When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Excellence, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Spiritual Growth

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)

Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles

We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.

This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.

Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.

You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”

But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.

Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.

Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity

When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,

 We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.

When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.

For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.

Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.

Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.

We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

Click to Post

Pressure Produces Power

We’ve all heard the saying,

God won’t give you more than you can handle.

But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.

This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.

The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.

Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.

Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.

Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.

When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

Click to Post

God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation

One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.

When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.

Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.

That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.

Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.

After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.

What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.

Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.

Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life.

Click to Post

Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan

At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.

But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.

Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.

In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.

He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.

So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.

What seems like a hopeless situation becomes the canvas for God’s greatest work in your life.

Click to Post

Next Steps

  • If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
  • Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
  • And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there! 

7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525

Get Directions
Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Empowerment, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership

Do you ever hesitate to ask God for something big because you're afraid He won’t answer? Or perhaps, deep down, you feel unworthy of such bold requests?

Many of us find ourselves in this place of fear or doubt when it comes to our prayer life. We may be praying, but we’re praying small—safe prayers that don’t fully reflect our trust in a big God.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. If we are afraid to ask for the seemingly impossible, we’re limiting what God can do in our lives.

It’s time to break through that fear and ask boldly, trusting that God is ready and able to show up in big ways.


The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. 
Click to Post

Small Prayers, Small Faith?

In Philippians 4:6, Paul reminds us not to worry but to pray about everything. Yet, how often do we limit ourselves by holding back? Many of us fear disappointment, thinking,

What if I ask for something huge and God says no?

Others may feel unworthy of receiving large blessings or are afraid to be let down. These fears often keep us praying small prayers, making sure we don’t ask for too much just in case God doesn’t come through.

But Scripture tells us something different. Ephesians 3:20 assures us that:

God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

This verse is a reminder that God is not bound by our limited perspective. He wants us to ask, and to ask big. Yet, when we don’t bring our boldest requests before Him, we miss the chance to witness His greatness.

So, here’s the challenge: If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things?

Fear Keeps Us from Bold Prayers

Fear is a natural emotion, but when it comes to our relationship with God, fear can be crippling.

James 4:2-3 reminds us that sometimes we don’t have because we don’t ask, or we ask with the wrong motives. What keeps us from asking? Fear of rejection, feelings of unworthiness, or even doubt in God’s ability to provide.

However, bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible. It’s not about demanding things from God, but about coming to Him with expectancy and faith.

Bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible.

Click to Post

Take the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She was barren, deeply troubled, and carrying the weight of cultural shame. Yet, in her brokenness, she boldly asked God for a son, and her prayer was not timid or vague. It was specific, faith-filled, and persistent. Despite years of disappointment, Hannah trusted that God could do the impossible—and He did.

Hannah’s bold prayer wasn’t just about her personal desire for a child. Her request played a crucial role in the destiny of Israel, as her son Samuel would go on to anoint Israel’s first kings.

Her willingness to ask for something big was part of God’s bigger plan. Her story is a reminder that our bold prayers can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can see.

Want to dive deeper into this message? Check out the full sermon, "Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains" on YouTube: Watch here.

How to Overcome the Fear of Bold Prayers

So how do we overcome the fear that holds us back from asking for big things? Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Identify Your Fear: Start by reflecting on what specific fears or doubts keep you from asking God for big things. Is it fear of disappointment? Doubt in His goodness? Write it down and confront it head-on.
  2. Ask Specifically: Bold prayers aren’t vague. They’re specific and intentional. Just as Hannah didn’t simply ask for a child—she asked for a son—you can ask for something big in your life, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Be clear about what you need.
  3. Pray Persistently: Bold prayers require persistence. Hannah didn’t give up after her first prayer. She kept coming back to God, trusting Him even when she didn’t see immediate results. Likewise, set aside time daily to bring your requests to God, knowing that He hears you.
  4. Surrender the Outcome: Finally, bold prayers are not about demanding your way but about trusting God's plan. Once you’ve prayed, release the outcome to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. Trust that whatever happens, His response will be in your best interest.

The Power of Bold Prayers

God invites us to ask boldly, and when we do, we step into a deeper relationship with Him. Our fear of asking for big things can be more significant than our faith, but it doesn’t have to be.

Remember, bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.

