Seasonal Self-Reflection: What This Year Taught Me
As we draw near the year’s end, nature herself shifts, signalling a time to turn inward. The days grow shorter, the air crisper, and many of us are inspired to pause and take stock of how we’ve changed, what we’ve overcome, and where we still want to go. This seasonal self-reflection offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with our growth and to set meaningful intentions for the coming year. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this past year has taught us and how we can continue to grow in the months ahead.
1. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
Reflecting on your accomplishments is a way of affirming your resilience and recognising the progress you've made. Wins don’t have to be monumental to matter; sometimes, showing up when it was hard to is a win in itself.
Ask yourself:
What moments, decisions, or achievements stand out to me?
What challenges did I overcome, and what did I learn from them?
Action Step: Write down three things you’re proud of achieving this year. They don’t have to be big. It could be a personal breakthrough, a new habit you started, or simply surviving a tough period.
2. Recognise the Lessons in Hardships
Often, our most challenging moments hold valuable lessons. It’s easy to remember the tough parts but harder to see the growth they fostered. Taking the time to review these moments can reveal unexpected strengths.
Ask yourself:
What challenges did I face, and what did they teach me?
How did these experiences shape who I am today?
Action Step: Reflect on one hardship that initially seemed insurmountable. How did it impact you, and what have you learned about yourself as a result?
3. Revisit Your Values and Priorities
Each year has a way of reminding us of what truly matters. Have your values or priorities shifted this year? Perhaps relationships have taken on new meaning, or perhaps you’ve reprioritised work-life balance.
Ask yourself:
What did I spend most of my time and energy on this year?
Is this in alignment with what truly matters to me?
Action Step: Identify one value or priority you want to carry into next year and one you’re willing to let go of.
4. Reflect on Your Personal Growth
Personal growth can be subtle, revealing itself in small actions or changes in perspective. Think about how you've shown up for yourself, and how you’ve adapted, healed, or evolved.
Ask yourself:
What new habits, mindsets, or practices did I cultivate this year?
How did I show up for myself in ways I didn’t before?
Action Step: Journal about how you've changed as a person over the past year, especially in terms of resilience, patience, or self-compassion.
5. Set Intentions for the Coming Year
After looking back, turn your gaze forward. Reflecting on your past can illuminate areas where you’d like to grow next. This isn’t about setting rigid goals; it’s about creating a vision for the person you want to become.
Ask yourself:
What intentions would I like to set based on my reflections?
How can I carry the lessons of this year forward?
Action Step: List three intentions for the upcoming year. Think about who you want to become rather than simply what you want to accomplish.
Closing Thoughts
The beauty of seasonal self-reflection lies in its ability to ground us, helping us honour the paths we’ve taken while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. Growth is often subtle, appearing in the everyday decisions and small changes we make over time. Take this moment to honour your journey, be gentle with yourself, and trust that each lesson and insight has led you to where you are now.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and thriving!