Now the New Year is here, and as you’ve heard me mention before the phrase “New Year, New Me” is still alive and well. While many are against and just down right tired of hearing this phrase resurface year after year, I’d love to propose a “resolution” that’s worth keeping. A proposal for those who might want to do some early spring cleaning and declutter their lives this year!

In light of last week’s article “SOUL FOOD” I returned to a local bookstore to purchase a good read (yes, I’m always trying to feed my spirit). While browsing I stumbled across a book entitled “Simplify” by Bill Hybels and after reading the subtitle which read “ten practices to unclutter your soul” I was instantly intrigued.

Of course after purchasing I was forced to question what my intentions were in terms of the results I’d like to gain? My biggest hope was to free myself of any and everything that stunts my love for humanity.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have love you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends … I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…This is my command: Love each other” – John 16:9-17.

“Love each other” not in a subpar manner but in one that is both authentic and tangible. Loving unconditionally (which allow me to mention is not an easy task). I, for one have struggled with such due to my “expectations” (which often cause chaos because of the restraints it places on relationships). However, I’m learning to replace expectations with goals. Especially, in relationships. Questions such as: How would you like to treat those around you? What kind of personal goals can you set in regards to improving your portion of the relationship, and in what ways will you execute such in your life, are worth considering when entertaining the idea of “decluttering”.

Personally, I’ve created three goals (all in which are rooted in love) to help not only declutter my life, but improve my role in all relationships. These goals are listed as the following:

1.Allowing people to be who they are.

So many times I have attempted to change those around me, rather than learning to love them without conditions. In doing so, I’ve both misinterpreted and devalued many individuals (which is merely a result of the false and unhealthy level of expectation I’d set. I’ve also been guilty of de-valuing the process of maturation for others because I “expected” them to be or know better. This sense of expectancy (expectation without a realistic component) is one of the many issues with humanity. Somehow, someway we “figure” out one more piece of this puzzle and begin trying to force our knowledge on all those around, rather than learning to share our truth without the pressure of conformity. Authentic love chooses to blow pass the nuisance offenses (that comes with differences). It chooses to allow people to grow at their own pace and time. Never forcing them but always being willing to assist in any way possible.

2.Learn to keep the not-so important things just as they are…. “not-so important”

I’ve wasted a lot of time stressing, fussing, and being extremely complacent which leads to a lack of gratitude. As I’m sure many can attest to the feeling of always seeming unproductive (even on your most productive days). 24 hours is just never enough for anyone, so in knowing such I’m striving to be more strategic with my days. As well as becoming more fruitful in my relationships (no more bickering with the same people, over the same issues)but reverting to goal number one, and allowing love and acceptance to iron out any differences.

3.Live fearlessly.

Fear clutters 75% of our lives (and I was being extremely generous with that percentage). I know for myself, fear has cluttered 90% of my life and perhaps a higher percentage depending on the season. Well enough is enough, “for God has not given us the spirit of” what? “Fear and timidity, but of power, love, joy, and a sound mind” - 2 Timothy 1:7. The time for “love”, “joy”, and a “sound mind” is now (fun fact: it always has been) so do yourself the favor and unpack the fear in your life.

I hope you all will take this fine opportunity to set new goals and most importantly find a new and lasting sense of motivation to complete each goal. As well as strength to endure.

May peace guard your heart and mind while prosperity follows your lead in this New Year!