Take action today: choose one bold prayer that you’ve been afraid to ask, write it down, and commit to bringing it before God daily. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, we serve a God who can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

Let’s stop praying small prayers and start trusting God for big things.

Ready to take your prayer life to the next level? If you’re looking for guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. This resource will help you move past fear and doubt, empowering you to ask God for the big things He’s waiting to give you.

Bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.

Click to Post
Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership

Have you ever found yourself praying small, safe prayers, not quite daring to believe that God can do the impossible?

I found myself in that exact situation as our church faced a significant decision about whether to stay in our current building or relocate. It wasn’t about space; it was about the financial burden of ongoing repairs.

The question loomed:

Should we stay and hold onto the familiar, or take a bold step into the unknown?

Our church building held deep sentimental value. It was a place where life-changing events had occurred—baptisms, worship services, and countless moments of transformation.

Personally, it felt like home. But during a meeting, someone asked, “Are we limiting what God can do by staying?”

That question hit hard. Were we allowing emotional attachment to cloud our decision-making and limit God’s plans for our future?

That night, I prayed with a new sense of purpose. It wasn’t about holding on to the past anymore.

I asked God for clarity and courage, not just a solution to our building problem but a bigger vision for what He could do through us. As I prayed, I realized something powerful: the building isn’t the church—the people are.

After much prayer and discussion, we decided to relocate. It was hard, but we stepped out in faith, trusting that God had bigger plans for us.

The decision freed us from financial strain and opened doors for new ministry opportunities. It was a reminder that bold prayers, rooted in faith, can unlock God’s provision in ways we might never expect.

The building isn’t the church—the people are. Bold faith moves us beyond the familiar and into God’s greater plan.

Click to Post

Are You Limiting God's Power?

Too often, our prayers are limited by what we think is possible, not by what God knows is possible.

We hesitate to ask for big things because we’re afraid of disappointment or because our human understanding creates limits that God doesn’t have.

But as Ephesians 3:20 tells us,

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

What if we dared to pray bigger, bolder prayers?

What if we trusted God for things beyond our imagination, knowing that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it?

Are we limiting God’s power with our small, safe prayers? It’s time to pray big and trust Him for the impossible.

Click to Post

Taking the Next Step in Faith

Bold prayer requires bold faith. 

Like Abraham in Genesis 18, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, we need to approach God with confidence, believing in His justice and mercy. Abraham didn’t hold back—he boldly asked God to spare the city, trusting in His character.

The challenge for all of us is to stop tiptoeing around in our prayers. Ask God for what seems impossible. Trust that He will move in His way and in His time.

Whether you’re praying for healing, the salvation of a loved one, or transformation in your community, remember: bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Click to Post

Are you ready to take that next step of faith? 

Are you ready to take that next step of faith? Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

 Here are three key takeaways to help you on this journey:

  1. Stop praying safe prayers – God isn’t limited by what we think is possible. It’s time to trust Him with the bold, impossible requests.
  2. Bold prayer requires bold faith – Like Abraham, we must come to God with confidence and expect that He will move.
  3. Faith grows when we step out – Stepping out in boldness opens the door for God to do extraordinary things in our lives and in our ministries.

Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

If you want to dive deeper into bold prayer, I encourage you to check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

This book will help you transform your prayer life, teaching you how to approach God with the faith and confidence that invites Him to work in extraordinary ways. Available now on Amazon!

For more insights on leadership and faith, check out The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, where I dive deeper into topics like bold prayer, leadership in ministry, and trusting God’s plan.

Listen to the latest episode here on Apple Podcasts.

Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Empowerment, Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Success

“I feel it is better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” E.M. Bounds

If you were to open any dictionary and look up “Godly Woman”, I’m willing to suggest that my mother, Margaret Stowers’ picture would accompany the definition.

Why would I say this? Well, she understood the wisdom of “firsts”, giving God the first of everything – in all areas of life. My mother believed in giving God the first hour of the day, the first day of the week, and the first dime of every dollar.

My Mom Gave God The First Hour of the Day

My mom believed that the bridge to success is better crossed in the morning, the best part of uninterrupted time. This was her time to talk to God through prayer, read and reflect on Scripture, and listen to God’s voice.

That’s right, the wife of a pastor didn’t read the newspaper, talk on the phone, or turn on the television. She would wake up, shower, make coffee, and spend the first hour of her day with God.

