under new ownership....

This came to me via email from my church newsletter.  It spoke to me, so I'm passing it on.

Under New Ownership

2012.  The year is young, and the canvas of this New Year is mostly blank.  Beyond the normal - lose weight and begin working out - what are you thinking about today?  New accomplishments?  New directions?  New resolutions?  All noble, of course, and I wish you well.

However, rather than making a single resolution, consider making a simple declaration:  Under New Ownership!  When someone buys an established business or company, they have to make strategic choices.  Should we scrap it all and start over?  Should we maintain the strengths and improve the weaknesses?  Should we add something new to the traditional line up of offerings?  It's all about strategy.

Under New Ownership suggests that we begin the year by owning up to our lives.  We stop blaming others.  We quit using excuses.  We refrain from apologizing for our thoughts and feelings.  We own the life we have, and that means taking responsibility for where we are and where we want to go.  What a powerful thing it might be to put our lives Under New Ownership in 2012!

This means we recognize our current strengths.  Everyone has strengths.  These are qualities that flow naturally from our true self.  What do you like about yourself?  What strengths do you want to build on in 2012?  Additionally, weaknesses can become strengths with a little attention and focus.  Sometimes Under New Ownership requires that we add some new skills to our repertoire.

Here's the challenging question:  Are you doing things you have no business doing while Under New Ownership?  These are things at which you might even excel, but it's not really what you need to be doing or how you should be spending your time.  Putting your life Under New Ownership means you're willing to let some good things go in order to focus on the best things.

Here's the big idea:  Is it time to turn some things over to God?  I know that can sound clichéd, like a placebo for the soul, but every now and then it's true - We have to let go and trust that a greater/higher/deeper power is with us.  That's Under New Ownership!

Take a breath today. It's a New Year!  You made it. In addition to making resolutions and setting goals, consider the bigger opportunity, namely, owning your life, being who God created you to be, and moving forward with greater authenticity and confidence.

                        --Dr. R. Scott Colglazier