2020 was supposed to be a year of vision and clarity. It was supposed to be filled with increase and growth. Then the pandemic hit and life as we knew it changed forever.
As I contemplate what’s happened in 2020, I see it has been a year of vision and clarity.
It’s become painfully clear just how much we have no control over. But I also see what we do have control over – ourselves.
How we respond to what is happening in life is ultimately up to us.
So what does that mean?
See your power and own it.
If we want to endure through hard times, if we want to go from survival living to a thriving life, we need accept our part in how we got where we are, and take ownership of where we want to be.
“Taking responsibility for being exactly where you are gives you the power to be exactly where you want to be.” —Author unknown
In essence: how your life plays out from today forward, is up to you. The pandemic can’t take that away.
That involves making decisions.
Eight years ago I made the decision to start writing my first book. Decisions are powerful.
Without that single decision, I wouldn’t be here today. It was an act of faith. I had no idea what I was doing, or any vision beyond the decision.
It was like standing on the edge of a dark forest where I couldn’t see anything but had to step inside because I couldn’t “not”.
I couldn’t see, but I was compelled.
I ‘knew’ I had to. Somehow.
And so I decided.
I took the step. And then the next and so on and so forth.
Eight years later I glance back and see many more decisions I’ve made, where I was on the edge of a dark forest, compelled to take a step of faith once again.
“Life is lived forwards but understood backwards.” —Soren Kierkegaard
Reviewing them all I find encouragement because every decision I made, where I trusted that inner nudge, has been accompanied by the grace and help of God.
Fear would roar, I’d lean into God, and he would respond with comfort and empowerment.
I’m reminded of a certain part in the movie Overcomer. As an asthmatic girl is running a race, she has the voice of her dad in her ear encouraging and directing her. He had studied the course ahead of time and guided her through. He “saw” for her because she’d made the decision to trust him even when she got scared.
Every decision we make stepping into the forest of divine direction is scary to us.
- It’s uncertain.
- We doubt.
But God knows our “course”—the path in front of me, and the path in front of you. The curves, the hills, the sharp turns—everything. He can guide us if we’ll trust him.
More decisions.
I started blogging in early 2016 compelled by words I read that echoed in my soul. I couldn’t “not” start a blog. I trusted God.
Later that year I became a Tribe Writer not knowing what that would mean but believed it was time. I trusted God.
When I moved my free blog to self-hosting and it cost not only money, but required me to let go of some things and grab ahold of others. I trusted God.
God has been trustworthy.
Now I’m on the edge of another dark forest compelled to step inside.
Another decision for life change. Another opportunity to trust God.
I reviewed two articles I wrote back in 2016: Hellos and Goodbyes, and What Time is it Mr. Fox? I considered the words of Jordan Smith “The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.” I believe it’s time. I hope I’m right.
The past four years have been filled with multiple decisions to take ownership of my life. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and into dark forests of the unseen. I published more books, started speaking and coaching, and joined a new tribe called Igniting Souls. It’s not always been easy but it has been amazing.
Last year I changed my tag line from “Connecting People to the LOVE that Heals” to “Love YourSELF E.T.C.” Was that the right decision? Sometimes I’m certain and other times I’m not sure. Time will tell. Maybe I’ll change it again after I enter this new forest of unseen changes.
I’m excited and scared just like every other time—so I’ll trust God.
One thing I know as I move forward in my imperfect journey, is the same as when I started.
Why.
Why I’m here. Why I write. Why I speak. Why I coach. Why I step into dark forests.
Because of you. Because you matter.
This post is different than my usual. I’m not even sure if I like the title but I wanted to just share my heart. I hope sharing my journey and decisions to take ownership of my life has inspired you to take ownership of your life so you can thrive.
♥Danielle
WHAT NEXT:
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this in the comments.
For more on taking ownership of your life get my newest book here.
“Fear would roar, I’d lean into God, and he would respond with comfort and empowerment.”
I deal with fear a lot. So often people tell me to just stop because the Bible says to fear not but it’s not that simple. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not a terrible person and that God isn’t mad at me.
You’re welcome. I’m so glad my words made you feel better. God is definitely NOT mad at you. He understands. Lean into him. Tell him all about it and he’ll help you. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. Love and prayers my friend.