“But you used to” – does anyone ever say this to you about something you once did but no longer do? And do you defend yourself with “but I don’t anymore!”?  If you are in a better place and frame of mind these days because you decided it was time to grow up and make some changes – good for you!

The extent of the transformation is irrelevant; all that counts is that you chose to make some personal life changing alterations.  I am amazed, inspired and in awe of so many people who I know have gone from ordinary to extraordinary, from heartache to joyful bliss, from addictions to freedom and continue to grow daily. They have, through much determination, patience and endurance “hung in there” till their old season became a new and exciting one.

There is no gloomier statement than this one: “I don’t like myself very much”.

Friends, don’t beat yourself up or break your heart with negative self-talk. You were made for a purpose.  God didn’t create you to wonder aimlessly around the earth searching for a place to fit in – He will use you right where you are. Don’t follow the crowd! If you feel you have outgrown a circle of acquaintances because they drain you – start a new circle with people you will have common interests with. If you are going to places you no longer feel comfortable in – move on! Giving up certain things, people or kicking bad habits needs immense strength and for this leap of valour you will need mammoth willpower.

Be only amidst the greatest supporters you can assemble to help you get through these trying times. However, loyal and faithful buddies are hard to find so if you are blessed with treasures and gems amongst the ones you have be sure to look after them because they are forever keepers!

If others seem jealous and refuse to acknowledge your new lifestyle and outlook, don’t allow them to take you for a stroll through the garden of yesterday filled with weeds that you once nurtured.  You are now a glowing blossoming soul and what you “used to do” has become a thing of the past and is nothing compared to the great plans you are now putting in place.  You will excel in all you do because you have God’s loving eye upon you. If you aren’t appreciated or acknowledged for your positive change, don’t waste your precious time mulling over negative and biased opinions.

You might well find over time though you will become a beacon of hope and water for the parched soul for those same people who once viewed you with suspicion as they too search for that “new me”. Remember, you will be known by your actions and behaviour, so be a shining example others will want to follow. It’s an unexplained loveliness one goes through from feeling “worth-less” to “worth-full”.

So the next time someone says to you “but you used to”, simply say “best you get ‘used to’ who I am now because it’s all you will be seeing!” You dont need to justify anything you are doing that speaks of success and happiness. “Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened.” Charles Spurgeon

Lots of blessings for a happy and wholesome future, Avy

If you need prayer do let me know, I don’t need to know what your request is only that you need prayer. Let us prayer warriors intercede for you! xxx

Previous blogs by Avy-Jo:

“When the oil in your lamp runs low”

You are born unique but will die a copy