Today, my mother is no longer with us, she’s with God. But, even today, one of my clearest memories of her is her morning rhythm. Years later, as I reflect, her example inspires me to form a similar habit and make it a part off my daily rhythm.

If you’re thinking you can just as easily connect with God any time of the day, you’re right, you could. You could connect at noon, in the afternoon, or before you go to bed. But, nothing puts an exclamation point on the day like giving God the first hour of our day.

My Mom Gave God The First Day of the Week

Along with giving God the first hour of her day, my mom also believed in and practiced giving back to God the first day of each week. She went to church! Attending wasn’t optional, it was a priority in the Stowers household. Unfortunately, Sunday is now an extension of the weekend and we can hardly distinguish it from Saturday.

Church attendance is declining and it’s a trend that’s not going away. It’s accelerating. Leadership coach and blogger Carey Neiuwhof writes extensively on church trends and attendance and lists 10 Reasons Even Committed Church Members Are Attending Less. Topping Carey’s list is:

1) Greater Affluence – money gives people options,

2) Higher Focus on Children’s Activities – more kids are playing sports and doing it on Sunday, and

3) Blended Parent Families – when custody is shared in a family situation, ‘perfect’ attendance for a kid or teen might be 26 Sundays a year.

You can read the rest of Carey’s post here.

The Real Reason Why Personal Finance is Not Taught in School

The Real Reason Why Personal Finance is Not Taught in School

by | Jan 3, 2022 | Empowerment, Goals, Money and Finance, Self-Leadership

Our school systems teach us many subjects such as science, math, accounting, geography, history, the arts, and languages. But money is not one of them.

Why don't they teach money in school? Why isn't personal finance taught in school, and why don't all students have access to a personal finance coach before taking out student loans? 

The answer is a mix of inertia in the system and failure to recognize financial literacy as one of the core skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century.

Today's post will explore why money should be taught at schools and why it's so essential for our children's futures that we start teaching money now. We'll also cover some tips on how parents can educate their children on money and how schools can teach money.

Personal finance is a core skill needed to succeed in the 21st Century.

Money is one of the essential things in our lives, but we don't learn anything about it in school. We learn about science, math, the arts, and languages, but we never learn how to manage our money.

This is a problem because money is one of the most important things in our lives. We need money to buy food, clothes, and shelter. We also need money to pay for our education.

Debt is another problem that we face. Many students take out student loans without ever learning about personal finance. This can lead to a lot of debt problems later in life. To avoid these problems, we need to teach students about personal finance in school.

Money is one of the essential things in our lives, but we don't learn anything about it in school. 

Click to Tweet

Some people say that personal finance is not a required subject in school. They say that we should learn about money by ourselves. This is not a good idea. We need to learn about money in school to avoid problems like debt.

Teaching personal finance in school is a good idea because it can help students:

- avoid money problems later in life

- plan their future budgets

- know how much money they need for college

- know what to do with money when it's time to pay for college

People who say that personal finance is not a required subject are wrong. We need to teach students about money to avoid money problems as adults. Personal finance is a core skill needed to succeed in the 21st Century.

Many students take out student loans without ever learning about personal finance. 

Click to Tweet

Two Reasons Why Money Isn't Taught in School

There are two reasons why money isn't taught in school: Inertia in the system and failure to recognize financial literacy as one of the core skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century.

Lack of Urgency in the System

The lack of urgency in the current education system is that money is not seen as an academic subject. This is due to the curriculum being drawn up in the 1800s. Students are already overloaded with many subjects to study, and money is not seen as necessary.

Failure to Recognize Financial Literacy as a Core Skill

There are many things that children need to learn at school to be successful in life. One of these skills is money management. Commercials and advertisements constantly bombard us with products to spend, so we should understand how money works, so we don't fall for these tricks.

Money isn't taught in school because they don't see it as necessary. Money is money, and money doesn't have a gender. It's not only women that spend money, and money isn't something that belongs to men or women exclusively.

Society has made money seem like a male-dominated thing, but we fail to realize that money doesn't discriminate against anyone based on their sex.

To make money a necessary subject in school, you can teach it interdisciplinary. This means that money shouldn't just be taught in math or business class.

