As the Year Closes: An Invitation to Reflect on What Was and What's Ahead

The holidays often invite a natural pause - a moment to look back on the year that’s passed and consider what we’re carrying forward. For many, this season can feel reflective, warm and tender; while for others, it can feel emotionally complex or charged with mixed feelings of grief, fatigue and conflict. Whichever side of the spectrum you are on, it can be meaningful to slow down and take some time to look back at what was with curiosity and compassion, while looking ahead with a lens of hope and anticipation, without jumping to goals or resolutions.

Reflection doesn’t have to be grand or performative. Sitting with your thoughts whether through journaling, quiet contemplation while drinking coffee or tea, or speaking aloud with someone you trust, helps bring awareness to your emotional landscape. When we name our experiences, patterns, and inner shifts, we strengthen our capacity for emotional intelligence: the ability to notice, understand, and respond to ourselves and others with more authenticity and presence.

As I myself carve out some time to look back and ahead, I've come up with some questions to guide this time of reflection that I'd like to share with you. My hope is that these questions will energize, encourage and support you as this year comes to an end.

• What relationships, roles, or patterns feel heavy and may be ready to be set down, released, or reconsidered as the year comes to a close?

• In what ways did I show resilience, kindness, insight or other qualities (ex. understanding, creativity, endurance, courage etc.) that I may have overlooked at the time?

• Which moments this year helped me feel most aligned with myself and what made that possible? How can I create more of those moments?

• Where did growth happen quietly, without recognition from others, that still deserves my validation?

• What old beliefs, habits, or “autopilot” responses did I attempt to shift or soften this year that I can acknowledge, even if they felt imperfect?

• What's one thing I want to remember and remind myself of as I enter into the new year?

  
  

There’s no right way to answer these questions, and no need to arrive at clarity right away. Reflection is not about fixing or creating rigid goals. It's about allowing yourself to be seen by yourself and a chance for you to be candid, without worry or fear of what others might think. Over time, this practice deepens emotional awareness, supports more intentional choices, and helps us move forward with greater self-trust.

As the year comes to a close, may you offer yourself the same patience and kindness you so often extend to others.