This year I’m going to kill my gremlins 

All my inner critics and self-doubt-seed planters 

I’ve got a new vision

One without the Devil’s banter 

What if I could be strong and courageous?

Let my real self out of the cages?

I’ve got to dig through the weeds of my gray matter 

Past all the self-loathing and empty chatter 

To know that I am loved 

To know that I cannot make anyone happy – or sad – or anything else 

Emotional weather is just that – transitory 

People-pleasing is not gonna be my story 

I need some help 

I’m puttin’ my armor on

Head-to-toe

Peace, faith, truth, righteousness 

And a sword of validity

I’m made in His likeness 

Running away from my flesh-born proclivity

Time to head for the hills 

And the ocean and the forest and wherever else thrills

Out of my cave 

He’s for me and I am brave 

Oh look, one down already 

It’s just the first of the year 

But I’m steady