2009 leaves all of us a little battle-tested and war torn. We can choose to stay grounded, lamenting all that we’ve lost or we can rise in 2010 like a phoenix – reborn anew to live again – take flight and “fly above” all the drama. Which will you choose?

Given all that you’ve suffered through this year, you deserve an extreme home makeover; one that involves construction on the interior, exterior and landscaping of your physiological house – your spirit, soul and mind. As 2009 draws to a close, leave that old house with its cracks, creaks and leaks. A new dawn breaks just over the 2010 horizon. It’s time to start feeling good again because God’s got some great things in store for you. Get ready to move into your newly expanded home.

Consider that there are no two people alike in the entire world. There may be similarities and likenesses but there are no exactitudes. No one else in any corner of the world has our individual mix of ingredients: gifts, skills, talents, abilities, intelligence, wit, humor, strength, fortitude, ambitions, hopes, dreams, passions, etc. We are each custom made, special editions. We contain an intrinsic worth that make us uniquely and remarkably priceless. Why, then, do we devalue ourselves and our ability to accomplish extraordinary things?

Ordinary people have the power to do extraordinary things. Our efforts don’t have to be grandiose or ostentatious, promoted or advertised. The power of small and random acts of kindness – a smile, hug, phone call/text, a Hallmark card or a visit – can never be overstated.

To walk in faith you’ll have to believe in what you can’t immediately experience; expect what you don’t immediately have; envision what isn’t immediately visible to the naked eye; and speak as if your dream has already come true. You must confidently believe and trust and anticipate your success.

What’s been holding you back? What have you allowed to restrict you from thriving? Whatever those things are, remove them. Holding on to detrimental things too long out of habit, convenience or nostalgia can degrade you, your confidence and your self-esteem. They can further limit your ability to accomplish your goals.

Live in the moment. Life happens. Stop living as if you are waiting for the “other shoe to drop”. If we spend all our time focused on negative things that we predict will happen, then we’ll never see the positive that has already occurred.