Additionally, it should be taught in other classes such as English, history, and science. This will help money be seen as a more important subject and help students learn about money more holistically.

Giving students access to personal finance coaches is another way to make money a necessary subject in school. A personal finance coach can help students understand money and manage it. They can also help students who are struggling with money-related issues.

Teaching money in school is a good idea; money can be taught through different disciplines and give students access to personal finance coaches. Money management is not one of the subjects that school systems teach, and this needs to change. Education needs to include money management.

There are two reasons why money isn't taught in school: Inertia in the system and failure to recognize financial literacy as one of the core skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century.

Click to Tweet

It's Hard to Teach What You Don't Know.

Schools teach everything else but money because it is hard for teachers and parents to teach children about money themselves when they don't know much about it themselves.

Most parents try to teach their children about money by setting an example. However, this usually doesn't work because it's hard for them to change their spending habits. They also typically don't have the money, knowledge, or financial skills to give their children sound advice. Schools can help fill this gap by teaching students about money.

Debt is another reason why personal finance should be taught in school. A recent study by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that two-thirds of millennials have debt and that the average amount of debt per person is $37,172. Students need to learn how to avoid debt and manage it if they acquire it.

The good news is that some organizations are already trying to fill the gap in personal finance education. The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is one of these organizations. NEFE created the High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP), a comprehensive personal finance curriculum for high school students.

There are many good reasons why personal finance should be taught in school. Schools should teach students about money because it is hard for parents to teach their children about money themselves.

Debt is a significant problem for millennials, and there are already organizations trying to fill the gap in personal finance education.

Teaching personal finance in school is a step in the right direction to ensuring that all students graduate with money skills that can help them succeed in the future.

Schools teach everything else but money because it is hard for teachers and parents to teach children about money themselves when they don't know much about it themselves.

Click to Tweet

Before You Take a $100,000 Student Loan

Students need access to personal finance coaches before they take out large student loans or enter into other debt agreements that will affect their lives. Most students take out student loans without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.

They may not know how to budget their money, they may not understand compound interest, and they may not calculate how much money they will need to pay back in total. That's why it's so essential for students to get access to personal finance coaches before they take on any significant debt agreements.

A personal finance coach can help a student understand all of the terms of a loan agreement and help them make a repayment plan.

A money coach can help students avoid debt and live within their means. Being in debt can affect a student's life in many ways. Many students graduate with over $20,000 of debt and interest.

To avoid taking on additional debt after school, money coaches can help graduates develop their money management skills.

Students need access to personal finance coaches before they take out large student loans or enter into other debt agreements that will affect their lives.

Click to Tweet

In conclusion, money should be taught as a subject in school so that students can learn how to manage money properly. If you want your child or student to have money skills for the future, they need access to personal finance coaches before taking out loans and entering into debt agreements.

Schools provide education on many subjects, but financial literacy is not one of them - this needs to change. Otherwise, we may see an even higher unemployment rate due to a lack of money management skills among millennials already struggling with debt from over $37K on average!

Let's hope schools pick it up so we can all rest a little easier at night, knowing our kids won't be crushed by money problems when they enter the working world.

The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) created the High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP) to help fill the gap in personal finance education. HSFPP is a comprehensive personal finance curriculum for high school students. It covers budgeting, saving money, credit, debt, and investing.


How to Make 2022 Your Best Year Ever

How to Make 2022 Your Best Year Ever

by | Dec 31, 2021 | Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Resolutions, Self-Leadership

I know. I know. I know. For some, 2020 and 2021 were an emotional rollercoaster. 

You've been through a lot this year, and you're not sure what to expect in 2022.

You experienced many disappointments. But this too shall pass, and it's time for a fresh start in 2022. We've experienced drastic changes this year, and our bodies and minds have reacted with increased anxiety levels - but with the proper coping mechanisms, you can get through it.

Everybody is usually trying to reinvent themselves at this time of year. We've all gone through too much to cave in to such pressure, whether from the outside world or ourselves. 

Today's article, "How To Make 2022 Your Best Year Ever" will help you stay positive while things around us change. By following our tips, we'll make sure your New Year's resolution of making 2022 your best year ever stays intact throughout the entire year.

Let's get started!

It's Hard to Go When You Don't Know

The pandemic that began in 2019 has lasted much longer than anyone anticipated. There have been many different predictions about how long it would last, but none have proven accurate.

