Before You Forget About 2020, Do This
First, consider what you have learned about living.
2020 is coming to an end. Not soon enough, you might add. Yes, it’s been a tumultuous year, but fortunately not as bad as 536 AD, the beginning of the Dark Ages, or 1349 the year the Black Death killed half of Europe, or 1918 when the Spanish flu killed over 50 million people. Nevertheless, it’s turned our lives upside down.
Many of us would like this year to go as quickly as a house guest who overstayed their welcome, clogged up the toilet, and drank all the wine. But first, let’s pause for a few minutes and reflect before we launch ourselves into 2021.
Reflection is a healthy exercise. It gives us a chance to acknowledge how we got through this craziness. It reminds us of how much we accomplished and, perhaps even more importantly, what we have learned.
Here is a simple process. You can do it by yourself or with someone else. I’ve been using it with my wife the past few years, and it opens up a rich discussion. Tip: Writing out the answers or talking about them is more powerful than just thinking about the questions.
Please feel free to copy and share profusely.
Accomplishments
- What have I learned about living this year?
- What did I accomplish this year? (Think about the things you did that surprised you, gave you joy, or made a positive difference in your life. Capture all accomplishments, large and small. Categories include career, recreation, health and wellbeing, family, friends, finances, physical environment, personal growth, and significant other).
- What makes me most proud?
- What positive impact did I have on clients, family, friends, and other people?
- We all have our mojo-our personal superpower that gets us through hard times. What did I draw on this year that helped me the most?
- What has begun for me, which I might want to give more energy and momentum to next year?
Challenges
- What did I not achieve but wanted to?
- What was hard for me, and why?
- What has ended now that I can let go of?
Acknowledgments of self and others
- Three things I did well.
- Others that supported and helped me.
Looking ahead
- When I get quiet and listen carefully, what whispers do I hear calling me forward in new ways?
Here’s to 2021. May it be filled with healing, abundance, health, peace, and love.
