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Radio 4,2 mins

Ruth Yimika Afolabi - 31/12/2022

Thought for the Day

Available for over a year

Good Morning, After the celebrations of Christmas I’m always grateful to start a New Year and embrace the possibilities of a fresh start, new beginnings and building on what has come in the year just gone. Having a conversation with a friend recently, I did however reflect upon the fact that given a lot of the sentiment and what we’re often reading in the news, in some ways the prospects for 2023 feel slightly different. The conversation got me thinking, how can we continue to find peace and hope even amid the uncertainty of the world? There were many events, milestones and challenges which defined 2022. The conflicts and upheavals of the last 12 months have left many of us apprehensive about what 2023 might hold. Each event has real consequences that, in turn, creates real concern. But, if we’re to not just function but also thrive it’s key these anxieties don’t become debilitating and hold us back in our day-to-day life or stop us from being part of the solution. As a Christian, I turn to my faith to find purpose and to give me peace. My faith is defined by my personal relationship with God. While my faith doesn’t mean life will be perfect or that I have all the answers, I find hope everyday in knowing that I can speak to God about my worries and anxieties as well as my dreams. Finding ways we can all shift our focus and energies away from what is causing us trouble is the key. It doesn’t mean we deny the reality of our circumstances or ignore what’s going on around us. Practically, it might look like putting our voice and resources to stand up for what we believe is right. Perhaps it's taking a break from the news if our mental health is taking a hit. Or, it might just be chatting out whatever’s on our mind with friends and family. These all help to create real tangible change not just for us but for others too. And it can be a pathway to hope. I think if we allow it, hope enables us to keep our head above the water, it helps us to keep going when life feels challenging and to see the opportunity and purpose to make a difference in the lives of others. There is no denying that doing any of this is far easier said than done. But, in times like these, we can take each day as it comes, knowing we can choose where our focus is. I hope in a positive way, 2023 is a memorable year for you - and a year full of hope, joy, peace and purpose.

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