One of the challenges we face is that we still do not know how to get rid of the virus. There were vaccines, but they haven't wiped out COVID. There have been many variants that have emerged, sending us right back into a state of panic.

While some may feel hopeless in the face of this epidemic, I believe that we must continue to fight. We cannot give up because we do not have all the answers. We must find new ways to combat this virus and save as many lives as possible.

Furthermore, the negative cycle of over-expectation and disappointment can take a toll on our mental health. Repeatedly being let down can lead to emotional trauma and depression.

Devastation like this, plus lack of financial security for many people who lost jobs, has led many industry leaders to believe we're in the middle of a depression, like when war rages.

While some may feel hopeless in the face of this epidemic, I believe that we must continue to fight. 

Click to Tweet

Something is Better Than Nothing, Right?

The aftermath of tragedy has affected how some people can enjoy life. People who were out and about before the pandemic are now taking caution to ensure their safety. Still, they may feel down because they can't enjoy life to its fullest.

For one, we're putting pressure on ourselves to have fun at a time like this. We're "shoulding" ourselves, according to Silvia M. Dutchevici, psychotherapist and founder of the Critical Therapy Center.

"Shoulding" implies I should go out and be having a good time; I should want to see my friends. Our "shoulds" may not be what we want.

Many people find that they are exhausted after the holidays. This may be because they have spent a lot of time entertaining others. After Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, some people don't even want to keep up their social connections.

It is hard to be with others and remain focused. Because we haven't interacted with others for so long, we have to reset our approach after a traumatic event and whether or not we want to. There's also the seemingly never-ending COVID anxiety that always lurks in the background.

Because we haven't interacted with others for so long, we have to reset our approach after a traumatic event and whether or not we want to.

Click to Tweet

Here's How You Can Make 2022 Your Best Year Ever

Manage Your Expectations

Can we as individuals do anything to feel better? Fortunately, we can.

The first is to manage expectations. Or, as I often say, "control what's controllable. Since the pandemic, life has changed in many ways. One thing that is important to understand is that there is no going back to how things were before.

Trying to recreate something you lost is likely to lead to disappointment. However, if you look ahead, there are opportunities for growth and different connections that may even be better than what came before.

Trying to recreate something you lost is likely to lead to disappointment.

Click to Tweet

Live in The Moment

Next, make it a habit to live in the moment. Human beings are naturally uncomfortable with the uncertainty of the world. However, planning for six months or a year from now may lead to disappointment later because we still don't know how things will shake out.

Instead of thinking of consequences that may or may not happen in the future, think of what you have right now. Think about how far you've come from where you were one year ago, six months ago, two weeks ago.

Instead, try to stay calm and not worry about what will happen in the future. What will happen is unpredictable. We need to learn how to do this because it will be important in 2022.

Instead of thinking of consequences that may or may not happen in the future, think of what you have right now.

Click to Tweet

Rest is a Weapon That Allows You to Reset

Finally, remember rest is a weapon that allows you to reset.

There's a reason we liken the pandemic to the zombie apocalypse. It sounds like something from a horror movie, and that's because it feels like one too.

The world is exhausting, and people are tired as we get ready to start the third year of a pandemic. We can barely keep up with work, let alone anything else in our lives; there's no time for creativity or innovation anymore.

Resting allows resetting through reflecting.

Taking the time to reflect on the good and bad moments of 2021 is essential. It allows us to celebrate our accomplishments and learn from our challenges. It's crucial to remember that no year is without ups and downs, so even though 2021 may have been tough, there were still plenty of happy moments. By acknowledging what we've been through, we can give ourselves the space to process it all and move on stronger than ever.

Taking the time to reflect on the good and bad moments of 2021 is essential. It allows us to celebrate our accomplishments and learn from our challenges.

Click to Tweet

The year 2022 presents many opportunities while also causing us to change the way we do things. We must take care of ourselves and our families and stay strong during this process. Hopefully, by following these tips, we'll be able to make 2022 a year to remember.

Unlock Faith on The Fly

Just enter your details in the form below to get instant access to "Faith on The Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals" eBook.

 

Thank You! I appreciate your interest in "Faith on the Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals." I am excited to help you integrate faith into your daily routine.