As the new year is here (hello 2023! A warm and inviting welcome to you!) I have been reflecting on the year we are leaving behind and pensive about the year ahead. You too?

Uninhibited confession to you: I am a perfectionist. This uninhibited confession is undeniably true in my own heart, I know it without reservation so I confess it without reservation. If I can't do something perfectly, then why even try at all? This is the unspoken, unhealthy, unhelpful belief residing deep in my wounded, dark heart. Our beliefs shape our actions...there are some behaviors I want to change in 2023 stemming from this perfectionism belief of mine.

For real change to happen, I need to change my belief, not just my behavior.

Perfectionism is a gateway belief that can lead to many other damaging, sinful behaviors: apathy, laziness, cynicism, pleasure seeking, control seeking, feelings of constant failure and low self esteem just to name a well-acquanted few. Can you relate to these struggles that stem from your belief that you need to be perfect?

New, true, Biblical belief: Perfect isn't real outside of Jesus!

Consistency over perfection. Ahh, let the relief wash over you. Read it again if need be: consistency over perfection.

The first time I read this, I was woo'd in by the freedom I felt. I need that in my life, I thought. I need to be free from "perfect."

Habits matter. Little by little, daily behavior repetition, even imperfectly, counts for something. It's in these habits that our character is shaped more than the outcome we are even seeking. And in this growth, we can continue to rest as we keep our eyes fixated on the one and only perfect One, Jesus.

I don't need to believe the lie that I need to be perfect anymore. I need to believe the truth that I am loved and accepted by Christ just as I am. You, (you!) are loved and accepted by Christ just as you are too, in this very moment.

Let's stop striving so much.

Those little intentional habits, whatever they are, they add up. Little by little your intentions add up. What feels so insignificant today, when repeated day after day after day, is HUGE.

What are some of the habits you'd like to implement in 2023? What are your dreams?

Some habits I intend to implement into my life in 2023 are:

• Daily Bible reading and prayer time alone. My husband and I do this together each morning but I need the alone time with the Lord, also.

• Choosing to think about my death for 2 minutes (thank you iPhone timer) each day after lunch. I'm not a morbid person, but this, I believe, will help me to live each day with more intentionality for the things that matter most to me.

• 1 L of water first thing each morning with 1/2 lemon and a tbsp of apple cider vinegar

• 1 L green smoothie to start the day (recipe below)

I want to remind us...we don't have to be perfect...we can't be. Instead let's approach our goals and habits from places of love.

God loves you. You can pursue your dreams for 2023 from a place of acceptance instead of a place of "not being enough." You are enough, just the way you are...right now. God declares it and has made a way for each of us to be accepted wholly through his precious Son, Jesus.

Rest, dear one, as you pursue the "newness" ahead in 2023.

Receive the gift of love and acceptance in Christ, rejoice, and rest.

Go dream your BIG dreams and work for them from that safe home base. I'm doing the same.

Green smoothie recipe:

1 frozen banana (peel removed)

2 cups spinach or dino kale

1/2 cup frozen mango

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds

1 tbsp powdered (or regular) peanut butter

1 cup organic plant milk

1/2 cup ice

*add water depending on how thick/runny you like your smoothies ;)

Blend and sip throughout the morning! If you have littles they may try to steal sips when you aren't looking! Cheers to our 2023 consistent over perfect intentions!