7 Things to Leave Behind in 2017 – Many December 31st’s found me home alone watching people around the world ring in the New Year. The final moments of some years found me asleep missing the ball drop. Quite the contrast of NYE in 2011 in Times Square where I experienced the biggest party ever. However, a celebration later would hand me one of the most challenging years.
2017, was one of the most blessed and interesting years I can remember. It was a year of great personal growth in every area of my life. It was where all the work of the previous decade would pay off. Maybe all the NYE naps were a sign of the cool moments I would experience while choosing to embrace the blessings of change in peace.
While the year saw some challenging moments, like the loss of my brother, there was hope and good change around every corner. As I leave 2017 I am even more hopeful, even more optimistic than any other time I can remember.
As I exit 2017, here are my top 7 Things to Leave Behind in 2017.
Loss
If you lost something or someone in 2017 its time to take a deep breath, say a prayer, and give it to God. A new beginning starts in a few days so it’s time to keep the fond memories but leave the pain of loss in 2017.
Old Habits
I don’t know about you, but for me, 2017 was a great year to purge old habits that escaped me for decades. It was a year to eat right, live right, and serve others. Won’t you consider leaving your bad habits behind for 2017 to deal with!
Toxic People
We all have toxic people that graced our lives. 2017 was a great year to set right boundaries and leave the toxic people to God. Don’t allow them to tag along with your 2018 hope.
Excuses
It seems that excuses are the cultural mantra. If you are making excuses, this is a great time to leave them behind and take personal responsibility for your own life. In 2018 you, with God’s help, are the catalyst to your new life of hope and joy.
Fear of “What If”
Fear is mentioned more in the bible than most anything. Leave the “what if’s” in 2017 and press toward the mark. You never know what will happen if you stop thinking fear and start thinking hope sprinkled with action.
Bitterness
I have observed more single Christians living in bitterness and anger because they didn’t get what they wanted, or they feel God failed them in some way. Guess what? You can only forgive, move forward, and give it to God.
2016, 2015,2014,2013,2012,2011,2010…the past.
For all the other years, you forgot to leave behind, now is the time. Been divorced? Leave it behind. Went bankrupt? Leave it behind. Been hurt? Leave it. The New Year is a great time to create new memories while leaving the old in their own place and time.
Whatever 2018 has for us in those hopeful 365 days, lets choose to leave the past loss, habits, toxicity, excuses, and old pains with 2017. Who knows, this may be your year of love, health, wealth, and happiness. Choosing to start it off in the right mindset can only encourage right thoughts and less things to leave behind in 2018.
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
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