Year End Reflection
At the end of every calendar year in December, I have a pre-scheduled year-end reflection.
For me, it’s a 24 hour staycation alone and it’s pre-scheduled because if I don’t plan it in advance, I’ll make every excuse during the busiest time of the year, that I don’t have time to do this…when really, I’ve learned over the years, that I can’t afford NOT to do this. So, I actually book this time out almost 1 year in advance. Planning ahead also lets my family know how they can help make a shift in their routines, to give me some time to myself, which in turns, helps me to be better for them.
Something about reflecting back to wrap up a year helps me gain closure and gratefulness. And not only that, but before the craziness of the holidays, I need to reflect on what I said I would do for the year or what kind of person I was hoping to show up as, to make sure I at least end, how I had envisioned when I started.
At this point, I can either celebrate that I am on track or decide that I still have some time to make some changes.
At the beginning of every year, I also do this year-prep vision with an intention and word for the year, so this is the back book end of it. More about “year-prep” in another upcoming blog. :)
It’s a last look. A final chance to do some of those things or be that person I said I would be this year. A loving wife, an involved parent, a respectful daughter, a good friend, an honest leader, a hard worker, player, and rester. :p A year of bringing peace to my team, my family, our friends, and others, by first disciplining ourselves to find the peace within us.
For this reflection, I like to be completely alone. If you can, locking yourself in a hotel room is my preferred way to do this. :p Not only do I love quiet hotels and a view, I need no distractions of laundry to do, dishes to wash, and kids to care for. Just me, my bible, a journal, pen, a laptop and the Lord. Time to reflect and ask the questions. To accept those things that never came to be. And still figure out a way for those that could still be.
The year-end reflection is part of my wellness routine. A wrap up for the year that I’ve been doing for the past several years and have since never looked back or regretted any of it. It’s time well spent to really slow down and re-center myself. And I always come back home after a short 24 hours more grateful, refreshed, and ready to give it my all to end the year with peace.
If you find yourself in a state of overwhelm, worry, or anxiety, try taking a day to just lock yourself in a room and face the things you may be avoiding with busyness, activities, work, chores, or even family.
When we can fill our well and be our best selves, we can be our best for others. And that’s what the people in our lives need.
erin’s tip
It doesn’t need to be a 24 hour hotel stay. Try a mini year-end wrap up to start. Just 2-3 intentional hours maybe locked up in your car, or on a folding chair in the park, or even at the table outside our chocolate shop. Take some time for you and reflect on all that you do and can still do.
