My 19 Takeaways from 2019... (Post #69)

"Since there is so much power in the tongue, I plan to spend a portion of every day in 2020 verbally reaffirming my vision for myself, to myself." ​

365 days later, and here we are.  In less than 24 hours the year of 2019 will be history.  

​I can't lie, this year has been one for the books. I have grown as a result of this year; however, I can't help but note that I spent a great deal of 2019 in activities that were contrary to growth.  I spent a great deal of time worrying, stressing, frustrated, and the like.  I certainly don't want to repeat this behavior in the new year.  Also, I'm comforted in knowing that the difference in this year and the next, is me allowing God to have a more significant space in my life.  

So, to establish some headway, I asked myself to identify the 19 things I learned this year, that I pray will aid in the next.  Without any further hesitation, I present to you my 19 takeaways from 2019, that I pray will help my 2020:

1. Your words have power. If you constantly bash yourself, it will begin to impact you. Therefore, spend the year 2020 speaking only things that agree with the vision you have for your desired self. Avoid devaluing, defaming, or insulting words regarding yourself. Stop saying things like "I'm so dumb" or "I can't." Instead, replace these phrases with phrases of inspiration. 
2. If you claim to "want" a thing, you have to do more than affirm the want. In other words, your claim is talking, and talking isn't an action. In 2020 we must accept that if our only response is "talking" about the thing, then we didn't honestly want it. Instead, we were only enamored by the glory associated with it. Admitting this will prove challenging; however, it will also open the door to many necessary changes.
3. You can't make anyone like you. And, not everyone will. And, that's okay. You will not be for everybody.
4. If you don't know your worth, no one else will. If you walk into a room and immediately deem that you're undeserving or somehow less than the others in there, then that will be made known to all in observation of you. Remind yourself daily in this new year that you are just as unique as anyone else. Why compare yourself to others, when God made you one of a kind?
5. You have to identify your hinderances, weakness, and vulnerabilities. You must refuse to ignore them; you must labor diligently in transforming them. Never forget that you have the power to empower yourself if you're intentional about transformation. I must admit that I spent too much time in 2019, avoiding my issues. I will challenge them in 2020 by God's grace.  
6. Meditation is crucial. Sit down, clear your mind, breath, and focus. If you don't have the "Headspace" app, please get it NOW!
7. When your thoughts become overwhelming, sit, and silently tell yourself the definite truth. This self-talk has phenomenal power. For example, if you're overwhelmed by the "thoughts" you're having concerning a pending meeting, elect to sit and tell yourself positive truth. You could say things like, "this meeting is nothing to fear because I know I'm prepared for it." Or, "no matter what happens in this meeting, God is still with me." Trust me, this talk can make a world of difference. 
8. Since there is so much power in the tongue, I plan to spend a portion of every day in 2020 verbally reaffirming my vision for myself, to myself. Say things like "I will be…" or "I am…" Say it even if you don't (currently) believe it.  
9. Worry is a waste of time; God always works it out. Also, sometimes it is necessary to stop and remind yourself of this very fact. Anxiety has never improved anyone's quality of life. However, it has harmed plenty of experiences. 
10. Diet and exercise are critical to a more excellent and futuristic quality of life. Period. Point blank. End of discussion. 
11. Take breaks. Stop, pause, rest, and relax. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your dreams won't be accomplished by morning. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break when there is work to justify its need.  
12. Be present. Don't worry about what might happen tomorrow, while you're very much in the midst of what's happening today. Enjoy where you are in the moment because you're blessed to be there.  
13. Pray about everything. There is nothing to big and there is certainly nothing to small. Give all of your cares and concerns to God, He is more than able to see you through.  
14. Confirm your faith by investigating the Word of God regularly. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (NKJV) If you have a notion about God, don't just think it, seek confirmation from the study of the Word. There's a big difference between "thinking" a thing and "confirming" a thing.
15. Read a book a month. Breakdown the page count and hold yourself accountable. Knowledge is all around you, don't let it pass you by.  
16. Spend time with family. Walk, play board games, eat, joke, laugh, smile, and have fun. They are God's gift to you to aid in the preservation and enjoyment of life. Embrace them and celebrate them.  
17. Tell people how much they mean to you while you can. You are not promised tomorrow. So spend time today.  
18. Try new things. This year I went snorkeling against every thought in my mind, and I must admit that it was excellent. Having a chance to see the water beneath me, the aquatic life, and God's creation was an experience that I've found to be irreplaceable. This all happened because I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried to enjoy life beyond me.
19. Give back. We may not have all we need, but we certainly have more than others. Therefore, we should all seek out chances to aid and help others. After all, I am all that I am because God has given so much to me.  

 
I pray these help, and it's been a blessing connecting with you in this year.  I pray to see more of you in 2020.  Take care and be blessed.

As always comment, subscribe, and share.  Blessings!

​Imperfectly, 

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)