As the year comes to a close and Christmas lights start twinkling, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday season. Between shopping for gifts, attending gatherings, and trying to wrap up the year’s responsibilities, this time of year can be both joyful and overwhelming. For some, it’s a time filled with warmth and connection, while for others, it can bring feelings of loneliness or reflection on what the year didn’t bring. No matter where you find yourself this holiday season, December is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead.
Looking Back: Reflecting on the Year
December has a way of making us think about everything that’s happened over the past twelve months. Some moments brought joy, while others were more challenging than we anticipated. Maybe you reached some goals you set, or maybe things didn’t quite go as planned. And that’s okay. Reflection isn’t about beating yourself up over what didn’t happen; it’s about acknowledging how far you’ve come, the lessons you’ve learned, and the ways you’ve grown—whether you realize it or not.
I remember sitting down last December, feeling a mix of excitement and regret. There were things I was proud of, but also areas where I felt I had fallen short. Looking back now, I realize those “shortcomings” were actually opportunities to learn more about myself and what I really wanted. Taking time to reflect with honesty and grace helped me see that growth doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.
Here are a few things to consider when reflecting on your year:
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What accomplishments, big or small, am I proud of? Sometimes we overlook the little victories, but they matter just as much as the big ones.
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What challenges did I face, and what did they teach me? Growth often comes from the hardest moments.
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How did I spend my time, and does it align with what matters most to me? This one can be eye-opening.
The Holiday Season and Its Challenges
While the holidays are often portrayed as the "most wonderful time of the year," they can also bring a lot of pressure. The expectation to be happy, surrounded by loved ones, and filled with holiday cheer isn’t always the reality. For some, the season can highlight feelings of loneliness, financial stress, or the weight of unmet expectations. I’ve had years where Christmas didn’t feel as magical as I wanted it to, and I found myself focusing on what I felt was missing instead of appreciating what was there.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone this holiday season, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings. Give yourself grace and remember that you’re not alone in them. Sometimes, simply reaching out to a friend, taking time for yourself, or focusing on small, meaningful moments—like watching your favorite holiday movie or going for a walk in the crisp winter air—can help shift your perspective.
Looking Ahead: Setting Intentions for the New Year
Once we’ve taken the time to reflect, it’s time to look forward. The new year often feels like a fresh start—a blank slate filled with possibilities. But instead of setting resolutions that can feel overwhelming or unattainable, I’ve found that setting intentions works better. Intentions aren’t about rigid goals; they’re about guiding values that help shape how we approach the year.
For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to work out every day,” an intention might be, “I want to take better care of my health and listen to what my body needs.” Instead of saying, “I’ll stop procrastinating,” an intention could be, “I want to be more mindful of how I manage my time and energy.”
A few questions to help set your intentions for the new year:
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What areas of my life do I want to nurture more in the coming year?
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What habits or mindsets do I want to leave behind?
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How do I want to show up for myself and others?
Embracing the Process
As we step into a new year, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. Growth is a process, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Whether you’re reflecting on the past year or setting intentions for the future, be kind to yourself. The holidays and the start of a new year can be a lot, but they also hold an opportunity—to appreciate what’s been and to look forward to what’s to come with hope and purpose.
Journal Prompts for Reflection:
- Year Highlights: What were the highlights of my year, and what made them special? Reflect on the standout moments of the year and why they were significant to you.
- Lessons Learned from Challenges: What lessons did I learn from challenges I faced? Think about the obstacles you encountered this year and what they taught you.
- Gratitude for the Year: What am I grateful for as this year comes to a close? Consider the things, experiences, or people that brought you joy and growth over the past year.
- Setting Intentions: What intentions do I want to set for the upcoming year? Reflect on the kind of person you want to become and the goals you'd like to focus on in the year ahead.
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Small Steps Toward Goals: How can I take small, meaningful steps toward my goals in the new year? Think about manageable actions you can take each day to move closer to your aspirations in the year ahead.
