Reflecting and Receiving for the New Year

This time of year has that certain buzz of potential. So many of us find ourselves saying, in 2023, I'll start (insert goal, ritual, etc.). It's a potent time to set intentions and dream big. One of the most powerful ways we can set ourselves up for success with the year ahead is to reflect on the past to see what worked, and what didn't. We can take inventory and make the conscious choice to bring certain things into the year ahead, and to let other things go. 

Take a deep breath before beginning. Settle into a comfortable seat, light a candle or burn your favourite scent, have a glass of water and coffee or tea in your favourite mug and begin. This exercise will take a few hours, and can be divided up into the two parts or done in one sitting. See what lands for you!

The following prompts are inspired by YearCompass, a booklet that focuses on reflecting on the past year to breed insight for the year ahead.

REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR

Write out the significant events that happened in each category of your life:

  • Personal life, family
  • Career, studies
  • Friends, community
  • Relaxation, hobbies, creativity
  • Physical health and fitness
  • Mental health and self knowledge
  • Habits that define you
  • What did you do this year that left the world in better shape than when you found it?

The wisest decision I made was…

The biggest lesson I learned…

The biggest risk I took…

The biggest surprise of the year…

The most important thing I did for others…

The biggest thing I completed…

What are you most proud of?

Who are the three people who influenced you the most?

Who are the three people you influenced the most?

What were you not able to accomplish?

What is the best thing you have discovered about yourself?

Bring to mind the most joyful moments of the last year. how did it feel? who was there? what were you doing?

What were your 3 biggest accomplishments?

  • How did you achieve them?
  • Who helped you experience success?

What were your 3 biggest challenges?

  • What did you do to overcome them?
  • What have you learned about yourself?

Anything you’re ready to forgive and/or let go?

The past year in 3 words:

PART TWO | THE YEAR AHEAD

DREAM BIG

What does the year ahead look like? Why will it be great? What would happen in an ideal world? Write, draw, let go of your expectations and dare to dream.

List out your goals for the next year:

  • Personal life, family
  • Career, studies
  • Friends, community
  • Relaxation, hobbies, creativity
  • Physical health and fitness
  • Mental health and self knowledge
  • Habits that define you
  • What will you do this year to leave the world in better shape than when you found it?

I will love these 3 things about myself

I am ready to let go of these three things

I want to achieve these 3 things the most

These three people will be my pillars during tough times

I will dare to discover these three things

I will have power to say no to these three things

I will make my surroundings cozy with these three things.

I will do these three things every morning

I will pamper myself with these three things regularly.

I will visit these three places

I will connect with my loved ones in these three ways

I will reward my successes with these three presents

This year I will not procrastinate any more over...

This year I will draw the most energy from...

This year, I will be bravest when...

This year I will say yes when...

This year I advise myself to...

This year will be special for me because...

Pick a word to symbolize and define the year ahead. You can look at this word if you need some extra energy, so you remember not to give up your dreams

What is your secret wish for the next year?

Take a big, deep breath in and out. You're done! Keep this somewhere safe to reflect on and revisit in December 2023.

xo Trilby