We have turned the page into a new year – 2022. For some of us, we can feel the manifestation of change whether it is in a new job, new house, new car or even paying off a loan. We feel it.
But for others, we are still trying to eradicate the torment of 2021. What I must share though is to never lose sight of the vision.
After binging 3 seasons of ‘Good Trouble’ for 4 days, the final 2 episodes spoke volume. In the drama series, Callie Adams Foster loses sight of why she began law. Her strenuous experiences after law school like not passing the bar, clerking for a conservative-viewed judge as a liberal person, having to betray her ex-boyfriend professionally and relationally – Jamie – because of her moral values whilst trying to save the blacks and other low-income earners became overbearing.
Oftentimes, we get so caught up in trying to be a jack of all trades and forget which one God wants us to master and be purposeful in.
We move around conquering the world and overcoming obstacles, but never feel satisfied. The burning sensation of emptiness lies at heart. Just to realize we have LOST FOCUS.
The bliss of new horizons
During this pandemic, many of us have discovered new skills and talents; some even created businesses. Big up all entrepreneurs and small business owners!
But what if your plan does not align to God’s will and not to mention, if this new venture is only for a season?
I remember when I started to learn to play the keyboard in efforts of helping my church since we lacked musicians. I remember every Wednesday attending lessons and during the 7-day period practicing. Over time, the demand of the class became more where I was now required to learn 4 lessons in 7 days. Juggling keyboard lessons while learning about audio engineer and live streaming for church became overwhelming and this was only my church life.
I totally neglected my emotional and mental health in efforts to try new things and do the cliché to “save the world”.
In truth, I became distracted from my purpose and sometimes, we find ourselves in a whirlwind of different activities and responsibilities that we do not need as it does not serve us or our purposes.
We must remain level-headed whilst being open. Openness presents new opportunities and open doors, but not all doors are worthy to unlock especially in some seasons.
The book of Ecclesiastic chapter 3 verse 1 (NLT) tells us that, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” We must discern and let the Holy Spirit guide us as to when to begin, continue, stop, and move on during our walk of life.
Regaining focus
Society has carved a culture of seeing what others are doing to either do it too or upstage them. This serves as a form of distraction from focusing on you and your journey. This is an individual race that requires horse tacks to keep us focus.
A more relatable example for my sister – Roneque – and I since recently would be at the gym. Based on my first week of going, I realized how easier another person would do cardio for 30 minutes while in my first 5 minutes, my heart was almost through my mouth. But I remember distinctly my elder cousin, Shushan, saying to us that we are not supposed to watch anyone, but focus on ourselves because “your day 1 will not be the same as their day 100”.
That word truly stuck with me. I became more optimistic and focused on doing this journey for me and my mental health rather than trying to flex my muscles or lift more weights as another person.
In regaining your focus, please remember two things:
1. Your ‘WHY’
2. You are your only competition.
Your Why is paramount because it grows to be the driving force to whatever you choose to do. It becomes that voice that tells you that your intentions are pure, and your goal is there to be accomplished no matter the timeline. You can do it!
Being your only competition eases the burden of failing to meet external expectations or be as great as someone else on their day 200 when you are on your day 2.
In the rhythmic words of Jamaican gospel artiste, Rondell Positive, “the answer is in the mirror” as “(you) are the change that you want to see”.
Our minds are so powerful to conceived things beyond our wildest dreams, so why not plant seeds of love, compassion, and determination towards our dreams and when pursuing our endeavours.
Release the spirit of fear and doubt from your mind! Remember that God’s promises still stand and “though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come,” (Habakkuk chapter 2, verse 3).
Stay focus, run diligently, and keep your eyes on the prize.
Anneque Bennett is a vying, industrious, persistent and gallant young virtuous woman of God from Jamaica, West Indies. Her dexterity births creativity cocooned by flexibility. She possesses an eye for complexity and a magnitude of focus to complete tasks and assist others in every possible way. She loves to communicate and interact with youths on different levels and share in their experiences and serves as a mentor and youth empowerment leader. She engages heavily in promoting and marketing different products: where she also serves as a host/emcee and at times, public speaker. She finds outdoor very amusing and love to bask in nature as she puts pen to paper. She enjoys road trips, hiking and documenting each moment through fun pictures and videos and her best friend – a purple journal. #Adventure