As the final days of 2024 tick by, there’s a whisper of something exciting in the air – a new year, brimming with possibilities. But before we hang up the glittery party hats and start making resolutions we may or may not keep, let’s talk about something important: the power you have to create a joyful life, right here, right now, starting with ordinary living.

Here’s the truth: your past does not define you. Read that again and let it sink in. Whatever mistakes, heartbreaks, or detours you’ve taken – they are not the final word on who you are or what you can become. The past is a place to learn from, not a place to live.

Happiness: The Ultimate DIY Project

Now, let’s bust a myth: no one has the power to make you feel anything. Not your boss, your mother-in-law, or the person who cut you off in traffic. Nope. Your emotions don’t come from what happens to you – they come from the thoughts you attach to those events.

Let me give you an example. Imagine spilling that 32 oz AK-Special you just picked up at Sodalicious on your brand-new shirt. (Yes, the one you splurged on because, “It’s on sale, so it’s practically free!”) You can think, “UGH, my day is ruined! Not only is my new shirt soaked with coconut Dr. Pepper but I no longer have my savored drink to sip on throughout the day.” or you can think, “Good thing coconut is my signature scent!” Same spill, different thought, entirely different emotion.

This is powerful, my friends. When you realize that happiness is a choice – a skill you can hone – you stop waiting for life to hand you joy and start creating it yourself.

Living a Life Without Regret

As we leave 2024 behind, let’s take a moment to honor the year for what it was. Never regret a day in your life:

• Good days give happiness. Remember those days? Savor them like the last slice of pizza at a part.
• Bad days give experience. Think of these as the “leg day” of life. Tough, but oh, so worth it.
• Worst days give lessons. And let’s be honest, those lessons usually stick because they came with a side of ugly crying.
• Best days give memories. Cherish them, laugh at them, and maybe turn them into a story you tell over and over.

When we see every kind of day as valuable, we step into a life without regret.

Our Family Motto

This year, our family motto is simple yet powerful: “You’ve got this, because Jesus Christ has got you.” We are not just passengers on life’s cruise ship – we are His crew members, trusted to make a difference in this world.

To help everyone in the family remember this truth, We gave each member of the family a hoodie boldly displaying our motto. No matter what comes our way in 2025, we’ll carry this reminder close to our hearts: “We’ve got this, because Jesus Christ has got us.” So when life throws challenges your way – and it will – you can stand tall, knowing you’re never alone.

Creating the Life You Want

The beauty of the new year is that it’s a blank canvas, and you’re holding the paintbrush. Dream big. Love deeply. Laugh often. Choose thoughts that serve you, and take the reins of your own emotions.

• Want more peace? Start your mornings with gratitude.
• Craving adventure? Stop waiting for the “perfect” time and just go.
• Seeking connection? Be the first to reach out, to forgive, to love.

It’s not about making life perfect; it’s about learning to dance in the imperfections.

A Laugh to Take With You

Now, let’s lighten the mood. If you’re thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work,” remember: life is like a sandwich. No matter how you stack it, the bread comes first. You can’t control every ingredient in the middle, but you can choose to enjoy the sandwich. And if you don’t like what’s inside, you can always make a new one!

So as you step into 2025, remember this: you are the author of your story, the creator of your emotions, and the architect of your joy. Leave the past behind, embrace the ordinary, and step into a new year ready to live, learn, and laugh.

Here’s to happiness, family, and faith – because you’ve got this, because Jesus Christ has got you.

Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!