Reflecting and Recharging: A Guide to Ending the Year on a Positive Note

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of festivities, expectations, and stress. While the holiday season promises warmth and joy, it often leaves us feeling depleted and lonely. This discontent can lead to a cycle of overexertion and exhaustion, making it challenging to connect with others meaningfully. So, how can we step out of this cycle, especially when those around us seem to be experiencing the same feelings?

I recommend the "5 Steps Back and Forward" approach. This method encourages us to reflect on the past year, identify what brought us joy, and create a plan to increase those experiences in the upcoming year. By evaluating what recharges us versus what depletes us, we can set ourselves up for success and peace in the year to come.

Step 1: Social Connections

Think about the people who truly showed up for you this year. Who did you enjoy spending time with? Reflect on friendships that deepened, particularly those where you felt more connected after helping each other.

Step 2: Financial Joy

Evaluate your spending over the past year. Which investments or experiences brought you genuine joy? Determine where you felt your resources were well spent, contributing to a more fulfilling life.

Step 3: Recreation and Rest

Consider how you took breaks or indulged in leisure activities that nourished your spirit. Identify ways in which your energy expenditure felt rewarding rather than draining.

Step 4: Spiritual Growth and Doing Good

Reflect on the moments when you connected deeply with others or contributed to a cause greater than yourself. What activities helped you cultivate a sense of purpose or community?

Step 5: Positive Habits

Identify the habits that served you well this year. What routines made your daily life easier, more comfortable, and productive?

Once you've completed this reflection, it’s time to plan how to amplify these positive experiences in the coming year. Here are a few examples to inspire your planning:

• Social: If you enjoyed monthly game nights, commit to attending regularly and offer to host a few times.

• Financial: If organizing your book collection helped reduce clutter, consider attending a silent book club to connect with others while enjoying your love for reading.

• Recreation: If a staycation was more rejuvenating than a family trip, plan for another staycation next year, ensuring it’s stress-free.

• Doing Good If you enjoyed organizing a food drive, plan to engage in another in the ways that use your skills the best so it is the most enjoyable.

• Habits: If you finally found a system that work for you to keep track of your keys at the end of the day, scaffold this into adding a shoe rack to keep your shoes tidy (No more tripping!)

You can customize these categories to ones that make sese for your. Enjoy feeling some pride at the end of this season and enjoy your well-deserved rest!