Hello, darling,

Welcome back to the blog. I’m writing this from my cosy sofa, with a warm cup of coffee beside me. I’m feeling grateful for this quiet moment and for each of you who takes the time to stop by.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the true power of starting fresh, not just in the sense of a “New Year, New Me” slogan, but in physically letting go of things that carry the weight of past struggles. New beginnings don’t have to mean drastic life changes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as bringing fresh items into our homes, exploring new places, or forming new friendships.

Yesterday, when I got up early to go to the gym while my partner was working from home and my daughter was at home instead of nursery, I knew it was going to be a long day, with a whole list of things to do. So, I decided to get up early and just go to the gym to spend that quiet time by myself. As I was driving there, bundled up in my jumper because it was so cold, I had a moment of realisation about how new everything was for me. After my postpartum experience, I felt like I lost my sense of self and identity. However, I feel so much healthier now, mind, body, and spirit. I thought about how fresh everything feels, like going to the gym and knowing how to use the machines, which is a huge difference from how I felt before—conflicted and self-conscious around others. Now, I just go there, work out, and love it.

It also hit me how important it is to have gym clothes that are comfortable instead of ones that squeeze the life out of me. All of this was a reflection of the stage of life I’m in right now, where I finally have a deep sense of peace and comfort in my surroundings. But I will always remember that it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when I felt overwhelmed and trapped in a season of life.

When I think about it, I still have things from that dark time, like a dress I strangely kept from a period when I didn’t have much self-love and wore very skimpy stuff. I also have old mugs from previous workplaces that never served me well and just made me feel unappreciated. These objects may be small, but they carry significant emotional weight. I’ve been making a conscious effort to go through and clear out my things, from old teacups to my wardrobe, literally going through my drawers and decluttering.

Letting go of these things has been healing. Our belongings can carry emotional weight, even years later. Sometimes, it’s hard to understand how deeply these objects are tied to painful experiences until we let them go. I used to think it was harmless to keep a dress I hadn’t worn in years or a pair of earrings from a time I’d rather forget. But with each small thing I released, I found I was creating space for peace and positivity.

Maybe you’ve experienced it too, the way certain objects, smells, or sounds can bring you right back to a time you’d rather not revisit. Maybe it’s a candle that smells like an old flat or a jumper from a challenging season of life. These items can act as little “memory triggers” that, despite their size or simplicity, pack an emotional punch.

This past year, I’ve finally given myself permission to let go of anything that no longer serves me. I want to fill my home with things that bring me joy, comfort, and a sense of safety. I want to open my draws and see reminders of the life I’m building now, not the struggles I endured. And yes, while part of me hesitated to part with things that were “perfectly good,” I realised that the emotional cost of keeping them was greater than the cost of letting them go.

If you’re also trying to start fresh, or perhaps just longing for a sense of lightness, I encourage you to think about the objects in your life. Are they lifting you up, or pulling you back to a place you’ve outgrown? It’s okay to let go. It’s okay to release the things that no longer bring you joy, even if they’re still perfectly functional.

Sometimes, reinvention is less about changing who we are and more about surrounding ourselves with reminders of the life we want to lead. For me, that meant new clothes, a fresh hairstyle (braids), and even a new church. Each small change adds up, helping me feel more at home in my own life.

So, as we head into a new season, give yourself the gift of a fresh start. Light a candle that brings a smile to your face, throw away that old perfume that takes you back to a different time, or wear a jumper that feels like a warm hug. And remember, starting fresh doesn’t mean forgetting where we’ve been. It just means we’re making space for who we’re becoming.

As the new year approaches, I also find myself reflecting on the significance of resolutions from a biblical perspective. Setting goals and intentions can be a powerful practice, but it’s essential to align them with our faith and the teachings of God.

I’ve seen many share how they frame their New Year’s resolutions around the Lord, which is a beautiful reminder to centre our lives on Him as we step into a new year.

One comment that resonated with me pointed out that happiness is not a biblical promise. Instead, God offers us peace and joy, even in times of suffering and loss. This is such an important truth, especially in a world that often equates happiness with success or fulfilment. As we set our goals, let’s remember that our true source of joy comes from our relationship with Christ, not our circumstances.

It’s incredible to think that my journey has inspired others to see the light of Christ! I believe that there’s nothing sinful about wanting to improve ourselves and grow closer to God. Each new year provides a fresh opportunity to reflect on our lives and ask ourselves whether we’re growing in our faith and living obediently.

I love the idea of choosing a word for the year to focus on spiritual growth. It’s such a wonderful way to make our intentions tangible and scripturally grounded.

Life’s challenges remind us to lean on Christ and trust in His timing. Sharing our stories can strengthen our community and encourage us to rely on God through our trials.

It’s heartwarming to know that God is using me to bless others.

In this new year, let’s commit to pursuing spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. I pray that each of us finds clarity in our resolutions and that our hearts align with His purpose for our lives.

Happy New Year, to you! May God bless you abundantly as we seek to honour Him in all that we do.

Scherise.X