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A Guide to Reflecting on the Year and Setting Intentions for the New One Ahead

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to engage in a thoughtful reflection on the past twelve months and set positive intentions for the upcoming year. Embracing a positive outlook can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of purpose and resilience. Reflecting on the Past: Take […]

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to engage in a thoughtful reflection on the past
twelve months and set positive intentions for the upcoming year. Embracing a positive outlook
can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of purpose
and resilience.

Reflecting on the Past:
Take a moment to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the past year. What
were the lessons learned, moments of joy, and personal growth? Sure, this is a highlights reel—
but this isn’t just about painting a perfect picture. What were the challenges? What were your
mistakes? Reflecting on both the highs and lows helps create a well-rounded perspective on the
year gone by.

Grab a journal and find a quiet spot to use this reflection guide.
Prompts for Self-Reflection:
1. What were the highlights of the past year? What brought you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of
accomplishment? This could include personal achievements, memorable events, or special
connections made.
2. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Acknowledging challenges
is an essential part of growth. What obstacles did you encounter and what strategies did you
employ to navigate through difficult times?
3. What activities brought you a sense of peace and contentment? These are the years to enjoy
the fruits of a life well-lived. What brought peace and contentment, and how can you bring more
of that into the new year?
Setting Positive Intentions for the New Year:

With reflections in mind, it’s time to look forward and set positive intentions for the new year.
Remember, the best goals are a little bit of a reach with a healthy helping of “realistic.” Shoot for
goals that contribute to your overall well-being.
● Health and Wellness: Would you like to incorporate more physical activity, maintain a
balanced diet, or explore new wellness practices?
● Social Connections: How about social connections? Would you like to make new friends,
or engage in more community activities?

Vision Boarding:
Vision boarding is a creative and visual way to set intentions. This could be a fun group activity
in your community. Your vision board can be physical (think magazines and printed pages) or
digital (collect images or links from around the web). Don’t forget to choose words that represent
your aspirations for the new year.
The transition to a new year offers a valuable opportunity for you to reflect on the past, set
positive intentions, and embrace new opportunities. Here’s to a bright and fulfilling new chapter!