 Photo by Leeloo The First at Pexels To say that life can be a rollercoaster at times would be an understatement. Life can take us on incredible highs and exciting twists and turns. Other times, we have to close our eyes, hold on tight, and just weather the storm. Learning to navigate life's challenging ups and downs can be very difficult, but we can approach our struggles with confidence, armed with a toolbox of strategies that will help us stay on top. Let me elaborate on some precious truths and helpful skills I have acquired over the years. By practicing these strategies, you will be modeling what overcomers do. Let me introduce you to The Overcomer Way. Take one day at a time Photo by Bich Tran at Pexels There is a reason why it says in Matthew 6:25, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself." We have TODAY, and today is what we need to focus on. When we spend time worrying about the future, we rob ourselves of the joy of TODAY. We are not living with intention in the present moment but are lost in the perceived issues of the future. This is not the overcomer way. Worry will not add one moment to your life, and much of what we worry about often never transpires. Think about that. We get all worked up for nothing. Tomorrow is not promised, so let's make the most of today and find something in each day to celebrate. Don't sweat the small stuff Photo by Gustavo Fring at Pexels I love my students dearly, but I have to laugh at what they get all worked up about sometimes. I realize they are only 8 and 9 years old (I teach second and third grade), but come on, people! They still need to know that the world will not end if someone cuts in line, doesn't want to play with them for one recess, or takes the last sucker of the color they wanted. Oh my! Sadly, we can follow their lead as adults sometimes. Someone cuts us off in traffic, empties the coffee pot at work without refilling it, or jams the photocopier. Relax. BREATHE. This too shall pass. To be an overcomer this year, you must keep perspective. Most of this stuff does. not. matter. Don't let these little things throw you into a frenzy. That is not the Overcomer way. Learn to be flexible and go with the flow. You will be so much better for it, plus a much more likable person as well. Keep your sense of humour Photo by BĀBI on Unsplash Never underestimate the power of a great laugh to break the tension and turn the worst situation around. When my son Tyler was a little boy, he would often say, "Let's laugh about it," as he broke out into spontaneous giggles whenever things got too stressful at home. He was truly onto something there. Laughter lightens up the mood and can make the most stressful situations bearable. I am not making light of serious and upsetting issues, but suggesting that certain trials could use a touch of humor to keep us moving forward. Have a growth mindset Photo by Kseniia Lopyreva at Pexels Please know that change takes time. If you are working on issues, problem-solving, or learning new things, understand that things don't happen overnight and that you will get there on your timeline, not someone else's. Be your own cheerleader. Don't compare yourself to others. Tell yourself that you have not succeeded YET, but you will get there. I have made a recommitment to taking better care of my body in all aspects, and one way is through regular exercise. I have been taking fitness classes, and some of them are more challenging than others. I am trying my best, but guess who is last to finish each series of exercises EVERY time? You guessed it, ME! Shocking I know. Guess what though? I honestly don't care. I am only in competition with myself and am just working on doing the best I can each time I go. I have never taken these fitness classes before. Even taking the class and actually finishing all the activities led by the trainer is something I NEVER thought I could do. I am getting better every week and more confident. The trainer even said so! In my books I consider that a HUGE win. Find your people Photo by fauxels at Pexels There is something special about finding like-minded individuals who just get it and get you. The main reason they understand you is because they are in the same boat. They are walking through similar circumstances with the same goals, and they are who you need in your corner. In your ups and downs, trials and victories, they will be your people—the ones who will dry your tears and cheer you on. We were not meant to do life alone; we need each other. Find those fine folk and hold them close always. Partner with Christ Photo by Alex P at Pexels True overcomers need Christ as part of their problem-solving team. I am a big fan of Mandisa and was terribly sad to hear of her recent passing at the young age of 47. I followed her closely on American Idol and loved how she boldly shared her faith and gave God the glory for where she was in her professional life. Her song "Overcomer" is one of my absolute favorites. Mandisa was not a stranger to adversity. She battled depression, thoughts of suicide, and a crippling addiction to food. God rescued her and put her on the path to victory, so when she sang the song "Overcomer," she felt every word because she lived it. In her song she says: Whatever it is you may be going through I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you You're an overcomer Stay in the fight 'til the final round You're not going under 'Cause God is holding you right now You might be down for a