My End-of-Year Review Questions

This time of year, I love to take some time to reflect on my year. My husband, Noel, and I used to make a list on New Year's Eve of the Good Things that happened that year. It's fun now to read over these lists and see things we celebrated then, like children learning to walk, getting toilet trained and starting school. So many beautiful memories! 

While I still love to do the Good Things list, in the last few years, I like to reflect on my year with five questions.

Here are the five end-of-year review questions I ask myself and my answers:

1. Who inspired me, and in what way?

When I think about this question, it’s not a single person that comes to mind, but all the men and women in my Living Pain-Free group. I see people who have pain and other challenges who are not willing to give up on themselves. They take baby steps, one day at a time, getting themselves going again if they stop. They are learning to love and be kind and gentle with themselves. They don’t give up. I see them awakening to the hero within themselves, and I feel awe at the beauty of their journeys. 

2. What is something I achieved or contributed that I’m proud of?

This year, I made a conscious effort to strengthen relationships with family and friends. Noel and I spent at least two weeks with each of our children and look forward to them all being home for the holidays with their partners (and one dog!). I spent more time with local friends, was part of a choir, and visited some extended family members. 

3. What happened that was challenging, and what did I learn?

It's funny how something wonderful was also challenging. We traveled a lot this year and saw some incredible places. We sailed in the British Virgin Islands with dear friends, visited family and friends as I mentioned, and had a whirlwind vacation in Italy. I always thought I would love to travel a lot, but I discovered that being away from home for sixteen weeks this year was too much for me. My Oura ring indicated higher stress levels in my body every time we traveled. Whether it was jet lag, lack of routine or different foods, my body doesn’t do well when I travel. From now on, I’ll give more consideration to how long and how often I travel. For now, I just want to be cozy at home and have my daily routines.

4. What did I NOT make time for and wish I had?

Traveling also meant I was in constant catch-up mode with my courses, writing and podcast when I was home. This meant that I let other routines that do serve me well fall by the wayside, especially toward the end of the year. I stopped running three times a week, and many days, I didn’t even get outside the house. I KNOW this isn’t good for me. Getting movement outdoors is foundational for health! My priority in the new year is to get some assistance so that I make getting outside movement a daily routine again. 

5. What am I most grateful for and why?

Always, the biggest blessing in my life is family. Noel, my three grown children, and their partners (and all their four-legged furry creatures!) are the reason I do everything I do. I want to love them and inspire them as they make their way in this journey of life. We are together. 

Now it’s your turn. Reflect on these questions for yourself. Feel gratitude for what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve learned this year. 

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!