A lot happened in 2024. Many had hopes, dreams, desires and so much more. Some of them came to pass, while others got shattered. Some of them got you walking on cloud nine, while others broke you and brought you to your knees, got you walking on the shores of despair and pushed you into giving up and throwing in the towel.

Umm… what can I say? If a seed isn’t planted, it doesn’t get to grow. If you are not shaken out of your comfort zone, you just might not blossom into a rose. Wandering what I am going on about? Simple! It is time to shake off the disappointments, take off the fear and despair, shake off the disgrace and doubts, shake off the failure and embrace a whole new beginning of hope, joy, increase, success and prosperity.

Life sometimes threatens to break and shatter you, but you have the choice to say no. You have it within you to fight for what is yours, fight back and win, dream and watch its manifestation, and experience the life that you wanted and dreamed of.

Now, these might sound like a few nice words, especially if you are grappling with despair, but look at it this way. If you are absolutely down, the only way you can go is up. If you are down there is no fear of falling down, so why not give life a try again, give love a chance again, give that idea a chance again, and frankly give whatever positive thing you have given up on a chance again.

So, I can imagine you saying, how can I do this? How can I dream again? How can I reach the highest heights to which I have been called when I am lower than low? Dear friend, the answer is… start with a few positive steps.

For starters, change your mindset. You are more powerful than you think and so are your imaginations. Have you for a moment noticed that the things you were afraid of were the things that befell you? Yep, so why not rewind and start thinking positively. You see, our minds have a way of creating and recreating your thoughts. Therefore if you want to rise or win, you have to start thinking like a winner and a victor.

Next, surround yourself with like minded people, people who have achieved what you want to achieve, people who have walked the road you want to take; and follow their steps. Ask yourself this question, if a lion was brought up by a chicken, it will be afraid of Christmas, but on a good day, who burn them? You get my point?

Thirdly, speak positively to yourself. Do away with the negative thoughts. Don’t talk down on yourself. I truly love the scripture that says when the world says there is a casting down we will say there is a lifting up. Yeah, the global economy is ‘economying’; yes, the price of things have gone up; yeah, there might seem to be uncertainty here and there, but you know what? That is not your testimony and definitely should not be your confession to yourself. Seal those lips except good stuff is coming out.

Fourthly, be kind to yourself and those around you. There might be pressure everywhere, but choose not to make that a part of your space. Surround yourself with positive energy and give out that positive energy too. Also, this might sound hard, but try to put a smile on the faces of those you can. A kind word. A helpful gesture. Showing the way to someone who is lost, and so much more. These little gestures go a long way, and help you feel positive about yourself, about life, and does the same for the people you helped.

Finally, be bold and start again! So you have been through some difficult times. So 2024 did not end the way you planned, dear one, determine within yourself that you have what it takes to make it and then go for it. It may feel daunting at first, but keep at it. If you plant a seed today, you do not expect to eat boiled corn tomorrow! Wait. Water and tend it, then watch it grow, and grow it will by the grace of God!

2025 is here. January is gradually coming to an end. Tell me, what is it going to be? Can I hear you say shake it off and pick it up?! Yeah! Yeah! It is my prayer that this is a year where we will be guided by the spirit of God, where we will experience His mercy and where we will soar on wings as eagles.

I believe in you. Please, do not fail me! 🤗