Closing One Chapter and Opening Another; My Customs and Traditions: LOH #269

Hello @Ladies,
It is with great joy and gratitude that I am participating in this week’s contest. God has truly been faithful in keeping me, my family, and everyone in this wonderful community, @ladiesofhive, for this, I am deeply thankful.

    For the this weeks contest and going answer question 2; To welcome the new year, according to your personal beliefs, do you have any customs or traditions to close cycles and open yourself to the new year with new energy and resolutions? If so, share them with us.

To welcome the new year, I follow simple and realistic customs that align with my personal beliefs and help me close one chapter and open another with hope and renewed strength.
I grew up learning these customs from my parents. As Christians, one of our major customs is attending church on December 31st night, crossing over into the new year.
During this time, we thank God for His protection and mercies throughout the year and commit the coming year into God’s hands. We pray and make positive declarations over the new year, speaking Gods words and promises to guide us through the year. It is always a refreshing moment in God’s presence.

In the first few days of the new year, we also begin a fasting and prayer period that usually lasts between the first few days of the first month, as led by the church. This period is dedicated to seeking God’s direction, wisdom, and presence for the year ahead. It is a time of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and personal encounters with God. The fasting period usually ends with a communion service and a thanksgiving gathering where we eat, fellowship, and celebrate God’s grace for bringing us this far.

On a personal level, as the year comes to an end, I take time to reflect quietly on everything the past year brought my way, the good moments, the challenges, and the lessons learned. This reflection reminds me of how much I have grown and how God helped me through situations I once thought I would not overcome. I offer heartfelt prayers of gratitude for life, protection, provision, and guidance.

Another important tradition for me is letting go of negative emotions such as anger, fear, disappointment, and guilt. I choose forgiveness, both for others and for myself, because it brings peace and emotional freedom.

I also review my habits and set simple, achievable goals for the new year. These include spiritual growth, better financial discipline, and personal development, which include learning and understanding, having a blockchain better, healthy habits, and spending quality time with my family.

As the new year begins, I welcome it with prayer, faith, and positive declarations, trusting God to guide my steps and help me become a better version of myself. This is the cycle that i have grown to follow, and it's really been what strengthens me and gives me total dependence on God to carry me through.

Thank you for stopping by my blog,@pascalukandy.
Much love, ladies, and Happy New Year!!!!.
I appreciate @cautiva-30 for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences.