Enjoy this yearly re-post!
As we come to the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the year that has gone by, as well as to look forward to the new year ahead. This is a time for “kind sight” once again.
If you are like me, and have a had a turbulent year, then you may be reluctant to look back at the challenging times, and want to keep looking ahead. It’s important however, to acknowledge what has happened so you can release it into the past. I hope you will join me in this time for reflection and kind sight.
Below are two journalling exercises to explore
Take a few moments to let yourself get settled and comfortable. Start by reflecting with “kind sight”on the past year. “Kind sight” means being kind to yourself, instead of being critical or judging. With “kind sight” we are able to see mistakes as lessons, and life’s challenges as times of resiliency and personal growth.
Ask yourself the following questions and write down your answers:
Looking back on 2024:
- What were some highlights?
- What were some lowlights?
- What was a surprise?
- What do I feel proud of?
- What do I feel grateful for?
- What did I learn (or am still learning) from either the highlights or lowlights?
Some people do a month by month reflection, while others evaluate important areas in their lives. (For example – career, family, health, hobbies, learning, contribution, spirituality, travel, environment, self-care, personal growth)
Once you’ve reflected on 2024, write a Future Gratitude Letter:
This is a letter to yourself written a year in advance, describing all the things that you are grateful for during the coming year. Start with the date December 31 2025 and address it to yourself.
Include who you’ve become and what you now have or are moving towards. Be careful not to include anything that feels like a “have to” goal or something that you “should” achieve.
This is a letter of “kind sight” for the year ahead. The key is in the energy. If your energy feels uplifted when you think about the things you’re grateful for in a year’s time, then you are tapping into your own passion and inner wisdom.
This can be a revealing and inspiring process, letting the creative juices and intention begin it’s journey.
With love and Gratitude
Val
