept it, you will be able to bounce back quicker from any adversity that comes your way.

• Self-Care: Love yourself!! I can't say this enough. Take care of your body and your mind. Eat the right things, turn off CNN and do something that takes care of your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. You will see a change in yourself.

• Indulge a little: There's nothing wrong with "messing up" a little. I'm on a very specific diet (when I feel like it), but sometimes I need something bad to make me feel good. If I want some chips, a bottle of wine and some more chips, that's my business. Taking care of yourself doesn't mean you have to stress yourself out to be this ultra-healthy, outstanding citizen. Moderation is important, and happiness is the key!

• Support System: There's power in numbers. Get together with like minded people and help each other overcome your obstacles. If you're trying to bounce back from sobriety, find a group who's doing the same thing.

• Share Your Purpose: What is your purpose on this Earth? Whatever it is, it might help someone else bounce back from the things they're going through. You never know when and how you are needed. Do not keep your God given gift to yourself!! You're here for a reason!

Just Do It!

I don't have all the answers, but I know that dwelling on the past doesn't help. It is okay to grieve, deal with your emotions safely, and grow at your own pace. Long as you're understanding that things will happen out of your control, and find solutions to those problems you will bounce back in no time! If you fall off sometimes it is ok, just keep pushing. I am a testimony of the bounce back. Where I am today, is not where I was this time last year. If I would have never pushed through, I wouldn't have seen what God was trying to show me. Keep it positive, check on your friends, and live un·scarred!

Give me feedback!! How are you an overcomer? What do you do to get yourself back on track?

Resiliently & Proudly,

Gia

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

-Booker T. Washington

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