Blog: I'm Not Done With 2011 Yet

OK, I’ve said it out loud - it’s 2012 and I have not finished yet with 2011.

Why? At the end of every year I like to reflect and consider what occurred during the previous year. I was too busy the last week of 2011 and I did not have uninterrupted time to reflect.

My dilemma is whether I should not do it at all (not a good option for me) or do it during January. So, I have decided to give myself time at the start of this year to reflect on 2011.

Previously as the year ends, I write in my journal or I reflect in my mind or with a trusted friend about what I saw as the ups and downs of my life in the year prior. No matter which method I chose I like to end the year considering what worked and what didn’t.

This reflection, of the previous year, can be focused on several aspects of my life or a few.  Some areas of my life I explore are:

• Self
• Family/Friends
• Health
• Work/Education
• Creativity
• Spiritual
• Money/Finances

I examine each of these areas and determine if there is something that I need to release and change so I don’t continue it.  I consider if there is an area that I want to focus on and increase in the New Year.

If you are considering what the past year has meant to you, try answering these questions:

• What was the general theme for this past year?
• What was positive about it?
• What was negative about it?
• Is there anything you want to release?
• Is there something you want to do more of?
• What word(s) reflect what you want to be or do in the New Year?

Using the above questions can be helpful at the end of the year, so you can get some perspective regarding where you are now and to prepare a foundation for something new ahead.

This month, I plan to give myself the time to reflect on last year. If you have not done any reflection on last year, consider doing it now. It might become a favorite tradition for you as it is for me.