Happy New Year! Does that leave you feeling excited or fearful of what is coming next year?
We all like to make plans and we all have hopes for what our year and our life is going to be like. But life has a way of taking our plans and squashing them and turning them into something that we didn’t plan or didn’t want. We feel like the carpet has been yanked out from under us and we are flat on our backs. In our bewildered state of whiplash, we wonder what just happened and how is this my life.
YOU HAVE CHOICES
This leaves us with some choices, we can be miserable in the way life has turned out and how it wasn’t what we planned. Or we can embrace the new plan and decide that we are going to run into this newness with resolve and determination.
I’m not saying this is an easy thing to do. The disappointment that comes with life not going as we planned dampens our minds. We don’t think we see how we can move forward as there doesn’t seem to be a way through the mess. Unfortunately, having this struggle is part of being human, we all deal with life being disappointing. From the loss of a dream, to the ending of a relationship, to a lost job or even an unplanned pregnancy.
THERE IS OPPORTUNITY
But if we look at it through the lens of growth, there is opportunity in all of it. There is an opportunity to reframe the negative and see it as a challenge for us to grow, to see it as a catalyst for us to become a person that we didn’t know we could be. Life may not look like we thought we wanted it to be but, when we stand up after catching our breath from splatting on our backs we see the opportunities that are out there. Learning new skills, embracing new challenges, and welcoming someone into our lives.
Life can be hard and disappointing, a fact we all know. But look and see how this unexpected challenge can turn into a beautiful opportunity. We may see it as a detour but it may be our life plan all along. The Bible states, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love O, Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” A loving God is working out a plan. He can even take our messes and fulfill His wonderful purpose for our lives.
If the new year ahead seems a little daunting, it's ok. But don't forget it can also give us great opportunity to grow from the unplanned experiences in our lives. If you're currently facing an unplanned pregnancy or think you might be pregnant, Her Health Women's Center is here to help you move forward. Reach out to us by calling 712-224-2000 or message us online at herhealthwomenscenter.org - we would love to chat with you and help figure out your next steps!