2021 review: Reflection questions & journaling prompts 📓
Hello friend,
Someone once said to me that Decembers are the weekend of the year, and boy do I feel that. I think most of us could take the entire month off and be better for it.
I’ve been craving more space for reflection. To stretch my limbs and take the longest exhale. I want to let the days melt away and greet January’s icy breath with a warm hello.
I recently published an in-depth review of 2021, a tradition I started only last year, but one I’d like to continue. I find that this type of reflection helps to create a cohesive narrative of my life, which feels deeply healing.
Some highlights:
- Started going to therapy
- Finished The Artist's Way book and twelve week recovery program
- Got a new job that is also kind of my dream job?!
- Started making plans to move to NYC next year 🏙
- Took a break from social media (I'm still not back and not sure what the future holds for me on social!)
I’m also working on a video compilation of the past year, where I’m going even deeper into my absolute favorite reflection questions. Here are a few to use in your own yearly reflection:
- What went well this year?
- What didn’t go well? What did you learn about yourself through these challenges? What mistakes do you not want to repeat in the future?
- What went off-course? What goals did you hope to accomplish but didn’t make happen? Are you ready to release any of these goals for the future? Which ones do you want to re-prioritize for next year?
- What piece of art, movie, or book really inspired you this year? (from Courtney Martin)
- What was the best meal you had this year?
- What was one memorable experience you had with friends or family?
- What did you try this year for the first time?
- Was there a moment this year that made you laugh? Describe it.
- What community are you a part of right now that you find most nourishing? What kind of community are you craving? (from Courtney Martin)
- Where and with whom were you most resentful this year? How can you get straight about your own needs and articulate them so you can stop feeling that shit in the next year? (from Courtney Martin)
- What was the most sacred experience you had in the last year? (from Courtney Martin)
- If you had to articulate a word or mantra for next year, what would it be? (from Courtney Martin)
I recommend blocking off some time alone to journal your responses to each of these questions. Make a hot beverage. Light a candle. Say a prayer.
And if you’re ready to start planning for the new year, I’ll be sharing my strategies for authentic goal-setting for artists and creatives in next week’s newsletter!