What a year, huh?!!! We’ve seen an attack on the US capital “allegedly” instigated by an ex-president who didn’t want to leave after his lost election. We experienced “The Slap heard around the world”, a war between Russia and the Ukraine,. We’ve seen Britney Griner, basketball star, freed from Russian prison and we’ve said goodbye to many beloved famous figures … including Queen Elizabeth II, Sidney Poitier, Bob Saget, Nichelle Nichols, Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Kirstie Alley and many more. And i feel like screaming “Phewwwe i made it thru another year, Thank God!” Is a real blessing to have the opportunity to kiss 2022 goodbye and plan for a spectacular new year! Pschhh because not everybody got the same opportunity! Clearly…

Like so many of you, I didn’t quite obtain all of the goals, hopes and dreams… but I haven’t been a complete failure… I’ve accomplished a thing or two. Like the old folks use to say… “I may not (completely) be what I want to be but thank God I am not what I used to be.” I hope that you can also say, “I’ve grown.” Please don’t beat yourSELF up for making mistakes, wasting time or money lost… let us not mourn (too long) on THINGS we lost, including relationships or jobs. Do take time to reflect on what we could’ve done better and try this year to fall into the same traps. Did you trip up or fall down? Even if you “face-planted” and lost a few teeth… if you woke up the next day, there’s always an opportunity to dust off, get your head straight and do better. Thank God for grace and mercy.

Look back only long enough to see clearly where you were and to acknowledge that the past IS PASSED. Don’t make excuses, shake the dust from your clothes, from your feet and mind. Forgive others and also… forgive yourSELF so that you can feel clean on the inside and free to present the best you to 2023. LET GO OF WHATEVER IS HOLDING YOU DOWN, OR DISTRACTING YOU FROM YOUR (God-given) PURPOSE and GOALS.

I know God is not popular right now, mainly because it’s hard to like, love or respect someone you don’t know… and the world is a mess right now. But, it ain’t all bad, come on, you have to admit the sun is still shining, the ocean is still beautiful blue and teaming with life. The air is breathable and water drinkable… The truth is, life is what you make it. What to be miserable, grumpy, fearful, immobile, manipulative, mean, and nasty… that’s your business. But you don’t have to be. Change your mind and you can change your life. Knowing God is the beginning of Living Life to the fullest.

And as far as RESOLUTIONS go, we all want to make changes. But may I suggest that you create INTENTIONS instead? And when you say “This year I intend to do this or that… in the words of former Rocket Scientist Kantis Simmons… MAKE A SYSTEM. If you want to accomplish anything don’t make a promise to yourself that you’re probably gonna break in the first few weeks of 2023 (like going working out every day) - that only brings down your SELF esteem. Create steps to do the thing. For instance, if you want to save money for a vacation… a system might be to decide where you want to go and how much it will cost. Divide the money into bite-sized chunks (say $50 a paycheck for 10 pay cycle.) Pull the cash out when you go for groceries and place it in a “saving-for-my-vacation envelope” place it somewhere safe or in that savings account you never use… AND DON’T TOUCH IT! Call and make your reservation and be ready to roll when the date comes up. Rember to remind yourself to cancel or change the date beforehand if necessary.

Ok, for the next couple of weeks let’s explore other ways to systemize our Intentions… next week “Improving My own SOUL.”

For More Information on creating systems visit Kantis Simmons at KantisSimmons.com