Make space for the New You
What have you experienced in the past that still today bogs you down?What currently is overwhelming you that you are dragging like a ball a chain?
These questions are important to address because a lack of awareness will either negative experiences or thoughts to always fill the space in which you need to grow.
The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past. – Marie Kondo
How appropriate, the woman who is a master at decluttering and organizing a home that has been overwhelmed with the chaos of boxes, clothes, and all sorts of mementos, takes it to a deeper level of understanding. In other words, If the closet in your mind is full of junk that you are unwilling to part with; you will never allow the space for the new and improved you to grow.
Each day you have an opportunity to make space for areas of your life you need to adjust as well as acquire new skills. However, it’s important that you bag up the old and let it go. Take time to journal and write down things that frustrate and clutter your mind as well as overwhelm you. List negative self-talk and images that have put you down which continue to be stockpiled. The prerecorded negative messages that say you won’t amount to anything or even the skeletons in the closets that worry you, “What if someone finds out?” Take those cassette tapes and CDs box them up and throw them in the trash.
Isaiah 43:18–19
18 l“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Creating space to grow from the past is an important aspect of personal development and self-improvement. Here are some steps you can take:
- Acknowledge and Accept the Past: Recognize that the past is part of your journey, but it doesn’t define you entirely. Accept that certain events or experiences have happened, but they don’t have to dictate your future. Accepting your past creates the necessary space you need to grow in the present.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, God says, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.” Hold on to the promise, today walk into your newness by embracing who you are not where you have been.
- Reflect on Lessons Learned: Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned from past experiences. Identify the insights, wisdom, or skills gained from both positive and negative situations. Imagine each lesson learned and experience to be a resistance band that only makes you strong as you contract back and forth. Life is a bench press in which we can either press to become stronger or become crushed under the weight of the plates.
Philippians 4:9 says, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” The best teacher usually comes by experience however the master student learns from the lessons of others.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you reflect on the past. Understand that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend.
Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Jesus makes it very clear in the Bible that it’s essential to love God and love others. This Bible verse about self-love even says that these are the two greatest commandments. To love others, God calls us to love ourselves. Fully accepting ourselves and practicing self-love is one way to show that we love God.
https://www.pureflix.com/insider/20-bible-verses-about-loving-yourself
4. Let Go of Resentment and Blame: Holding onto resentment or blaming others for past events can prevent growth. It will take up the space that others who are more worthy of love and compassion need to fill. Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and for others involved. This doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior but releasing the negative emotions associated with it.
Ephesians 4:30-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Not only does bitterness fill in the space in which love should reside, but it doesn’t give room for the Holy Spirit to operate either.
- Set Boundaries: If certain people or situations from the past continue to affect you negatively, consider setting boundaries to protect your well-being. This could involve limiting contact with certain individuals or avoiding triggering environments.
“For each one should carry their load” (Galatians 6:5). Negative people tend to have you carry their load and energy. Keep space enough to handle the challenges you face. You were not meant to be a dumping ground for either others’ hostility or to be a therapeutic counselor. Yes, show compassion, however not to the extent it wears you down or breaks you.
- Focus on the Present Moment: While it’s important to learn from the past, dwelling on it excessively can hinder your ability to move forward. Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Each day be intentional for whatever matters and brings you joy. Make space for the now and not what already happened.
Matthew 6:34 ESV /
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
- Set Goals for the Future: Use the insights gained from past experiences to inform your goals for the future. What do you want to achieve? How do you want to grow and evolve as a person? Setting clear goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose.
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord Whatever You Do
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse reminds us that when we set goals and align our plans with God’s will, He ensures they flourish. God’s promise to establish our plans gives us confidence that, with Him, we can achieve anything. Whenever we set a goal, start by praying, asking God to guide us according to His will. It’s comforting to know He’s with us every step of the way.
https://marisadamore.com/verses/30-empowering-bible-verses-about-setting-goals
- Seek Support: If you’re struggling to move past certain experiences or emotions, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional therapist. Talking to someone who can offer guidance and perspective can be incredibly valuable.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Never be afraid to cry out because you have a God who is sensitive enough to listen to you. It’s important you run the race with others to create accountability partners.
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth opportunities that past experiences have provided. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life and express appreciation for them regularly. Each stroke of the brush has a purpose if you are willing to learn and teach others. It’s important to be grateful and meditate on what you have been blessed with and not the negative experiences that thrive to take space from you.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. — Colossians 4:2 (NLT). Negativity unfortunately is a default mechanism in our brains that goes into automatic pilot to protect us. Gratitude creates the mental space you need to shift manually and pivot to what is positive.
10. Take Action: Finally, take proactive steps towards creating the life you want and the space you need. Whether it’s pursuing new opportunities, cultivating healthy habits, or investing in relationships, taking action is essential for growth and transformation. This can only happen when you intentionally make the space to allow these areas to grow. If your flower bed is filled with weeds, the beauty in your garden will never reach its full potential.
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:23-25
Remember that growth is a journey, and it’s okay to progress at your own pace. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way.