I'm leaving behind fear. The fear that caused me to be afraid to do anything due to some health issues. The fear that was causing me to sit and worry about my condition, rather than go out and fully participate in this wonderful life that God has prepared for me. I will not be afraid to live anymore.
I'm leaving behind self-doubt. I stepped out on faith with some things this year. And no sooner than I stepped out the self-doubt came straggling in. The self-doubt that made me believe that I was unworthyand couldn't accomplish what God had destined. The self-doubt that made me wonder if I was good enough, or smart enough to do it. The self-doubt that almost talked me out of it. I had to be reminded that God often does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called. God makes no mistakes. If it's God's will, it will happen.
I'm leaving behind listening to the naysayers. The old adage that 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me' is a lie. Broken bones heal faster than broken spirits. I will no longer entertain the criticisms regarding whether I am too old, or too unhealthy. The criticisms of my gender, or gifts, or even my hair. (Yes, sadly there are still some people that can't embrace natural hair.) I can't control what others say, but I control how I react to it. My mother used to say, 'they criticized Jesus Christ and He did nothing but good.' So it's only fair that I have some naysayers, but I can choose to ignore them.
Finally, I'm leaving behind some people. People are placed in your life for a reason and a season. Once the reason and the season are over, it's time to move on. It's time to stop listening to the words and look at the actions. Any relationship that does not honor or uplift, is dishonoring and depressing. Life is too short to spend it in emotional turmoil. It's time to surround myself with those that bring light into my life, not cast a shadow over it.
So now you know what I am leaving behind in 2016. I realize that the details were left out, but this is the internet and I'm not about to put all of my business out there. I'm leaving these things behind so that I will have room to receive in my life all of the good and perfect gifts God has already provided for me.
So what are you leaving behind?