What are you expecting this year?
You don’t have to look far to know that many people are spending a lot of time wondering what this year will hold for us.
I don’t have a crystal ball and wouldn’t really want to know.
A new year typically draws us to reflect on the past year. I’m no different. I love a New Year, new opportunities, new adventures and new things that in my wildest dreams I would never expect. Many people do struggle to be positive when a new year rolls around. I have that issue sometimes too. I struggle with wishing I could have done more, given more and made more of an impact the previous year. I feel guilty for not doing more.
Here at Spreading Joy, we tell people (and myself as well) that Spreading Joy is doing what you can with what you have. I understand the guilt that comes with “I wish I could do more” and hate when it creeps in my heart. I have to focus on the fact that we took everything that was given to us and did what we could with it. I have to focus on the facts of the previous year while I’m waltzing into the brand new year.
I know there will be circumstances that I absolutely cannot change but there are something that I’m expecting for this upcoming New Year. (This was the encouragement I shared at our recent Christmas Joy Event.)
- Kindness – I will be kind. I will do random acts of kindness as well as acts of kindness on purpose. I will continue to spread joy daily and will share the things I do so that maybe it will inspire you to look around at the resources you have and do the same. To get the latest tips, suggestions and ideas, follow along on my Spreading Joy Journey here: http://instagram.com/spreadingjoyandlove
- Compassion – I will be compassionate. If we are honest, every single one of us needs help at one time or another. Compassion is a precious gift that many are denied.
- Positivity – I’m typically the positive one of the group. Always looking on the bright side, finding the good etc. I do struggle with depression and there are a lot of times I have to force myself to be positive. I get it. With so much of the news and Social Media channels full of negativity, I’m going to purposely find and share positive things and be positive.
- Fun – We have to work, we have to provide for our families but we need to make sure we schedule some fun! It doesn’t have to be expensive as there are so many free things every community has for people to take advantage of. Bring fun into your day on purpose. I’d love to hear the ways that YOU bring fun into your day!
- Inspiration – I will be sharing stories of others using what they love, their talents their gifts to make a difference. I have already started sharing those on the site. If you know of someone using the little things in their world to make a difference, would you please share with me? Read the previous inspiring stories here:
- Character – I want to surround myself with those that have a great character. You know things that they do when no one is really looking. I want to surround myself with this so that I can continue to grow and be a person of great character. Are you teaching your children this or do they hang out with those that belong to the mean girls/boy club? Do they stand up with the bullies? Have you asked? Have you had a discussion about bullies in their school?
- Respectful – People that respect nothing often feel they are entitled to everything. I’m looking for those that are just absolutely full of respect. Respect for their parents, the authority set above them (yes, teachers and law enforcement), respect for those around them, respect for property that doesn’t belong to them. It’s huge, it’s powerful. Surround yourself, your children and your family with those that are respectful
- Encouragement – I will be encouraging where I can be. I know life isn’t always a bed of roses. Usually it’s full of ginormous thorns, but there is still the ability to be encouraging. We can change what we can and find the good in the rest. While we are going through life’s up’s and down’s be encouraging!
- Loving – I will be loving and surround myself with those that do the same. So much hatred is flying through Social Media these days and I’m choosing to not engage with it. I’m not.
Again, there are a lot of things that will happen this year that I don’t expect. I can’t control that and will meet each one head on and fight through them.
One final Thought:
Let the best in you bring out the best in others!
Let the Best in you bring out the Best in Others! #spreadingJOY #YOUmatter #kindnessmatters #makeadifference pic.twitter.com/kWzDWh9GG6
— Marie Wikle (@spreadingJOY) January 8, 2017
What are you going to take control of this year? What are you expecting out of this year?
Are you going to let go of negativity? Are you going to embrace respect and those around you that are respectful?
What are you expecting? What are you teaching your children to look for and expect this year?
Some of this will take work because negativity is so abundant these days. Question is, are we willing to work at having a good year?
© 2017, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.
“Let the best in you bring out the best in others!” <=== AMEN! I am expecting to have a great year, even though I don't really know what's ahead or what that will look like, I trust that God will be my guide.
Heather recently posted..Introducing Candid Conversations
so True Heather! I’m looking for His Guidance, wisdom and courage to take the steps that I’m afraid to take!
Spreading Joy recently posted..What is Christmas Joy
I am expecting a move this year , I am so excited for the new opportunity!!
ohhh, how very exciting Grace! New place, new opportunities, new friendships and new ways to spread joy to others!
Spreading Joy recently posted..31 Psalms of Comfort for Christians
Happy 2017, Marie. May this year bring you joy and abundance.
Thank you Lux! thanks for caring, spreadingJOY and making a difference! Thanks for the JOY and LOVE you bring to me and so many!
Spreading Joy recently posted..Creative Ways to use ART for Spreading Joy
I like to choose a theme/verse for each new year so I chose Phil 2:5 and my word is attitude. I want to be sure my attitude is like Jesus’ attitude.
Amy Hagerup recently posted..Earthing: Walking Barefoot Outside Can Boost Your Health
That’s huge Amy! Sometimes our attitude towards things is 90% of the battle
Spreading Joy recently posted..Strings and Things to Make a Difference
My word for this year is peace – I’m expecting it to be a more peaceful year than last year was
I’m praying you through this year Andi. I cannot imagine. Thank you for all you do to encourage, inspire and motivate us to keep doing what we do
Spreading Joy recently posted..Where is the Gratitude
This is a wonderful post! Let us live for Christ so that we CAN expect a great year!
Absolutely Kay! I’m with you!
Spreading Joy recently posted..What is Christmas Joy
I am hoping to live on Campus for a semester.Do an internship. Get paired with a service dog. Continue to run two Bible studies and grow my blog.
Wow!! this is awesome Victoria! I’m very excited for you! Cannot wait to see what blossoms this year for you!
Spreading Joy recently posted..You can Be the Difference
My worrd of the year is faith. I am expecting more faith
Love this Terri! Reminds me of the prayer, “I believe but Lord help my unbelief”
Spreading Joy recently posted..Strings and Things to Make a Difference
Love this list of what you are expecting! Truly, God does only ask us to give from what we have and what He has blessed us with. Blessings to you this year!
Lovely post. A great reminder of just how different we can walk through life if we just put some thought into it. I think my word for this year is change. There are things I need to change and with His help it will happen. Thank you for posting this. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
My word for year is “priority,” and I am reminding myself of my priorities and makinh changes in my life to align with them. Sounds like you’re on a similar path!
I’m expecting 2017 to be a calmer year than 2016 was
I am looking forward to our whole family getting healthy together and having family adventures!
I am expecting to spread Jesus Glitter to a world in need of love, hope, mercy , forgiveness and grace. Life is too short to be miserable. My heart is to encourage others to #BetheSparkle and let your light shine brightly! I love your name Spreading Joy……We are called to love as Jesus loves us….Blessings to You and your ministry!
My word of the year is …..HOPE. I am choosing this year to have HOPE even when things might not look hopeful. Thanks for another inspiring, encouraging post, Marie. You are so awesome in the way your whole life spreads JOY! Honored to know you!
I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much!
Marie, as you know 2016 was my worst year! So with that being said I want to top my worst year ever with my best year ever. I want to make 2017 a year that I change, grow, learn, inspire, transform, love, empower, encourage, give, see, hear, feel, rise, dream, and live.
I will be in prayer Angie that this is the best year for you! thank you for your love of others, your heart of gold and for caring so much!