Typically we wait for the new year to start fresh, create goals, and feel hopeful. However, each new season of the year offers opportunities for rebirth and new beginnings. As we wind down our summer season and look forward to the first day of Autumn, here are four ways to breathe new life into this new stage.
REVIEW
The first step for a fresh start is not moving forward but looking back. Consider the previous season. What worked well over the summer and what did not. What did you enjoy? What stole your joy? In what ways did you improve? Did nay bad habits move in? Journal your thoughts or create a chart to track these thoughts. Ask your family their thoughts as well to help with a more comprehensive review of the past few months.
2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
RECONDISDER
Taking your review, consider areas that will need changes, improvements, or alterations. Consider schedules, habits, activities, and even supplies. Each season of the year is different regarding weather, daylight, events, foods, and so much more that it is important to stop and consider how this will impact the next few months of your life and how you can thrive best in it. Create a brainstorm or a season “mood board” for fun as you plan.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
RENEW
Initiate the new season with a party, family outing, fun tradition. Take a walk, cook a special meal, light a candle. The possibilities are endless, but the treat the coming of a new season as a celebration, welcoming the whole family into the feeling of a fresh start. January first is typically a holiday for many, so find a way to take a break during the commencement of the new season and reset. If any of your goals or plans from the precious season did not go well, make a commitment to try again and give yourself a fresh start rather than waiting for the new year.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
RECREATE
Try something new this season. Whether it is a hobby, habit, job, clothing, devotion book, journal, etc., plan something new for this season. There is no need to only do this once a year. Our lives and situations and needs are constantly changing, and we are constantly growing as human beings. we can recreate ourselves at any moment and new season is an ideal time to begin.
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
HAPPY NEW SEASON!
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