Mental health and Christianity part 5: A fresh start for the new year 

Hey everyone, for those of you who are just starting to read my blog. My name is Mary and a little bit about me is that I’ve been writing for the past 10 years now. This week I’ll be talking about starting the new year fresh because this past year has been hard and one thing I love about starting a near is that it is a chance to start fresh. Plus, part of taking care of your mental health is having a fresh start occasionally, especially when life is getting overwhelming. Which can be for multiple reasons.  Even if it just means starting something new or moving to a different state.   

Psalm 139:4 (NIV) says;” I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” Just like this verse talks about you, are fearfully and wonderfully made! Because God made you just the way you are and will never have you go through something that you can’t handle. Now I want you to get either a pen and paper or if you’re like me, use an online form of writing notes like a word document for example and write down at least three ways that you’re unique. The reason I had you do that exercise is because sometimes in life everyone myself included forget that God made us for a purpose. Recognizing your own uniqueness is a powerful way to start the year with intention and gratitude. As you reflect on those qualities you wrote down, remember that stepping into a new year isn’t just about setting goals or making resolutions—it’s also about embracing who you are and trusting that you have what it takes to overcome any challenge ahead. So, as we move forward, let’s commit to celebrating our individuality and looking for ways to use our gifts, no matter what this year brings. Because life is crazy and sometimes it’s easy to forget that God made all of us for a purpose whether our time here on earth is short or long. Isaiah 40:31;” (NIV) says; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” As we step into this new chapter, let’s remember that renewal isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a daily choice to lean into hope and faith, trusting that each day offers new opportunities for growth and joy. Whether you’re facing tough circumstances or moments of uncertainty, know that you are not alone; your journey has value, and your unique gifts can make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Take time to encourage yourself and others and let the promise of strength and resilience guide you as you embrace all that the new year has to offer. Because just like this verse talks about if you choose to put your hope in God, he will renew your strength which is basically what this verse is talking about.  

In this new chapter it’s also important to love. Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV) says;” Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Part of loving each other is forgiveness and it can also help when you’re starting a new chapter in your life as well because even if it takes time forgiveness is possible. Which is what verse 13 talks about. Its also important to ask the person that hurt you why they did it if you can. Because there are some cases where you might not ever know the reason. For example, if the person you dated decides to cheat on you and block you on social media. That happened to me a few years ago and while it did take some time, I eventually forgave him and while I’m never going to talk to him again that’s more because I know that if I do then I’ll fall into the pattern that I was in while dating him.  

Not every situation is like that though. There are times where forgiveness and reconciliation are possible. That’s where verse 14 comes into play love comes in all shapes and forms that creates unity among people. That’s honestly the reason that pretty close to all my life I’ve chosen to love instead of hating someone takes a lot of energy and love gives you energy. Something that I’ve done in the past is write a letter to the person that hurt me just to help me heal and move on.  Because writing out what your feeling toward that person can help you sort out your emotions and help you forgive the person that hurt you. Prayer can help with forgiveness which I’ll be talking about in part 6 which is also the final part of this series.  

As I close, if you ever need to talk, have any prayer requests or have any questions. Feel free to email me at homeschoolgradblog@gmail.com, message me on my Facebook page the name is faithful or comment below. Thanks for reading!