When I started my plumbing apprenticeship in 2006 I remember nervously thinking to myself what was I thinking? I could see the goal and I knew the plan, but I was anxious about doing well. Would I be a good plumber? Would I be able to do what was expected of me at Tafe?
Seven years later I can still remember the fear in my heart and the ball in my stomach as I’d drive into Tafe. In the safe harbor of my car, I’d look at my hands and pray that God would give me Jesus hands, because if Jesus could be a carpenter and save the world, I could be a plumber and overcome mine.
I doubted myself so much during my apprenticeship. I tried to be confident, but it was hard standing out.
I fast forward to my life now and reflect on how grateful I am to have had that experience and how humbling it was to do my best and still not be the best in the class.
Are you nervous about this year? Are you anxious about keeping your job? Worried whether your business will have enough work? Stressed over whether you’re a good parent? I am. I think about how I can be better all the time and so that is why I made some different types of resolutions for this year. They all have to do with how I feel or how I’d like to feel. Here’s my list:
- I want to feel healthy and have more energy. This means adding more fruit and veggies to my regular diet. Doing some exercise by walking around the block or doing crazy sports in our lounge room using the Xbox Connect. It’s not about losing weight, it’s about doing the right thing for my body so I don’t always feel sluggish and tired all the time.
- I want to be fun and feel JOY. I’m going to break away from routines and be more adventurous with my girls and with my hubby. I’m not sure how to go about this one yet but I’ll let you know once I figure it out.
- I want to be generous and feel the excitement and pleasure of giving to others.
- I want to feel content and not be stressed about finances. This year is going to be a tight year for us but I also know that it’s going to be a year of overflowing blessing. I’m basing this feeling on not what I see as our current reality, but trusting that God can provide above and beyond all we need.
- I want to feel confident. I want to use whatever courage I have to go for opportunities that will increase my small businesses. It’s a priority this year, now that I’ve stopped working on the tools as a plumber.
Sometimes life throws curve balls and I smiled when I read so many Facebook statuses stating this year was going to be better than the last.
I can’t predict what this year will bring. But I can choose to live courageously. I’m going to put away my nerves and anxiety and aim to do well at whatever opportunities come my way.
I encourage you to do the same. Put aside those fears. Don’t look back. Look forward and put your heart and soul into living well.
Happy New Year.
