Finding Clarity and Purpose this New Year

Ever found yourself at a crossroads, questioning if you're truly on the right path? I've been there, grappling with doubt amidst detours in life and reconsidering my journey with this podcast. In this episode of Holly's Highlights, I share my personal quest for clarity and purpose, highlighting the power of prayer, scripture, and the invaluable support of friends and mentors. We'll explore how aligning our passions with God's purpose can illuminate the way forward, even when uncertainty clouds our vision.

Take aways from this episode include:
• Emphasizing the role of prayer in decision-making 
• Importance of scripture for guidance and strength 
• Seeking support from mentors and community 
• Utilizing resources for personal growth 
• Evaluating passions and priorities for clearer goals 
• Openness to possibilities and new opportunities 
• Encouragement to celebrate past achievements and set future goals 
• Call to action for joining the community and sharing resources

I welcome you to sign up for my monthly email at www.hollycurby.com.
Connect with me on Facebook @hollyshighlights and Instagram @hollycurby

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hi, friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast designed to encourage, inspire and equip you to intentionally live your life full of purpose. I'm your host, holly Kirby, motivational speaker, leadership cultivator, marketing strategist and personal cheerleader. Let's check out today's highlights. As we head into the new year, I'd love to help you accomplish your goals with my free Get it Done Goal Planner. Simply visit wwwhollykirbycom that's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom, and either click on the pop-up or scroll down to resources and click on the Get it Done Goal Planner icon. This reflective thinking process is sure to assist you in determining, setting and achieving your goals this new year. My free gift to you as a way of cheering you on Happy New Year.

Speaker 1: 0:50

As we enter a new year, I enjoy sitting around with my family and talking about things we want to do in the new year. Sometimes it's traveling somewhere or learning something new. Other times it's goals we want to reach or even improvements we want to make. I realize, though, that not everyone has clarity on what's next. I've sure come across those times before where I wonder is this season done in my life, or which path should I take? I so badly want to be in the center of God's will today. So that I can be in the center of God's will tomorrow.

Speaker 1: 1:20

I've recently been at such crossroads, as I shared a few episodes ago. Our family went through quite a summer last year as my dad had a T-cell transplant in the fight against his cancer, and I came to a discouraging point where I was wondering if I should stop doing the podcast and speaking and even doing social media. You name it as embarrassing as it feels, to admit, I think I lost a sense of hope for one reason or another. Perhaps you can relate. So what can we do when we hit such point and long for clarity in the direction of that next step? Well, few things I'd recommend to you.

Speaker 1: 1:55

First of all, pray. Have we talked to God about it as much as we've talked with others about it? Two, be in God's word, whether it be through a topic Bible study, using a daily devotion or opening up the Bible and seeking scripture related to our deliver. Prayer is often us talking to God, whereas reading the word of God is often him speaking to us. Three, seek support. Gather your prayer warriors, your besties, your mentor, whomever is your confidant and accountability partner, and share with them what's going on. They can provide prayer, support, words of wisdom and, if nothing else. Just sit with you as they are, that listening ear in that safe space. Four utilize resources. Now, while speaking to one of my confidants, they reminded me there's this book out there you should read, called Facelift Embracing Hope Through your Heartaches. They thought they were pretty hilarious, but they also got the point across.

Speaker 1: 2:53

Now, I wasn't going through heartache, but I sure needed a reminding of the hope we have in Christ, even when it comes to decision making. Needless to say, yes, I did reread my own book, but I also listened to podcasts and read some other related books too. There is strength in learning and growing in areas where we're lacking. Five evaluate your passions and your priorities. Some use a pros and cons list. You can even use my free get it done goal planner on wwwhollykirbycom. That might help you walk through the process. Yes, I've had to refer to that myself recently too. And then, finally, be open to the possibilities. Don't limit our limitless God. Now, I fully believe that God reveals himself to us. Just as I was ready to throw in the towel, I had a few different encouragements really stand out to me, things I would refer to as those God moments. On my summer vacation to Alaska with my kids.

Speaker 1: 3:54

In 2023, I came across this jewelry store, dune Now. I recall trying on this gorgeous whale tail bracelet and just completely admiring its beauty before I returned it to its display. As I learned more about the company and their corporate social responsibility, I was inspired. I knew I wanted to help share their story with others. So fast forward, and just before Christmas in 2024, I had the pleasure of interviewing their founder, holly Christensen Daniels. Now she is inspiring and caring and such a talented woman. I felt even more in awe of this company and I look forward to learning more from them too.

Speaker 1: 4:31

Well, christmas Eve, take a wild guess what gift I received in the mail and opened up that whale tail bracelet. That is not just another bracelet to me, my friends, but it's a reminder that God's got me that he has, is and will continue to use this podcast. I fell before him in complete humility that night for questioning what he was doing and I just thanked him for this physical reminder of I'm exactly where I need to be Now. That same week, I received an email from a traditional publisher. A week later, we had a near hour-long phone call where she shared with me her desire to bring me on for another book deal, but that the publisher wanted to see me reach a half a million followers across all my platforms that's podcasts, social media, email list. I just kind of laughed and thought impossible. But then I realized I was closing a door before even praying about where God wanted me to be.

Speaker 1: 5:34

You know, so often we can close those doors that perhaps God is opening for us, whether it be due to fear, whether a failure of being judged or what people will say not being good enough, or even the courage needed to take that first step, or maybe due to insecurities, unknowns, simply losing faith in ourselves or our abilities. Maybe it's listening to others you know the naysayers, or those who might not have support teams around them to encourage them and cheer them on, so they even listen to the voice in their own head telling them that it's not going to work. Or many settle for what's easiest, most comfortable, even familiar, and, of course, for many of us, we simply just don't know what to do next. Well, as Nelson Mandela said, may your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. So, my friend, just as I seek out in 2025 to be open to the possibilities of what God is doing, where he's leading me, through the podcast or speaking, even if there is to be another book. Can I tell you how terrified that makes me. I pray that you too will be open to where he leads. May we obediently go Now.

Speaker 1: 6:52

I'd encourage you to, today, look at three things. One, what was your biggest accomplishment from last year, the thing that you're most proud of? Two, what do you want to accomplish this next year and this might not come to you right away, you might have to think about this one a little bit. But then three, what are you going to start doing today to get there For me? I'm going to speak it out loud and ask for help in the following First off, would you please go to hollykirbycom and join my monthly email?

Speaker 1: 7:31

Second, would you follow me? That sounds so weird to even say or ask, but would you follow me on Instagram, holly Kirby, or on Facebook at Holly's Highlights? These are both of my public accounts. And third, next, to ask is a bit more involved. If you know of anyone seeking a speaker, business, nonprofit churches, schools or even someone you think might enjoy a good read of Facelift Embracing Hope Through your Heartaches would you consider referring me? Just send them to my website, hollykirbycom, and or suggesting facelift the book available through all local bookstores and online retailers such as Amazon, target, walmart and even Barnes Noble.

Speaker 1: 8:11

Thank you, my friend. As I take that first step into the unknown, please know I'm here cheering you on in your own steps too. We can do scary things. My friends. As CS Lewis said, you are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream. So no excuses, my friend, take that first step today. Happy New Year and Happy New you. Thank you for joining me on this journey of life. I hope that today's highlight has been encouraging, inspiring and equipping so you can go out and live your life full of purpose. I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to leave a review or, better yet, subscribe. We can also stay in touch by joining my email list at hollykirbycom, that's H-O-L-L-Y, cc-u-r-b-y dot com. Until next time, make it a great day for a great day.