A Year in Review

In looking back on this year, it’s definitely not as we imagined it would be with traveling, get togethers, dining out and more. However, we still know that overall, we have so much to be grateful for this year and we have learned a lot about who we are as women, mothers and business owners. With all of the constant change and trauma that occurred this year, at Boost we believe it is necessary to make time to reflect on the year past and spend time setting intentions for the year ahead. We will share some tips on how to do this and include some writing prompts to get you started.

photo by Prophsee Journals via unsplash

 Preparation

Pick a day between now and December 31st to carve out some time for this activity and plan for roughly two hours. You can do this on your own, with your romantic partner, your family or a close friend. Spend some time clearing the space that you choose to be in as you reflect and write. Remove clutter, wipe dust, vacuum or sweep, light a candle (and/or incense, sage or palo santo) and get comfortable. Eliminate distractions such as social media, television and cell phone use. Come prepared with something to write with and your journal or some paper. Allow yourself to become centered and grounded. Connect with your body and your breath by taking some soothing, cleansing deep breaths before you begin. Tune into your five senses by noticing five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. You’re now ready to start reflecting and writing.

 Reflection

photo by Yeshi Kangrang via unsplash

Think back to January of this year – we know that feels like a long time ago – and scan each month. As you review each month, pay attention to what was the most memorable part of the month, what was the biggest lesson and if there is anything that feels left undone. It’s helpful to look through your calendar, planner or photos to refresh your memory. Next, consider how you are different than you were last December – How have you grown, what have you learned and what have you accomplished? Then feel if there is any lingering pain from this year that you haven’t acknowledged or completely processed. Emotions are a cycle with a beginning, middle and end. When we feel stressed, overwhelmed or burnout that’s usually an indication that we haven’t completed an emotional cycle – we are stuck in the middle. Take a moment to feel your pain – acknowledge it, notice where you feel it in your body, have a good cry, ask the pain what it’s trying to tell you and finally, ask the pain what it needs. Lastly, what and who are you the most grateful for this year? If there are people you are grateful for this year, send them a text or give them a call and let them know. Don’t forget to thank yourself and show yourself some love, kindness and gratitude for everything you’ve learned and accomplished this year.

Intentions

After reviewing and reflecting on 2020, it’s time to look ahead into 2021. We prefer setting intentions for the year ahead, rather than setting goals or making resolutions. Intention setting is the creative process of manifesting your deepest needs and desires. Think of setting an intention for the year as planting a seed you wish to grow into something meaningful and beautiful. What are your intentions for 2021? What do you desire for the year ahead? The practice is to focus on awareness, rather than success or achievement. An example of setting an intention could sound like, “In 2021, I am present, I have more self-compassion and I get outside daily to breathe fresh air and connect with my body.” Rather than, “It’s my intention to lose ten pounds.” State your intention as if it’s already happened, in the present tense. Setting intentions is easiest when it comes from our gut – our intuition. Try not to overthink your intentions. Once you have written out your intentions for the year, thank them and let them go. Trust in the process. We like keeping them somewhere close to revisit throughout the year and reflect on at the end of the following year.

photo by Danil Aksenov via unsplash

Your end of the year review is now complete. Thank yourself for making the time to actively do this practice. Give yourself some compassion for the long year we are wrapping up. Send gratitude to those who have helped you through it. This year was filled with change, trauma, grief and loss. Sometimes we need support from a professional to help us process everything that has happened and that’s okay. Reach out to us if you have questions about seeing a therapist. We are here to help! We are sending you all love, health and joy. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Bronwyn and Toni at Boost Counseling.

photo by Kelly Sikkema via unsplash

cover photo by Simon Migaj @simonmigaj via unsplash