Year End Reflection

“Reflective thinking turns experience into insight.” ~ John C. Maxwell 

Reflection and deepening our self-awareness are important self-nurturing practices that support our growth. These practices allow us to intentionally look for lessons from our experiences, new ways of understanding ourselves, and eventually claim the wisdom unfolding in our lives.  

One beautiful year end reflection I use and have the honor of guiding my clients through has inspired insight, healing and growth for many years. These questions ground us on the journey of turning experience into insight and living intentionally from a place of self-nurturing, self-acceptance, and self-love. 

This year end reflection is particularly powerful to do at the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year when we consciously let go of what is no longer serving us in the dark and midwife into the light our hopes, dreams, and the infinite possibilities for ourselves, our community, and the world.  

As the light is being reborn at this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, we have the opportunity to intentionally nurture our intentions into the world. Choosing to engage in a reflective practice can empower you to honor and acknowledge yourself, encourage you to identify what you are ready to leave behind in the dark, and choose how you will nurture your growth in the coming year. 

Here are the questions I invite you to reflect upon with much compassion, curiosity and in the spirit of self-nurturing: 

1. What are you most proud of about yourself from the past year? 

1. What are the main lessons have you learned? 

1. What self-nurturing practices have been most supportive? 

1. What are you ready to let go of to make space to grow? 

1. What area of growth do you want to focus on in the coming year? 

1. What are you most looking forward to in 2024? 

Give yourself the gift of your own love and attention and set aside some time to journal and reflect on these questions. These are also wonderful questions to explore with family, friends, and colleagues to nurture connections, growth mindset, and healing. 

We are all interconnected on this planet. What we do truly matters and is what creates change. When we take time to nurture our light, we help illuminate the world with more love, light and hope. And our light is so needed at this time. 

As Lousie Hay reminded us, “Your soul needs time for solitude and self-reflection. In order to love, lead, heal, and create, you must nourish yourself first.”  

May you be inspired to engage in this year end reflection as you nurture peace in the world from the inside out!