The end of the year is a time for reflection. Taking a moment to reflect is a great way to set ourselves up for making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals. A friend of mine, Linda Ugelow, Speaking Confidence Coach and author of Delight in the Limelight, recently shared her year-end reflection process with me. For the last few days, I’ve been journaling using her prompts. I love how they combine reflection and planning. Linda has graciously allowed me to share them with you here.
My wish for you is to reconnect with your Sacred Space by finding that thing you love to do that allows you to lose yourself. If you’re having a hard time remembering that for yourself, take some time between Christmas and New Year’s Day to reconnect with the bigger picture of YOU! Make sure what you have going on in your life aligns with what you want. Here are the prompts, I hope you can carve out some time for yourself and perhaps even start a conversation with your family over dinner or that long drive to see family.
Looking Back
- What successes did I have over the past year?
(Look over your calendar to jog your memory. Nothing is too small to celebrate! Make the list as long as you can.) - What things brought me the most joy and satisfaction?
- Where was I disappointed or didn’t meet my expectation or goals?
- What were the other significant happenings such as loss or big challenges?
- What did I find draining or frustrating?
- What can I forgive myself for? Appreciate myself for?
- What things, beliefs, and/or habits, do I want to leave behind?
- What were the unexpected blessings?
Looking ahead
- How do I want to feel in this new year?
- What’s the impact I want to make?
- What would I like to focus on? What would I love to get going or complete?
- What kind of assistance, support, or learning would help me succeed?
- What relationships would I like to nurture? Friends, family, colleagues, mentors.
- What helps me stay in balance and live my best?
- What would I like to take the time to learn more about?
- What word (or words) would encapsulate the upcoming year? ie. focus, health, clarity, expansion, etc.
To learn more about Linda Ugelow, you can check her out at her website. I would also love to hear about your experience if you do this exercise. You can reach out to me at cyndi@bookskeep.com and tell me what your plans are for the new year to maintain your Sacred Space!