Time to reflect
This is one of my favorite times of the year when the holiday rush is over and the new year has not yet begun. There is nowhere urgent I need to be and nothing that can’t wait until another day. I savor the spaciousness of these days as I take time to reflect on the past year as well as look to the one ahead.
Here are the questions that I like to ask myself. I share these with you now in case you too are able to take some time for reflection.
What were some of the highs of the past year, the moments that felt special? How can I create more of them in the coming year?
What are some of the biggest learnings I made about myself? How have I grown through the experiences, opportunities and difficult moments this year?
What is the story I want to tell at the end of 2025? Less in terms of traditional achievements, and more in terms of how I want to be? Is there a word or theme that can be a guiding light throughout the year and help me stay on track?
I recently came across the poem below that reminded me that as we gain life experience, we tend to broaden our definition and markers of success. Perhaps this will spark some reflections for you on how you want to think about your goals in the coming year.
To laugh often and much
by Bessie Stanley
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of the intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know that one life has breathed easier
because you lived here.
This is to have succeeded.
Sending you my best wishes for a richly fulfilling 2025.
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