As the year draws to a close—oh, what a year it has been—it’s natural to look back and reflect on all that has transpired. For me, this process goes beyond counting blessings or tallying achievements; it’s about understanding the journey, learning from the challenges, and finding meaning in the moments that defined the year.
If you’ve never intentionally reviewed your year, let me guide you through it. Think of it as a conversation with yourself—a quiet, honest dialogue where you acknowledge, appreciate and hold space for all that you’ve experienced.
Set the mood
Reflection requires a calm, distraction-free space. Whether it’s in the soft light of early morning on your bed before your day starts, during a solitary walk, or while journaling with your favourite cup of tea, or at night just before you go to sleep, create an environment that feels comforting and safe.
Let this be your time—a moment where the rest of the world can wait.
Celebrate the wins
Start with your accomplishments, big and small. What are you proud of? Did you step out of your comfort zone? Achieve a long-desired goal? Finally master the art of saying “no”?
No matter how insignificant they may seem, take a moment to relish these victories. Write them down, speak them aloud, or simply replay them in your mind. The act of celebrating reminds you of your capabilities and how much you’ve grown.
Tip- it’s easy to forget our wins, so do a weekly journal or voice note writing at least three things you accomplished that you can look back at the year end.
Acknowledge the challenges
This part requires honesty. What were the hurdles? Where did you struggle?
Maybe it was a failed project, a personal disappointment, or a relationship that didn’t go as planned. Don’t shy away from these moments. Instead, approach them with kindness. Ask yourself: What did I learn? How have these experiences shaped me?
Challenges are teachers, even when their lessons come wrapped in difficulty.
Reflect on relationships
Take stock of your connections. Which relationships thrived and which ones may need attention or closure? Who added joy to your life? Who challenged you in ways that helped you grow? And perhaps most importantly, how have you shown up for others?
Healthy relationships are a two-way street. It’s worth reflecting on how you’ve contributed to the lives of those around you, as well as on the boundaries you’ve set to protect your peace.
Consider your well-being
Your year isn’t just defined by what you did but also by how you felt. Reflect on your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.Did you prioritize self-care? Were there moments you neglected your health, ignored red flags, or lost sight of what nourishes your soul? This isn’t about self-judgment—it’s about learning what you need to show up as your best self.
Review your goals
Revisit the goals you set at the start of the year. Do they still align with your evolving priorities? Did you meet them, adjust them, or set them aside?
Even goals left unmet have value; they remind us that growth doesn’t always follow a straight line. Maybe the year offered detours you hadn’t planned, or perhaps those unmet goals simply weren’t meant for this season of your life.
Express gratitude
End your review by listing the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude anchors us in positivity, even when the year felt heavy.
Think about the little things—the smile of a stranger, the hug that came just when you needed it, the quiet victories no one else saw, the personal growths. Gratitude has a way of reframing our experiences, reminding us of the good amidst the chaos.
Set an intention for the next year
Once you’ve looked back, it’s time to look forward. What word, theme, or mindset will guide you in the coming year?For me, it’s often something simple yet profound—peace, courage, balance, presence, or purpose.
Setting an intention doesn’t mean scripting every detail of the year ahead; it’s about creating a compass that helps you navigate whatever comes your way.
Taking time to reflect isn’t just about closure; it’s about growth. It’s about owning your story—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s about appreciating the journey and carrying its lessons into the future.
So, as you approach the end of this year, give yourself this gift of reflection. You owe it to yourself to pause, to celebrate, to grieve, and ultimately, to prepare for the next chapter with clarity and grace.
Here’s to your year—however it looked—and to the one ahead. May it be filled with purpose, peace, and joy.