Making Room for Something Greater

Today is my birthday eve. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been reflecting on how the past year transpired, hence this post. 

My theme for 2022 was "God will finish what He started." Expectations were high for my goals to be accomplished. Matthew 6:33 reminded me that it is possible for the desires of my heart to be fulfilled as long as I kept God first while submitting to His will and timing. While I accomplished what I set out to do, the challenges were great too.

I’ve experienced many major transitions every year since 2012. The onslaught of the amount of change I endured overshadowed the latest happenings. There was so much going on that I didn't really get to relish in all the awesome things God had done in my life. Towards the end of 2022, my soul felt empty. I had become immersed in the busyness of serving others as an escape from the reality of the constant chaos. Busyness eventually turned to burnout. Being booked and busy is trendy but unhealthy when mismanaged. Burnout leads to an apathetic viewpoint that hinders productivity and motivation. The consequence of overextending myself made me feel like I was just existing and not living. However, God created our lives to be lived healthy and whole. He gave His only begotten son so that we may have an abundant life! 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

As a result, my focus now is to properly steward whatever season I am in at the time with preparation and prioritization rather than be consumed with everything at once. I'm restructuring my life beginning in February to limit what I take on to avoid being overloaded with tasks, especially at the last minute. My accessibility and availability are becoming more restrictive so I can focus on what matters most to me: quality time, traveling, reviving my hobbies, and continuing to operate in purpose with excellence. These are the things that give me true joy and fulfillment.

Work hard but make sure to enjoy life too.

As I've shifted to hone my administrative skills, I've discovered my lane of what I like to do and what I don't enjoy doing. If something doesn't align with the services I offer, then it's a no from me. Someone else will be a better fit.

Set boundaries and stick with them.

I started coaching sessions in August 2022. It was originally a requirement for a financial literacy program I was participating in, but I enjoyed the sessions so much that I continued with them. Not only have they provided support for the launch of my next venture, but they have also helped bring restoration. I noticed towards the end of 2021 that I was dealing with some side effects of depression. I really fell off and wasn't myself. My coaching sessions have been instrumental in my pursuit to getting back to my true self. In my last session, I noted how it's been impactful to be asked questions because it forced me to be more clear and direct with my answers even when I was unsure. This provoked me to reestablish and communicate my boundaries while taking precedence with my priorities, even if it was displeasing to others - which is not my problem! Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." The affirmation I received from this scripture validated my stance to not take on anything I didn't have the capacity for despite the pressure to concede. I can't allow just anyone or anything to take up space in my life frivolously. It's a must to protect my peace.

Don't allow ignorance or entitlement to convince you to compromise. Just because someone is asked to do something, it doesn't mean they're going to do it right away or at all. There are other factors to consider. No one is required to oblige and that's the power of choice.

Boundaries exist for reasons that require no explanation. Respect them.

26 has come to an end, and I'm glad about it. It is by the grace of God that I have come this far! I'm entering this next chapter with a greater sense of self confidence and surety. I'm taking the wisdom and lessons learned with me and leaving the nonsense behind. The distractions have been blocked. The noise has been silenced. The peace has settled. Cheers to not overextending, living an abundant life, and continuing to walk in purpose!

The end of one thing is the beginning of something greater.

Written with grace,

Kiala

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Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, 

Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!