About this time of year I start to notice something about me… and my fellow human beings…
Tell me if this looks familiar…
The gloss of the new year starts to wear a little thin…
And little by little we start to give way to that little voice in our head that tells us that we were crazy for thinking this year was ever going to be different anyhow.
Who are we kidding, we are meant to be unhappy, broke, overweight, stressed, separated from God, fill-in-your-own-vice-here forevermore…
No one ever really gets it together, right?
No one except extreme cases ever lose the weight for good, get their finances under control, fall back in love, get their house in order anyhow, achieve balance, right?
And then we take the hope that we courageously planted just a few weeks ago and we uproot it so that we can quietly and violently smother it to death with the shame of we aren’t good enough, so why did we even try…
Sound familiar?
Or is it just me?
This year, I am choosing to listen to a different voice.
One that says failing is the sign of someone trying.
The voice that says I would rather try than become a failure because I never tried again.
When I really think about it, failing and continuing to try has a pretty GOODe record at this house…
I failed for two years at a marriage on the brink of divorce…730 days of fights, tears and unhappiness. Only to eventually come out on the other side married to my best friend in life 13 1/2 years strong.
I failed at managing my finances and resources so badly that we not only racked up unbearable debt once, but twice in those 13 years… Only to find Financial Peace two years ago and break free of the debt and habits that had us chained- knocking everything but cars/mortgages out this past year… and this year, we are coming for them 😉 .
I failed for the last 15 years to really connect with God and a church family in the way I know God intended me to and for the last 5 months we have been home at the church we know beyond all shadows of doubt that God created us to serve. It has completely revolutionized my family in a way that 6 months ago I would have laughed at you if you had tried to tell me.
I could go on and on… I just never thought of failing like this before this year…
Apparently athletes have been on to this road to success for some time…
So how about it? Are you up for a year of trying yet again?
About Cris
I am the mama behind GOODEness Gracious and the owner of Cris Goode Solutions. Here at GOODEness Gracious, we like to keep it light and fun as we cook up family meals, share our super mommy secrets and chat it up about the GOODe life:) So come on in and sit a spell.
Hoosier Farm Babe says
I guess I see things a little differently in life. I don’t see my failures as much as opportunities missed, many of which that happened for good reason. I believe He has a plan for me so there’s no use in feeling sorry for my plans that didn’t pan out. Its time to move forward and focus on the positive and the successes. I certainly appreciate your honesty and attitude as we take hold of 2012 and what it holds for each of us. And I know people might say I have it so good, things are perfect for her, she doesnt understand, but others certainly don’t see what goes on behind closed doors-my private and personal life struggles. I hope for you as I do myself that I can blog more this year with the great level of honesty and sincerity such that you have shared here today. 🙂
Anonymous says
Blogging can be such a great tool to help us keep our head on straight, can’t it 😉 I look forward to your posts!
Debnjoizee919 says
Thanks for sharing, Cris. Life is full of failures, successes, ups and downs – all we can do is hang in there, and keep trying. And keeping the Faith – the most important thing. Love your blog, your recipes, and your honesty and sincerity!
Deb
Anonymous says
Thanks so much Deb!
Lana says
Yep, I’m up for trying again. Great post! Need to find that song about that ant who thought he could move a rubber tree plant with “high hopes.” It’s been a rough week, more ‘stuff” to deal with, but i am bound and determined to find my smile and inner peace without harming anyone 😉
Criss @ Quick Fix says
I really needed this message today. Just feeling like “what’s the use in trying anymore”… Thanks for reminding me I’m not perfect and tomorrow’s a new day.
Ladybug1318 says
i know God has blessed my life with you, Cris.
It helps – me anyway -to think of “training,” not “trying.” Somehow the trying keeps me in the bog & the training lets me do the same thing without lingering over the failure, ya know?
and it’s funny in an amazing sort of way how many folks i’ve talked to identify with your marriage comments. i read stats about that back when i was wondering about continuing myself, and, quarter century later, can say it’s true.
Andrea Misiaszek says
An excellent article… always tackle your “inner dark voice” and yes it tends to come out in January. Great job, will be following for more info!