Best You for 2022

What’s your kryptonite?

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So, what’s your kryptonite and are you going to conquer it this year? 

My kryptonite is sugar cookies. I cannot resist them. They perform perfectly for every occasion, take any shape, can be beautifully decorated, and are deliciously sweet. 

Like sugar cookies, I can shape-shift to fit into scenarios. I will be as beautiful/sweet/clever/funny/entertaining as necessary so I will be chosen, accepted, and adored . . . the one everyone likes and wants to be with. 

For decades, I didn’t know how to be me or how to show up authentically for others, so I hid all those insecurities behind a mask of performance. 

Finding Freedom

Then I started working with a Life Coach. It was revelatory. She helped me to see that when I show up as the Pleaser, I will always try to perform to be seen and achieve to find acceptance . . . unless I can find significance that satisfies on a soul level. That depth of significance can only come from God, who made me, knows my deepest, darkest secrets, loves me as I am, and calls me his child.

When I live like I believe that, I show up authentically and don’t show off to get you to like or accept me.

I wish I could say I’ve conquered all my coping mechanisms and glide into every scenario authentically confident. But, I’m a work in progress. You, too, right? 

When I’m stressed or scared, I can still turn into a sugar cookie, morphing into character, stealing the spotlight, and searching for acceptance under false pretenses. 

I continue to work on my beliefs about being enough with my Life Coach, and I invite trusted friends to nudge me when they see me start to frost my sugar cookie to fit the occasion.

Turn over a new leaf

This is the time of year most of us pledge to turn over a new leaf, redefine success or grasp hope for a better year than the last.

What’s something you can do to reset your 2022?

• Instead of scrolling, read a self-help book. 
• Rather than veg in front of the tube, listen to inspiring (or challenging) podcasts or radio programs.
• Join a group (or start a group) of folks focusing on flourishing physically, financially or spiritually. 
• Hire or barter time with a life coach. 
• Do something scared – post a blog, ask someone you’d like to know better out for coffee, host a party.
• Attend a conference or women’s retreat for inspiration and affirmation.

Free Resources

My speaker friend and Christian Mentor, Marnie Swedberg, hosted her first online conference called Best You 2022. All the replays from all 5 tracks: Spiritual Growth, Self-Care, Bold Living, Leadership Training, and Expand Your Reach, are free and available to hear here.  Plus, there’s a ton of free swag to be gotten. Why not check out some of the sessions? 

What will you be working on in 2022 to become more like Jesus, overcome an obstacle or otherwise conquer your kryptonite? Leave me a comment, I read every one. 

Verse of the Day: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23 NIV 

Prayer: Oh Jesus, you know how much I want be like you and how hard I’ve tried and how many times I’ve fallen short. Thank you for loving me so well in the midst of faltering. Lead me to affect change a little bit at a time. I want to be the best me I can. In Jesus Name amen.