A Year-End Reflection
Here in the northern hemisphere, today — December 21st — is the winter solstice. Earlier this week, I read that the word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At this turning point of the year, it feels like a gentle reminder that we, too, need to slow down — even to stand still for a moment, if we can.
As we move into the holidays, it’s worth remembering that January, still in the depths of winter, may not be the best time to pressure ourselves into new habits or commitments. This may be one reason New Year’s resolutions often don’t take root.
That said, I do believe this time of year offers something valuable: a natural pause. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that is drawing to a close, and to set intentions for the year ahead — without the intensity or expectation that often accompanies January 1st.
I’ve shared a few reflective questions below to support this process. Please feel free to explore them if they feel helpful to you.
Looking back on the past year:
If you were to identify one overarching theme (or a few) that characterised this past year, what would it be?
What were the most difficult experiences you encountered this year?
What were some of the most touching moments?
What do you feel you learned about yourself over the course of the year?
Who do you feel came through for you this year when you needed them? Did anyone surprise you?
Was there anyone or anything that felt less supportive than you expected?
Were there any significant endings this year — expected or unexpected, welcome or unwelcome?
Do any areas of life feel out of balance at this moment in time?
Where do you sense the greatest healing or growth has taken place over the past year?
What are you most grateful for, from this past year?
What are you most proud of yourself for, looking back?
What would you like to consciously release or leave behind as you move out of 2025?
As we approach the holidays, can you set an intention for what you would most like to get out of this break?
Looking forward to next year:
If you were to choose a theme for next year, what would you like it to be?
If you were to commit to cultivating one emotional state in the coming year, what would it be?
If you were to commit — or recommit — to one health habit, large or small, which would have the greatest impact?
If your closest friend were living your life, what would you encourage them to prioritise in the year ahead?
Is there anyone that you would like to commit to spending more time with in the coming year? If so, who is it, and how could you do that?
Are there any other people, groups or activities you’d like to make more time for? If so, how could you schedule time for that?
If you were to imagine one significant experience per quarter (such as learning something, travelling, taking on a creative project and so on…), what might that be? What would be required to make that happen?
Can you intentionally plan one significant period of rest each quarter? What would that look like, and what boundaries or supports would it require?
Is there any habit or pattern that you would like to cultivate in the coming year? Or a particular skill that you would like to learn?
If you could choose just one thing you truly want from the year ahead, what would it be?
Wishing you some genuine rest & renewal.