moment Feeling like it's hopeless That's when He reminds you That you're an overcomer You're an overcomer Thank you, Mandisa. I couldn't have said it better myself! I trust that you can use these strategies to move from being overwhelmed to living ... THE OVERCOMER WAY! Until next time, Dana Philippians: 4:13 ~ I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Little Lesson Learned: Life was never meant to be an overwhelming challenge. Know that you can be an OVERCOMER! Tags: life strategies, winning ways, growth mindset, personal growth, life skillsCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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 Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash Happy New Year everyone! I don't know about you, but for me it seems that the past year just flew by. It is hard to believe that here we are once again, welcoming a brand new year. As exciting as that is, I have found myself doing a lot of self reflection and want to share 5 important revelations I plan to take with me as I journey through 2025. I feel these ideals will help me as I endeavour to be the best person I can be and strive to love God and love people wholeheartedly. I invite you to join me. Here we go! Baby steps count Photo by Arina Krasnikova: at Pexels With every new year comes the infamous new year's resolutions. I am a great proponent of the DREAM BIG mentality but truth be told, in years past I have been guilty of making my goals, let's just say, a bit too lofty. The problem with that is this practice left me in defeat and discouragement about mid-January. I am here to tell you that baby steps matter. They matter BIG TIME. Every positive step that you take towards becoming your best YOU counts. I read of a man who needed to lose a lot of weight. He was lost on how to begin exercising but desperately wanted to start. Rather than say "I will work out for an hour 5x a week" right off the hop, he focused on establishing the habit of physically going to the gym first 3x a week. He did very little exercising, initially but he kept building on his small steps and eventually the results came. I am re-reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. The book is so helpful in reminding me how little positive choices, compound into big positive changes if you are willing to be patient and diligent. It is a great read and I highly recommend it for your 2025 reading list. Don't worry about results Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: at Pexels You may be thinking, what do you mean don't worry about results? Let me explain with a personal example. I was talking to my trainer at the gym recently as I am getting back to my exercise routines. I told him that I had slacked off because, well, life happens. I told him that I am committing to establishing the habit of going to the gym again, and the results will follow. I am using that mentality in all aspects of my life actually. Results don't happen overnight. This is why so many of us struggle. We want things NOW. I am reminding myself to be patient, because good things take time and they are worth waiting for. I want to show up in the ways that I want to improve in with my best effort, and hold the truth in my heart that the results I am seeking will come, if I am faithful. Do it now Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: at Pexels It is not the time my friends to put things off. This is the year to mend relationships, make that needed phone call, eat healthier meals, spend your money wiser, go for that long walk, book the vacation you have always dreamed of, take an interesting course, or pick up a new hobby. Start now. Every day I am hearing of people who passed away unexpectedly, or whose life situations changed drastically. I am sure many of them never thought that that day, or year these things would come to pass. Tomorrow is never promised. Cherish the time that you do have and live each day to the fullest. Fill your own cup first How many times have we heard, you cannot pour from an empty cup? As cliche as that may sound, it is absolutely true. For myself, I need to be the best I can be for my family, and students. Being with 20 kids all day can really take its toll. I need to remind myself, that when I am at my best, I can give all that I should to those who I am with each day. Self care is not selfish, it is vital. Take a nap, read a book, take a bubble bath. Take care of yourself and you and others will reap the benefits. Do your best and let God do the rest Photo by A. L. on Unsplash For the Christ follower, we are never alone as we journey through life. We are only human but when we partner with God, we are truly a force to be reckoned with! Know that God wants you to succeed in your goals and positive changes that you desire. Ask Him for the strength and dedication to do your best and ask Him to bless your efforts. He cares about every aspect of your life. He really does. I wish you a wonderful new year and pray for you that you can make this a year to remember in the best way possible. Until next time, Dana Isaiah 43: 16 -19: Forget the former things. God is doing a new thing. Little Lesson Learned: Look to this new year with hopeful anticipation of what God and you can accomplish together. Tags: Happy New Year, new year's resolutions, 2025, life hacks, life goals, change your life, positive attitudeCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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