As we begin this new adventure called 2022, many face it with great trepidation—what do the “masters of the universe” have in store for us this year? What we’ve been through over the last two years has certainly been stunning and destabilizing in many, many ways. It makes sense that many are looking forward with fear and angst.
But with all adversity are the seeds of opportunity. And sometimes when we have been pushed as far as we have been these last two years, it’s a wake-up call to push back…and to push back rather hard.
So, as we begin this new year, think in terms of reclaiming all that is rightfully yours as a child of God and as a citizen of America. I’m sure some of you may be rolling your eyes at this thought, as it seems to many that we have so little control over anything that is going on—but that’s simply untrue. We always have a choice in how we respond to adversity and to whether or not we let evil win in our own lives.
So, let’s take a look at four areas where you can begin the reclamation process and move forward more productively.
Physically
Let’s face it, lock downs and stress have had an impact on us all physically. Between weight gain, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and for many, a lack of sunshine and fresh air, your body may have taken a big hit. The constant drumbeat of fear has also taken a negative toll on our physical bodies and immunity. We’re simply not designed to run on constant adrenaline.
Now I know, it’s almost cliché to start the new year with lofty goals of diet and exercise…but your goals don’t actually have to be lofty. Try some more simple goals—cutting down on carbs and sugar, adding in more leafy greens, adding in Vitamin D (big one!) or essential oils, going for even a 10-15 minute walk every other day if you’re starting at square one. Just drinking more water can make a big improvement if you’re not in that habit. Too many people try to make sweeping changes that are, frankly, unrealistic. Start small and build from there. Consider a Catholic health coach to help you formulate a realistic plan and keep you on track.
Mentally
Ahh…the battle of the mind. It’s one we always have to fight, but the past couple of years have co-opted our minds as the very battlefields by nefarious players with a rather wicked agenda. You need to reclaim the integrity of your own mind. What do I mean by that?
It’s imperative that you carefully monitor what is coming into your mind. What are the sources of the information you’re encountering and, this is super important, what is the agenda of that source? Are there conflicts of interest? Is there a profit motive? What is the track record of the person or people doling out the information? Do some digging and don’t accept anything at face value. Look at both sides of every argument. Pray for the grace to discern truth. The stakes are simply too high these days to be passive and complacent.
Reclaim logic and common sense.
When we are frightened, often logic and reason go out the window. We can be triggered into a fight, flight, or freeze response and are easily led and manipulated. We just want the stress and fear to stop. But it’s time to take a close look at that.
Do all of the common wisdom narratives square with reason and common sense? As events have unfolded, have you begun to see inconsistencies? Are lies becoming more and more apparent? Have the goal posts kept shifting? Finding like-minded people who have, or are beginning, to see a bigger picture here can be an important first step to reclaiming sanity.
You may need help at this point. When anxiety gets overwhelming, when you find yourself depressed, angry all the time and at odds with loved ones, reaching out to a Catholic therapist would be a wise move. You’re not alone and you’re not abnormal. Many people are struggling to regain their equilibrium and hope. It’s been a very difficult time for everyone. Ask for help.
Spiritually
It’s all too easy to lose hope and look at all that’s wrong right now. It’s also easy to find “mystics”—some approved, and some self-appointed, that can paint a very scary and hopeless picture. Keep this in mind, a true mystic will always impart hope. Even if bad things are predicted, they are the means to better things in the future.
Will this rough ride continue for a time? Looks that way…but triumph is guaranteed. At Fatima Mary warned that if Russia were not consecrated and converted, she (Russia) would spread her errors, the Holy Father would have much to suffer, and nations would be annihilated. Not hard to argue the veracity of those claims. But she also promised that in the end Her Immaculate Heart would triumph and a period of peace would be granted to the world. To me it’s a great sign of hope to see the bad things coming to pass as it ensures the Triumph is close as well.
The other thing to take closely to heart are Jesus’ own words in the Lord’s prayer—Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. He wouldn’t have asked us to pray that prayer if He didn’t mean to fulfill it someday. That would be the ultimate absurdity. But how many of you see the Kingdom coming any time soon? Well, I do. But of course, it’s up to you.
Huh?
Well, you can’t change the world, but you can seek to live in God’s will here on earth. You can pray the Our Father like you really mean it. You can forgive those who trespass against you. You can work on accepting what is going on right now with full confidence that God is only allowing it for a greater good ultimately.
Financially
You’re probably surprised to see this last one. But so many people have lost jobs or been put out of work because of their choices. The economy is in very rough shape right now. Many are struggling economically, and the suffering is very real. Jobs that had provided for your families may be lost and seem irretrievable at this point, especially as the powers that be press harder and harder against us. Prayerfully things will be made right again soon, but in the meantime, it’s a good idea to take stock of your skills and talents. Make a list of all the things you know how to do—every skill, no matter how basic it may seem to you. What may be second nature to you may not be so for others.
Then make a second list of things you can learn how to do.
Then take them to prayer and be creative. Can you monetize any of those skills? Is there a side business you can start? Are there some things you can provide for yourself and your family—like growing your own food, raising a few chickens, sewing your own clothes? Are there services or commodities you can provide to your community to make some income? How many other people are in the same circumstances as you are? Join forces. Start a think tank and brainstorm.
My point is this, you may not be able to replace your income from a full-time job, and my heart goes out to you in this struggle…but you may be able to start reclaiming some financial independence with a side business until things get better, or before you find yourself in dire circumstances. You may be amazed when you look at the skills you’ve acquired over the years. It may give you just a little bit of hope to think about a new way. Necessity truly is the mother of invention and many great businesses have been forged in the crucible of adversity.
As we see the utter tyranny and diabolical control exercised by those in concentrated positions of power, we may see a new system and way of life emerge in the future where self-reliance and simplicity are put front and center and the overlords that have run amuck with power will be toppled from their high places.
Taking back control in small ways…beginning as a trickle, can lead to a tsunami. There’s no time to start like the present.
If you need help moving forward, a Catholic life coach is the perfect ally that can make a huge impact in your life. Whether you want to become a better spouse or parent, improve your health, or start or expand a business, there’s a Catholic coach that can help you.
Wising you all a hopeful, healthy, and happy new year. May God move in big ways this year to bring about the Triumph!
Allison is also the Founder and President of www.CatholicTherapists.com, and CatholicLifeCoaches.com, which provide nationwide networks of screened and dedicated Catholic therapists and Catholic life coaches.
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