As the year comes to an end it is a good time to reflect on the past 12 months. It can provide you with a way to resolve issues, learn from the past, and celebrate the good before starting a new year.
The new year is often a time to make resolutions. To think about what you want to change in the next year and to set goals for yourself. But sometimes we cannot look forward without first looking back. The act of reflecting on our previous year can be the process we need to feel ready to start fresh.
Often it is easiest to remember the big things that happened. And generally, we first remember the negative things that happened. Instead of allowing those to come first in our minds try reviewing the year chronologically.
Go month by month and remind yourself of all you went through. Think about the good milestones and include things that happened to your close family and friends. Allow yourself to remember the joyous feelings these memories bring up.
As you walk down the memory lane of the year think about the times that were difficult. Review what happened, what you handled well, and what you could have done differently.
You may want to share your review with a close friend or family member. Together, you can remind each other of things you may have forgotten and encourage and celebrate each other for what you have accomplished.
The purpose of reviewing the year is to help yourself come to terms with both the bad and the good. To realize that every year has both, and that is normal and part of life. The goal is to be kind to yourself in your review. Use reflection to build your self-confidence and understand yourself better.
A new year gives a chance for new beginnings. By processing our past it gives space to welcome the new year and all it may bring to you. It lends to reflection that may help you make positive changes in your life.
Take this review as a time to identify any lessons that you learned. Think about how you can implement them going forward.
What jumps out to you as the best moments of the year? Perhaps by reviewing what brought you the most joy it will help you refocus on how you spend time in the new year.
Ask yourself what you want more of in the new year and what you want less of. Sometimes it is these very simple questions that help us know what needs to change going forward.
We often repeat a narrative to ourselves that may not be accurate. For example, you may have said it was a difficult year. But when you really look at all of it together the scales may tip to more good than you realize. It just requires giving the good moments attention and space in our memory.
Reflection is an important tool in understanding ourselves and integrating our past with our future. Take a break from your day and sit back and reflect on your year. Some resolutions and goals for the next year may naturally become clear.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
