Here we are at the end of another year! It has certainly been an eventful year. I’m sure there have been wonderful things as well as challenges and obstacles that have occurred to you personally. Certainly there have been country and global events that have been unsettling to many.
At this time it is important to take stock of the past year in order to prepare for the coming year and what you’d like to create. So, before rushing into planning, setting goals or resolutions, take some time to self-reflect. Without self-reflection we can let life pass by without noticing and without a sense of purpose.[tweetthis]Without self-reflection life can pass by without noticing & without a sense of purpose.[/tweetthis]
I like this quote from Carl Jung:
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
As you reflect on what this past year has held for you, be sure to focus on what you have gained rather than on what you don’t have. Even our challenges—and often especially our challenges—have something of benefit for us. It’s important to see the good in our lives.
There may be things you need to let go of, including beliefs and attitudes as well as physical things, like clutter or situations. When you release what no longer serves you, do it with love. One of the things that holds people back more than anything else is holding to the things that have outlived their purpose. Then, open yourself to the possibilities that are there for you.
Here are five questions that I find to be a wonderful guide to end of year self-reflection:
- What’s one thing I did that I’m proud of ?
- What’s one mistake I made and the lesson I learned?
- What’s one story I’ve been telling about myself/my life that I’m willing to let go of before the New Year?
- Am I on the path to my preferred future? If not, how can I change that?
- In what ways am I living in alignment with my own integrity, and in what ways am I not? (Ex; doing what you say you will do, acting according to your values, honoring yourself and your time)
I’d love to hear what you discovered in the comments below. Sharing your comments helps everyone.
Now, shake off the old and welcome the new! Have a joyful new year!
Each December I create a Vision and Action Plan for the following year. On Sunday I took some quiet time and used your self-reflection questions to review my 2016 Action Plan. They helped me focus on my goals and priorities from the past year and my plans for 2017. Thanks for sharing them, Estra.
Glad they were of help, Mary Beth! I love your thoughtful practice that you do each year.