Hi Family and friends,
How is the new year so far?
As we grace the new year, it’s a beautiful time to reflect on the moments, lessons, and joys that shaped the last one. For me, this season has been all about gratitude, growth, and embracing self-care.
New Year New You? Cookies and Ginger Beer
Two years ago, I tried baking cookies with the kids to celebrate the new year. It was, quite frankly, a disaster. Although I ventured into many other creative activities since then, I avoided cookie-baking entirely, choosing to stay in my strength zone—communication. But growth has a funny way of nudging us out of our safe spaces. Last year, we connected with our neighbors, some are expert cookie bakers. On New Year’s Day, we joined them for what turned into a delightful cookie-baking and decorating party. It wasn’t planned, but it was perfect. The kids had a blast, and I’m happy to say that cookies might just become part of our new year’s tradition.
The kids decorating their cookies
Then there was the ginger beer. While it’s a little too “spicy” for the kids’ taste buds, the adults loved it. Our neighbor suggested mixing the ginger beer with peach or pineapple juice to make it more kid-friendly. Let me tell you—divine! These small moments of connection, creativity, and shared joy reminded me of how meaningful it is to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures.
Ginger beer
The festive season was a whirlwind, and I took a much-needed break from public writing to recharge. I’ve been quietly working on some other projects that I’m excited to share with you soon. In the meantime, I’ve been reflecting on the music that seems to play in my soul when I wake up each morning—a melody of joy that fills my heart and fuels my gratitude.
Reflection: A Heart Full of Gratitude
As I reflect on this season, here are seven things I’m deeply grateful for:
- Faith and Focus: God sees and knows all. We don’t need all the answers; we simply need to focus on Him. Proverbs 4:25-27 reminds us to stay focused: “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.” Life’s distractions can overwhelm us, but focusing on God gives clarity, peace, and protection.
- Life and Hope: Each day is a gift. While dreams may take time, hope remains alive. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” When I first arrived in this country and couldn’t find a job despite having a PhD and other accomplishments, I was heartbroken. Seeking God’s guidance, I created a plan, started this blog, and worked intentionally toward growth. Challenges can bring pain, but action—not just hope—determines our path. Are we leading our lives with purpose or letting life lead us?
- Family and Friends: The love and support of those close to us are priceless. While my sensitive nature sometimes makes me withdraw, I’ve learned that life is richer with others. We were created for connection. Becoming the best version of ourselves helps us attract the right people. Are we making the necessary changes to grow?
- Our Children: They are the future, and it’s our privilege to guide them. Proverbs 22:6 teaches, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parenting isn’t about us; it’s about shaping our children’s futures. Remember, “Children live what they learn.” Are we intentional in what we teach them?
- New Beginnings: Our entire immediate family are now U.S. citizens! This milestone reflects resilience and grace. Though we’ve made mistakes, God’s mercies are new every morning. Will we embrace the opportunities He gives us or remain stuck in old ways?
- Travel and Nature: Visiting Niagara Falls is a powerful reminder of God’s wonders. As Job 37:14 says, “Stop and consider God’s wonders.” When life feels overwhelming, taking a break and getting back to nature can help shift our focus back to Him. No matter how many times I visit Niagara Falls, its breathtaking beauty never fails to amaze me and draw my heart back to God.
- Love, Peace, and Joy: These are life’s true treasures. Many people long for peace or happiness, but I’ve learned that true peace comes only through seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is profound. Colossians 3:16 urges us to, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Do you want fleeting happiness or lasting joy that makes your heart sing?
Seven Lessons Learned
Here are seven lessons we’ve embraced along the way:
- Some Gifts Require Patience: Every good and perfect gift is from God, but sometimes we need to unwrap the bad to get to the good. Patience and understanding help us to see the blessings.
- Share Your Story: When we overcome challenges, sharing our journey helps build connections and inspires others. Keeping it to ourselves is a disservice to our world.
- Forgive and Offer Grace: Everyone deserves grace. If we want forgiveness when we’ve done wrong, we must be willing to forgive others. Forgiveness heals and opens doors to new possibilities.
- Do Your Best, Not Prove Others Wrong: Trying to prove others wrong can lead to dishonesty and unhealthy behaviors. Instead, focus on doing your best and staying true to your values.
- Guard Your Heart: Know the values you live by and hold onto them, regardless of the situation or circumstances. Don’t compromise on what truly matters.
- Trust in the Lord: Proverbs reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Acknowledging Him in all things has guided me profoundly this past year.
- Redirection Is Purposeful: Every rejection can be a redirection, but it’s also an opportunity to reaffirm your purpose. Never give up; take breaks when needed but keep moving forward.
A Quick Word on Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. Whether enjoyed in a refreshing ginger beer (cold) or a soothing tea (hot), it’s a wonderful way to care for our body especially during the winter season.
A Gentle Reminder on Self-Care for the New Year
The end and beginning of a year is the perfect time to pause and reflect. Did we accomplish everything we set out to do? If not, what lessons did we learn along the way? For me, last year wasn’t about chasing goals aggressively. Instead, it was about growing intentionally, and that growth brought the fulfillment of dreams—even ones I had forgotten about.
Happy New Year!
As we embrace this new year, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves, to focus on what truly matters, and to celebrate the little victories. Here’s to a year filled with gratitude, growth, and joy as more of our dreams come true.
Love,
Sanchia and team.
We thank Janine Lee for her contribution to this post.
Now you…
What are you grateful for that happened last year?
What lessons did you learn last year?