Reflective journalling to end the year
Good morning friends,
How are you doing? I hope December is treating you well? Are you all caught up in the festivities or does it feel like a slog to get to the finish line? I hope that some of the journalling prompts I’ve been sending out have been helping you to look after yourself.
As the year draws to a close, there is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey we’ve been on this year. So much has happened globally this year. Unimaginable world events that have brought so much pain and heartache to so many people. In the midst of this Christmas joy I’m definitely holding in my heart those who are suffering, whilst being so so grateful for the life I am lucky enough to have. Because ultimately, it is just that- luck, and I don’t forget that.
🧡Firstly, I just wanted to say thankyou for being part of this gorgeous community. I feel very grateful to you for joining me. I love running this Substack page. It’s allowed me to be creative and share some of the most important things I’ve learnt along the way in my journey as a human and also as a Psychologist. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2024 🧡
In this article, let’s explore how we can reflect on the year. Our journals, can serve as both mirrors and guides, helping us navigate the paths we’ve trodden and prepare for the ones that lie ahead.
If you were able to come along to our writing sessions this month we’ve really focused on this but if you’ve not had the chance to come along, this might be a lovely journalling activity for you to do in that break between Christmas and new year. Why not carve out a little time for yourself to do this, I know you won’t regret it.
📖 The Power of Reflection:
Reflection is not merely a glance backward; it’s a deliberate act of understanding, learning, and growing. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of our journals, we invite a deeper connection with our own stories, acknowledging the highs, lows, and the bits in between.
💡 Tips for Reflective Journalling:
1. Start with Gratitude: Begin your reflective journey with gratitude. What are you thankful for this year? Capture moments, experiences, and even challenges that have shaped your path. Gratitude is a powerful foundation for self-reflection.
2. Theme-Based Entries: Consider dividing your reflection into themes. Explore personal growth, career achievements, relationships, or any other significant aspects of your life. This allows for a more focused exploration of your experiences.
3. Highlight Milestones: Celebrate your victories, both big and small. Reflect on the milestones you’ve achieved and the lessons embedded within them. Your journal becomes a trove of your personal triumphs and the knowledge gained along the way.
4. Explore Challenges: Don’t shy away from examining the challenges you’ve faced. Journalling offers a safe space to process emotions, learn from setbacks, and uncover the resilience that resides within.
🖋️ Journalling Prompts for end of year reflections:
1. *What are the three most significant lessons you’ve learned this year?*
2. *Describe a moment that brought you unexpected joy or growth.*
3. *What goals did you set at the beginning of the year, and how have you progressed toward them?*
4. *In what ways have your relationships evolved or deepened?*
5. *What self-care practices were particularly helpful during challenging times?*
*What are you grateful for this year?*
I hope this article gives you some ideas for reflection and helps you on your way. This is a lovely exercise to do in the run up to Christmas. It can boost our resilience and help us to gain perspective at a time when we can easily lose sight of it.
If you like what you read I’d be very grateful if you could share this with anyone else who you think might enjoy or benefit from my work. I’d love to keep growing this community. I also offer gift subscriptions which you can buy as a lovely gift for a loved one.
🌟Wishing you a peaceful festive season, filled with compassion and care. I’ll see you again in 2024🌟
Much love
Hannah
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