A lot of people talk about resolutions and goals for the new year. While I support whatever anyone does to try to get better, I’m not a fan of the resolution mindset. When I see a change I need to make or a way to grow I like to tackle it ASAP, or add it to a list of quarterly goals for later in the year if it’s not the right time yet.

One thing I do like about the New Year is the way it divides up time and gives us a chance to review. In thinking about 2019, I can honestly say it was one of the hardest years of my life, but not the worst. There are a few years that are closely tied (not that it’s a martyr contest) where a lot of really hard things happened, and where I struggled to have joy and flourish in the midst of the hard. And while this year had challenges unlike any ever before, I can honestly say that God gave me grace and peace at times that changed so much of who I am for the better. I don’t care to relive any of what has happened—none of the fear, pain, and sickness—but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much positive growth in my life in such a short period of time. A realization that makes me optimistic and excited to see what is coming ahead in 2020.

Maybe this year was really hard for you, too. Maybe you experienced loss, dealt with financial stress, found you had difficult medical issues, suffered depression, or managed other hardships. I’m not a stranger to these things, and I don’t take what you’ve had to endure lightly. I know what it’s like to cry in your car after receiving news that feels like it may end your life. I know what it’s like to feel like you can’t trust your body or you have to be fearful of everything you touch or eat because you may have a life-altering reaction. I know what it’s like to feel isolated by disease or even by financial limitations

But I also know that you’re one tough cookie. And I know that God can do amazing things with tough cookies who are willing to hand their pain and fear to Him and do everything they can to create good out of hurt.

I don’t know if this year will be easier for either of us. But I know that doesn’t mean it can’t be one of our best years yet—the year we conquer fears, grow our faith, make a difference for others, build from broken, or chip away at our dreams.

Hopefully, this gives you hope. If it does, write that hope down and put it on a mirror for when you need it. Because you will, no matter how easy or hard the year gets.

And know that I’m here to cheer you on through your whole 2020 journey and can’t wait to see what you do next.