How I reflect on the year

The season of reflection and intention-setting has begun. I love thinking back over the year and identifying all the learning, and getting clear on what I want for the next year. 

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I reflect on the closing year by re-reading my journals, reviewing my calendar, and looking at photos. I pay attention to the bright spots, the moments of connection and joy, and the ways in which my core human needs were met. I think about how I created those moments and how I got my needs met. 

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In her beautiful book, Wild, Cheryl Strayed writes that her mother would say, “put yourself in the way of beauty. There's always a sunrise and always a sunset and it's up to you to choose to be there for it.” 

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When I reflect on 2023, my attention is drawn by the times I put myself in the way of beauty and when I was fully present. I celebrate those as an accomplishment. 

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In recent years, my intentions (and goals and commitments) are simplifying. They often come down to something like presence, connection, joy, beauty. 

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As you begin closing out the year, reflect on what’s nourished your mind, heart, body, and spirit this year. When have you felt most alive? Most at ease? Most fulfilled? Let yourself be pulled by your deepest desires and use those reflections to create intentions for the coming year. 

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I’ve been through many iterations of reflection on the year and goal/intention setting for new years. You can hear me talk about those here and here. 

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Happy reflecting and happy intention setting!