And considering that this has been such a tough year, many have been acting as though a switch would go off and somehow all the bad bits of 2020 would be in the rearview mirror (hint: it’s 2021 now and that didn’t happen).

We’ve been walking around for weeks saying things like, “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over” and “Yes, 2021 is just around the corner.” But now that 2021 is here, we have some realities we must confront.

Most of us know (if we’re being honest), that the sadness from one year generally doesn’t just disappear simply because the hands of a clock strike a magic hour or the page of a calendar is turned.

But here’s what we can do: we can change how we react to it all. Pastor Chuck Swindoll once said that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it — and it’s true.

So, let’s explore four steps we can take to survive and thrive in 2021.

First, Make Faith a Priority

In 2020, I made morning quiet time a priority, and it ended up being pretty amazing. I read my Bible, took in truth and, while life wasn’t perfect, the experience transformed the ways in which I saw each day unfold.

Putting God first changes everything.

Second, Pray More

Many of us get hung up on saying neat and tidy prayers, but try this: start praying wherever you are — doing laundry, working out, trying to sleep. Whenever, wherever. Just take steps to connect with God each and every day.

Third, Do a Self-Intake Assessment

Now, the third one might seem strange, but start paying attention to what you’re watching and listening to. Entertainment, media, music — the messages we let in will surely impact our minds, our mouths — even our hearts.

If we want to be more Godly, perhaps we should guard ourselves a little better than many of us do. It’s an area I’ve struggled with, and making a concerted effort to curb negative content can really pay off in the long run.

Information, news and entertainment have a major impact on what we think and feel, so assessing what we take in is key.

Fourth, Do Something Kind for Others

Whether it’s consistent charity giving, service projects, buying pet food for a family in need, consistent goodness helps us live out God’s love for others.

Find ways to do good things…consistently. It doesn’t only help others, but it boosts our own morale.

Remember: all the tools we need come from above. So, as we enter this new year, consider taking key steps to get closer to God: pray more, read the Bible more, take in blessed content and do good for others. Make these daily, weekly and monthly steps part of your routine and it holds the power to change everything.

Want more inspiration?

Join me at one of the social media links below for positive and encouraging guidance to help you build Your Faith, Your Family and Your Community.

My contacts are:

CantorBorsky.com

call/text — 267-971-8799

email — CantorSBorsky@gmail.com

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/scott.borsky

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/CantorScottBorsky

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantorscottborsky

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjmQtobConFsH61Xoeq_E8Q

Mailing address:
Scott Borsky
1898 Old Cuthbert Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ
08034