As this year comes to an end, I relish in taking a timeout to reflect, review and marvel at the fact that another 36 days have not just passed, but been lived. With the 31st just a few days away, it’s easy to look to January and all the things a fresh start can bring about, but I find that I appreciate the details of what’s to come once I’ve taken a moment to look back at the bends in the road just behind me.
There are many wonderful posts and templates you can find online to help to guide such a practice. Below is my somewhat paired down, sweet & simple guide separated into three sections: 1) the big picture, 2) the personal, and 3) intentions for the year ahead.
Macro: The Big Picture
- What was a main theme of this past year and the biggest moments?
- Any patterns or throughlines?
- Greatest challenge….
- Risks taken….
- What came into existence and what was let go of?
- What needs to be completed?
- In what ways and which areas did I grow this year?
- Key lessons….
Micro: The Personal
- Who did I interact with in a new way (or new relationship) and how did make an impact?
- Which person/people had the most influence?
- Most memorable evenings (experiences, dinners, conversation)…
- Which new spaces did I inhabit/participate in?
- How was my relationship to work? What would the title be for this chapter of worklife?
- The state of my boundaries is….
- What would I like to do less of? How can I make that happen?
- How generous was I, and where did I withhold?
- Most affirmed decision/s….
- Skills learned…
- Standout moments in nature…
- When did I feel most alive? *
Carrying Forward: Intentions for 2020
- What am I most thankful for?
- What’s getting me out of bed in the morning?
- What is something self-originating that makes my feel most like myself?
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” – T.S. Eliot
- Vows (principals, practices, habits held with integrity)
- Goals (targets to help give practices, etc. direction)
- Morning remembrance & ritual
- Practices (to support mind & body)
- Vision (personal development, health, relationships, work)
- What am I willing to risk this year?
- What is one word to anchor the coming year?
- Clean out hard drive, phone, unsubscribe from newsletters, etc
So the earth goes round and round, about to orbit once more. And, with renewed intention in my heart, I know that as long as I am breathing, I am just beginning.
~ Sachi x
