Dr. Helen Titilola OLOJEDE

Continuing from where we stopped last week on releasing what does not serve, I've noticed how easy it is to focus on everything that seems wrong in the world around us. We share stories we haven't fully verified, sometimes unknowingly spreading things that aren't quite true or that stir up negativity. We find ourselves dwelling more on troubling news than on the good things happening all around us. St. Paul to the Philippians 4:13 offers us such beautiful guidance when he encourages us to fix our thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. I'm not suggesting we should ignore the real challenges in our world, but perhaps we might ask ourselves: Am I giving these difficulties more attention than they deserve? Am I amplifying darkness when I could be nurturing light?

Then there's the matter of overdoing things. Aristotle reminded us that virtue lives in the balance, and I think many of us have lost sight of that middle ground. What are we overdoing in our lives? Perhaps it's work that leaves no time for family. Maybe it's the constant pull of social media that crowds out quiet moments with God. We need rest and relaxation not as luxuries but as essential parts of our wellbeing. Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him when we're weary and burdened. Ecclesiastes tells us there's a season for everything. What might we need to scale back in order to make more room for what truly matters?

I've also been thinking about how much energy we spend trying to please other people. Whose approval am I really seeking? Is it God's or is it the approval of those around me? There's something exhausting about being a people pleaser, constantly adjusting ourselves to meet others' expectations. Paul asks a searching question in Galatians: am I trying to please people or God? We have inherent worth that doesn't depend on others' opinions of us. When we live authentically for God rather than performing for an audience, we find a freedom that's truly liberating.

Finally, there's overthinking. I know I'm guilty of this one. We analyse, worry and replay situations endlessly in our minds, and it drains us of energy and peace. What if we could learn to think less and trust more? What if we could truly leave our concerns at the Lord's feet? Jesus tells us not to be anxious about tomorrow, that each day has enough trouble of its own. There's wisdom in that simplicity.

As we step into 2026, may we find the courage to release what weighs us down and embrace what brings us closer to God and to the life he intends for us.

God Bless You.