A new year; a new beginning. In actuality, every day that we wake up is a chance to begin again; a new day to not repeat the mistakes of the day before. But, we tend to think more about this at New Year’s.
Before moving on to another year it is important to look back at the year you are leaving behind. And then, you do exactly that — leave it behind.
I ask myself if there is something I want to change; something I want to do better or more I want to do that didn’t get done this past year.
Of course there were mistakes. Each of us make them, but we cannot dwell on them because it keeps us from moving forward.
This past year was a trying time for me in some ways but I continue to count my blessings.
Breaking both of my wrists at the same time was challenging in all areas of my life, but no more so than in my marriage. The mechanics of everything changes when you cannot use your hands and you have to rely on someone else to do everything for you and I do mean everything. You certainly find out how strong the both of you are and how committed you are to each other. You also can grow closer which happened in our case.
It was a very humbling experience and sometimes we do need to be humbled. I didn’t think I had a problem in that area but God has a plan and purpose for everything and I am not quite sure the reason but am still praising Him and know that it will be revealed eventually.
Going into the new year, I am facing more surgery to remove plates; hopefully both but maybe only one — that is still under debate by the ortho doctor. My vote is to do both and get it over with as both bother me and removing the one from my right hand will I pray, allow me to turn my hand over all the way which I cannot do right now.
Last year allowed me to enter into a new phase of my life and I feel very blessed. People always think journalists can speak as well as write and I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I have this past year. Of course, it is only by God’s grace and strength that I am able to do so and I so enjoy the messages He gives to me to deliver.
When speaking to a group of high school graduates last year I encouraged them to finish strong and that is my goal. You don’t have to slow down and you don’t have to give in to aches and pains as you age. You can still finish strong no matter your age.
I have no regrets from this past year. Would I have changed a few things — of course, especially not breaking my wrists but everything works together for His good and I know there were lessons to be learned even from the mistakes. People tend to dwell on their mistakes too much and once you have made one, you can’t take it back. Learn from it and move forward.
One thing breaking my wrists did was disrupt my exercise program and it has been a slow process of trying to get back on schedule. This is an area I will work on this year as I can certainly tell the difference in energy levels.
I also let my piano playing take a back seat as it was painful for a while and now my piano is due for a tuning. I have to gradually work through playing right now but I am sure if I keep at it I will be able to play the right tempo for songs. Playing for me was a stress reliever and not being able to play has meant looking for other ways to relieve stress.
I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in this new year. I feel excitement about it.
My devotion this morning was about giving the year to God and letting Him take care of all areas of your life. That may mean eliminating some people from your life and bringing new ones. There is always a purpose for people to be in your life. Sometimes He even removes family members for reasons. Whether to eliminate the drama and give you peace or because that person has a lesson to learn, just praise Him anyway and move on. It is sometimes difficult to accept and painful when family members become estranged from us but when there is nothing you can do, we must accept and trust God.
Our lives would be a lot less stressful if we would remember the Serenity Prayer — to be able to accept those things we cannot change. Give them to God, stand back and watch Him at work. It takes practice I know because I always give things to Him and then take them back but it is becoming easier the more I give to Him and don’t take it back, the more peaceful my life becomes and I like the peace.
As we enter the new year, we need to remove the clutter from our lives. I plan on doing this at home. I let a lot of things go at home because of my wrists but plan on working at it extra hard this year. My hands get tired after a long day at work but I figure I can pace myself and get things caught up in no time.
Have you taken stock of last year and are now ready to move forward? I certainly hope so. Wishing each of you a Happy and safe new year and that you will be richly blessed.

VICTORIA SIMMONS is a columnist, motivational speaker/ minister and publisher/gm of The Post/Byron Buzz.