Transformation: A Renewing Of The Mind

What a perfect time of year to consider who we really are and what we really want. It’s so much more than the general exercise of making New Year Resolutions...80% of which are long forgotten by mid-February.  My annual practice has been doing the introspective work of renewing my mind and thoughts to bring about a long-lasting transformation. 

As we turned the page on one chapter of our lives (2018) and begin to write the next chapter (2019), we must start by determining who we are, who we want be and what we really want.  I’ve learned that the most effective approach is to seek clarity and an understanding of my innermost desire for the type of lifestyle I truly want to live.  

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind.” Romans 12:2

How we start this new chapter is very important; so, in my first blog post of 2019, I wanted to share my process with you…

CONNECT WITH GOD.

Start by seeking and developing a deeper connection with God.  Being still and getting very quiet, I listen to hear His voice and understand His will for the direction of my life on a personal and spiritually, and as a member of the community around me.  Just like I schedule “me time” for hair and nails or meeting sisters for lunch, I make prayer and meditation the utmost priority on my daily calendar.

“Without a vision, the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18

MAKE A PLAN.

With the renewal of our mind, God not only provides a clear vision, but He gives us the wisdom and strength to move forward. The plan provides us with a course of action which, much like a GPS, helps us reach our desired destination. 

“A dream without a plan is just a wish.”

It is up to us to develop a plan in accordance to His will and vision.  For inspiration, we should look back at our untouched dreams, things others told us we couldn’t do or wouldn’t work.  Make a list of things that we want to accomplish spiritually, personally, professionally, financially, etc.  By searching our heart and analyzing each item on the list, we can determine if it is something that we really want to do. (Eliminate anything on the list that’s only there because someone else suggested it, told us we would be good at it, or we could make a lot of money doing it.)  Also do not include anything just to replicate something you see someone else doing successfully.  It’s only within our own heart that we will discover our true passion and our purpose.  That’s the talent and unique gift we’re destined to share.

  

TAKE ACTION.

When taking action, consistency and focus are imperative. Even though we may feel unprepared in some way, be assured that the way has already been made possible. Our focus should be placed on doing the things we directly control and seeking support or help for others when needed. Along the journey, we grow and learn.  Sometimes learning can look like faltering, so remember that we may bend, but we will not break. We will blossom. When we trust God and the plan He has for our lives, He will see us through.

  

Day by day, we must keep going. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep taking action.  We must do everything in our power until our dreams are realized and our transformation evolves. Our reward for perseverance is we become more and more of who we’re meant to be.