LOH 269: How I’m Preparing My Heart for the New Year

To welcome the new year, according to your personal beliefs, do you have any customs or traditions to close cycles and open yourself to the new year with new energy and resolutions? If so, share them with us.

As the year 2025 is coming to a close in a few days, I find myself reflecting on how I prepare my heart and spirit for a new beginning. For me, welcoming a new year won't be noisy, but rather more about reflection, gratitude, and deepening my walk with God.

I have some regrets about my spiritual life. There was a time I was pained when I realised how beautiful it is to walk with God, and I regretted wasting away years until late last year, towards this year, when I discovered how amazing the journey has been for me. That realisation marked a turning point for me. I didn't dwell much on the regret, but promised myself to do better next year.

I felt grateful for the circumstances that surrounded me this year and how I was able to deal with them in the easiest way, which is asking for guidance from the Almighty.

I learnt my lessons, and one of them was to always put God first, instead of doing it my way, which doesn't always work out.

The new year is coming, and I have prepared myself to stay committed to reading my Bible, praying consistently, journaling the beautiful things that come my way just like I did this year, observing my quiet time seriously, while living the best life I am called to live.

These have become intentional practices I want to carry forward.

One old habit I have discarded a long time ago this year was worrying too much. For real, I didn't worry myself too much this year because I learnt that instead of worrying or complaining, I could just channel it into praising God and letting Him know of my requests while I wait patiently for Him to act.

Worry has affected me a lot for years, and at times, I wonder why I was worried when things I was overwhelmed with didn't happen, and even if they did, they came by effortlessly. This realisation changed my perspective greatly, and it used to hurt me how I had disturbed myself that much.

Honestly, I saw the difference this year, and I really do want to keep at it, which I have worked on, though there are times I still get worried, but not as much as before. I don't think I was hurt this year because I don't even bother about anything. I have learned to let go more easily.

I also learnt that whoever or whatever didn't come my way, they weren't supposed to, and I don't need to force myself over them.

Also, when people come around and walk away silently, I assume their time is up and do not need to force them back. Not everyone will stay with you till the end; people and things come and go. Understanding this brought peace to me.

What matters is the lessons you learned. And yes, they taught me a lot this year, and I am definitely working towards the best in 2026.

Another thing is fear. I have been encouraged this year to cast my burdens on the Lord, and since I have obeyed, I have never lacked anything this year, and I am sure I won't next year.

I am not overwhelmed by the fear of the future anymore because I know one thing: He that has started with me can complete it to the end, and that "He" is God.

He told me He will take care of me till my lifetime, and I ought to hold on tightly to His Word and believe Him for that. I am always working on my faith and belief, and just like the Word of God says, "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God." That is what I am doing and taking that into next year.

I love to write down my plans and then lay them at the Lord’s feet. This has become a personal tradition for me. This is another tradition of mine that I have come to test its effectiveness, and yes, I can say it works. It is what I bring to Him that He helps me with, especially when it aligns with His will for me.

I have my plans ready and prayed over them already, and I am still doing that. Prayer works, and that's my belief. I am ending this year with a positive mindset and stepping into the new one with full energy, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

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