Recently I sat down and thought about things that bring me joy. I’ve done this before- making a list of what brings me joy led to this blog and sharing my life and faith with all of you!
This time I did more concrete things or days that bring me joy. My list consisted of “looking forward” to things. Looking and focusing on fun things in the near future brings me so much JOY! Hello? Fall? Are you almost here?!?
So… today’s GMWK is all about looking forward- focusing on positive things ahead and how that can benefit us.
To begin- God created us to look forward. In the old testament, people waited for Jesus to come. Once Jesus died and conquered death, people now wait for his return. God created us to focus on what is to come.
Paul said it best. We need to focus our eyes forward, press toward what God is calling us to do and be.
When we anticipate a positive event coming up, it can boost our mood and help us get through stressful situations. Anxiety is the ugly step sister to Anticipation (looking forward to something). With anxiety- we feel fear about what could happen and anticipation replaces fear with excitement.
I have never thought of myself as an anxious person, and I firmly believe it is because I am very intentional about “looking forward” to the next thing. I actively choose to replace fear of what’s next with excitement. (I also know some of you are or have been in a season of grief, and choosing to look forward is robbed of you. Please know I am praying for you and know that God is with you and still working in your life.)
Today I want to share with you some simple ways I intentionally look forward to things, hoping it can inspire you to look forward too!
🌟Simple Ways to Look Forward🌟
Create Routines
I love to use routines to ensure that I do something I love and value every single day! My morning routine ensures that I get a workout and my quiet time in! It also involves my beloved coffee.
My night time routine ensures that I have a more peaceful evening and quality time with my hubby. Routines are exceptional tools to make sure good things are in your immediate future and a part of your everyday life!
Schedule Joy
What is an activity that just puts a pep in your step? Is it a long walk? Or a mani/pedi? Is it a coffee date with a friend? Whatever it may be- write in on the calendar, arrange the babysitter, and then get excited for it! Not only will it fill you with anticipation, but it will fill your cup and make you want to schedule another thing.
Embrace Each Season
We all have our favorite times of year, and we have our not-so favorite times. My challenge to everyone is to embrace each season. Every single season has highlights that we can focus our energy on.
Fall– bust out the pumpkin decor, host a football game watch party, make the chili, take a walk in the cooler weather. Just, embrace it.
Winter– decorate the tree, sing all the carols, curl the ribbons, read more books, set new goals, sit by the fire. Just, embrace it.
Spring– clean out the closets, paint your nails in pastels, celebrate your risen savior, stop to smell the roses, spoil your teachers. Just, embrace it.
Summer– get the tan lines, drink the iced coffee, enjoy early walks, get splashed in the pool, feel the warm sun. Just, embrace it.
Limit Scrolling
Scrolling leads to comparison. We compare our current situation to what someone has already done. So when we are seeing what everyone else has DONE- we naturally feel like we are behind. I usually find myself feeling discouraged after scrolling, not wanting to get up and get things done. I am guessing that maybe I am not alone in this area.
I will say that consuming content by people that I know and love is very inspiring to me. I think social media is an extremely powerful platform to share with others, I know I use it to share my blog. Make sure you pay attention to who you are following and be sure you also create some on social media too. Don’t just consume. Spread your light and joy- so many people love you.
Know Your Creator
God created you. He understands your heart, your fears, your joys, your struggles more than you even know. If you don’t read your bible, try it out. Find a bible study that can guide you in understanding what you are reading. The more you know your creator, the more you have to look forward to. You know that God’s will for your life is good and filled with purpose.
Take a minute and listen to the song Canyons by Cory Asbury.
The lyrics say, “where could I run, where you wouldn’t run after me? how could I fall, when you already took the fall for me? Beyond the stars, to the very breath I breathe, there’s no end to your love for me.”
When you know God goes before you, surrounds you, and stands behind you, life is lighter. We can be confident in what is to come and be joyful in anticipation.
I hope this “GMWK: Get Merry with Kari” inspired you to look forward, anticipate the future. Please share this post with someone that may need it or enjoy it.
Sharing my heart with y’all on the blog is something that fills me with joy and I look forward to every post going live. Thank you for visiting.
Love,
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