let me be the first.

What was the first voice in your ear this morning?

Did it uplift you? Did it speak truth and bring light into your life?

The first voice matters. 

It can propel you forward with encouragement or it can throw you into a corner. 

Like when you rocked the presentation but the first voice brought harsh criticism.

OR

when you hustled your butt off but still got outscored, and the first voice lifted your head to say, “You worked really hard, I'm proud of you.”

The first voice sets the tone.

So as we find ourselves on the first Monday of a new year 

(a new year that carries a bit of pressure to be much better than the last) 

let's make sure we're starting it right. 

So before you hit the ground running at 100 mph,

let me be the first to remind you…

God's never wished you were someone else.

Yep. It doesn't have to be a new year, new you. 

Just as you are in this very moment is more than enough.

Whether you're still in your pj's with messy hair and morning breath, or with coffee in hand hustling to start your day.

Whether you're exactly where you want to be in life,

or you're wrestling with “should be's” and “not yet's”.

God's got you, and He couldn't love you any more, or any less right now!

Yes, there's always room for growth and development and I too am passionate about chasing goals, but amidst all the noise, it's also important to remember that you're pretty great just as you are. 

You made it through a really tough year. There were times it almost broke you, 

but here you are :)

So despite how you may feel at times…

You are strong.

You are beautiful.

You are loved.

You are enough.

So if anything makes you feel less than today, think of this message.

And also…

Your smile can brighten the day 

(even if it's just with your eyes and under a mask!).

The world needs a window into your beautiful mind (speak up!).

Your butt looks great (girl!!!!).

You're really smart AND charming.

And you can do really hard things.

So here's to a new year, lovely!

Set goals, reach further, and love yourself as you go.

Don't forget to sprinkle it all with grace!