I definitely will not allow this month to end without wishing you a happy and prosperous new year!
2026 is upon us! How many people have been faithful with their goals so far???
For me, this year started on a slow note. I did not put pressure on myself to have it all figured out. I paced myself. Took ample time to think, pray, and wait to hear from God. It felt different; the go-getter in me wanted to hit the ground running, but kept suppressing the feeling.
STARTING A NEW YEAR RIGHT
Over the years, I’ve learned to go with God’s flow. I’ve learned to follow his lead and never try to rush the process. When I felt God nudge me to rest and wait, I obeyed. And I am grateful that I did.
Every year, God gives me a personal word and supporting scripture. The word is descriptive of how my year would turn out. I use this word to plan out every area of my life and hold on to it throughout the year. It keeps me grounded as I focus on it.
When I received my Word for this year, I felt good about it. As usual, I started to contemplate how it would play out. It came with huge responsibility. But, I had a peace that I hadn’t felt before. In the past, I’d instantly feel overwhelmed, but this time around, I had another perspective.
At forty years old, I’ve come to a place in my life where I am prioritizing my peace. I refuse to be pressured by myself or others. If God said it, he has the ability to make it happen. My part is to cooperate and follow his lead.
We had a meeting with my church’s volunteers a few days ago. During this meeting, we all shared one of our major goals for the year. When it was my turn, I expressed that I want to operate from a place of rest in 2026. I do not want to operate from a place of stress. I am always ready to take the bull by the horns. Now, I am learning to enjoy the scenery while at it. Intentional about enjoying life moments and making beautiful memories.
NEW CHAPTERS
A lot happened last year; it was definitely a year of new things. I turned the big 4.0, and I already shared in a past post that I moved into a new house. I am also a mom of four now! I am no longer just a girl mom, I now have a son!
Finding out that I was pregnant with my son was a huge surprise. It has been an amazing journey. I have learned new things while balancing being a mother to a preteen, two younger children, and a newborn. I look forward to sharing more about this soon!
I also got a new car as my push gift. God really showed up for my family and me last year. He gets all the glory!
SHOCK AND HEARTACHE
As a family, we entered the new year reeling from the goodness of 2025. And then the unspeakable happened!
About 20 days ago, we got a call that my mother-in-law had gone to be with the Lord. I am still shocked. I’ve found it difficult to talk about it. It is hard to type this right now as well. I’ve felt a wide range of emotions: pain, sadness, and anger. I wish that she’d just wake up and come back to us.
I’ve found it difficult to move on from the day when I heard about her passing. That day, I went from shock to tears to going about my day. I’ve found myself suppressing my emotions. Wanting to be strong for everyone.
But today, I felt like I was choking, and I had to reach out to my friend. Her reply to my message helped me to catch my breath again.
Here is a snippet of what she said:
It’s totally okay not to feel okay right now.
It’s normal to feel all these waves of emotions – sadness, upset, anger… whatever it is, it’s valid 🤗🤗
You’re doing so much by being strong for your husband, but don’t forget to be strong for yourself, too.
It’s okay to let it out, to break down sometimes.
I’m sure your mother in love knew you loved her, and she’d want you to take care of yourself now.
She died loving God, which is a legacy🙌
As for those people who don’t understand, they’re not the ones who matter right now. I think you can focus on you, your husband, and those who get it.
God will strengthen and comfort you this season and beyond 🙏
Thank God for true friends who know the right thing to say and the right time! Friends who will stick with you through thick and thin. I LOVE YOU SIS!!!
LESSONS LEARNED
One thing that this experience has taught me is that emotional intelligence is a life skill. Losing a few close family members over the last couple of years has made me realize something. It can be difficult to understand the pain.
I’ve been shocked at how people can dismiss your feelings and expect you to be okay overnight. Sometimes it is not intentional. Some people mistake your smile in the midst of the heartache as you being back to “normal.”
This is teaching me to be more sensitive to others’ feelings and situations. To choose to check in more, be patient, more observant, and take time to listen attentively. Having someone to hold your hand through the storm is a game-changer. And I want to be there for others more this year! This would make my mother in love, probably, she was one of the most loving people I know!
There is always something to learn in the midst of life’s circumstances…I will launch a new book soon that talks about some lessons I’ve learned over the years! Stay tuned!!!
*****
NEW YEAR COMMITMENT
As I continue through 2026, I’ve made up my mind to push through with faith. Faith does not eradicate challenges; it equips you with the strength to keep going in the midst of it all.
This year, I choose to accept my humanity while relying on God’s grace. I am showing myself grace. After all, the bible says that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness. I will no longer bend over backwards while enabling those I lead to be stagnant. I will delegate and hold people accountable while prioritizing loving and pouring into them.
I CHOOSE TO OPERATE FROM A PLACE OF REST! I REFUSE TO BE STRESSED!
What’s your New Year’s commitment? Share with the family in the comment section below!
With lots of love,
– Bunmi Adebiyi
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