Atta Girl - You did it!
We rocked this year!
By Carrie McHale Reed
As the year draws to a close, we are reminded of the year's happenings. At this time of the year it is important to reflect on all that you have achieved and overcome. Why do this, you might ask? Reflection of the past allows us to "process through" the details of our lives to then use that awareness to learn and continue moving forward. It is okay to reflect on the past, as long as you do not dwell there too long. Reflect, Learn, and Apply to your life. Then, Move On.
“When we get into a tight place and it seems can’t go on, hold on, for that’s just the place and the time that the tide will turn.” - Harriett Beecher Stowe
Your year in review
Before the year ends, take some time to think about these questions, applying them to both your personal and professional life. You may also find it helpful to write your thoughts down in your journal to review later.
What are you most proud of right now?
List your key accomplishments for the year.
What attributes, qualities, or skills helped you achieve those accomplishments?
What are the most significant challenges of the year?
How did you choose to address/overcome/work through those challenges?
What did you wish you didn’t do? How can you change this? Make ammends?
Describe what you learned about yourself this year?
Would you do anything differently, given the opportunity?
The art of letting go
At the close of each year, I recommend releasing the year. Let it go gently. You can do this through a variety of activites, large or small. For example, you may choose to use this journal entry and your reflections as means of closing down the year. You may have a ceremony in which you light candles, pay homage and give thanks to the year, how it served you, what you learned and how you grew. You may choose to sage your whole house while reciting a small prayer you wrote to create a clearing for the new year ahead. You may choose to thank God for the many blessings of the year, or even gather your best girlfriends around you to share. However you choose to leave the previous year behind, take the time to do it. Your future self will thank you!
A tradition I invited my mom to engage in with me many years ago is a burning ceremony. It’s easy and you can do it too, if you desire. You simply write down on small pieces of paper all the hurts, worries, and otherwise “yucky” stuff that has happened during the year. Anything really that you feel you need to let go of in order to begin the next year right. With a fire lit (fireplace, chimenea, firepit, even a lighter, etc.) you read them quietly (or aloud if you so dare) and throw them in the fire one-by-one. As you watch them burn you make your peace with them and let them go. This activity can be done alone, with good friends or even family. In fact, my young boys do this with me year after year.
This can have a very powerful impact on your life as it gives you a chance to say goodbye, let go and move forward.
A past fire of mine. Watch it burn baby!
Focus Forward
The closing of one year, brings great opportunity to shed light on the year ahead. By using your reflections and key "learnings" from the previous year, take some time to think about what's in store for the next year. These are firestarter questions meant to spark further exploration in you. They can apply to your personal, family, spiritual, financial and career life.
Grab a journal and think about this:
If you could choose an ideal theme for the upcoming year, what would it be? Note: It’s best to start with one single word and wrap your entire existence around it allowing it to flow through you and guide you all year long.
What shape do you want your life to take over the next year?
Is there a new skill you want to pick up? or an existing one you need to brush up on?
Is there a longing in your heart to learn to play the piano, sculpt, draw, sing, dance, quilt, roller blade? How do you plan to ‘play’ this year?
How will you grow spirtually this year? What will you do to foster that growth?
What realationships to you desire to cultivate during this year? What steps will you take to ensure this happens?
What shape do you want your business ventures or career to take?
Is there an area of your career or business you really need to develop over the next year?
Is there an area of your life you desire to develop or expand over the next year?
If you are in a capacity to lead others, what is your plan to grow and develop your team? What new opportunities will you give them this year?
How will you care for yourself this year? Health? Wellness? Finances? Relationships? Self Care? _______ (you fill in the blank!)
What would you like to make more time to do?
Whether your focus is personal or professional, the operative word is FOCUS. It is essential to plan for the new year. The answers to these and other related questions will form the foundation for your own personal YOU plan for the year. When the hustle and bustle of this holiday season settles down, don't forget to take time out for yourself to focus on your New Year priorities.
And as always, if I can be of any support, please reach out! I’m here to help you craft that plan & remind you of your greatness along the way!
The definition of Excellence:
You care more than others think is wise.
You risk more than others think is safe.
You dream more than others think is practical.
You expect more than others think is possible.
How will you be Excellent this year?
Carrie Reed is a personal development and leadership coach who facilitates workshops, retreats and strategic sessions designed to help individuals and teams discover, design and achieve their best in life (personally and professionally). She owns McHale Group, LLC an international consulting firm and is the founder of the Women’s Wizdom site – a one-stop-shop for women to develop and explore their life’s possibilities in connection with other women. She is also founder of the Williamson County chapter of 100 Women Who Care – a philanthropy dedicated to providing service and funds to support local 501c3 organizations. She is the proud mama to two boys and enjoys spending time exploring all the fun adventures this world has to offer.
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www.mchalegroup.us ∙ www.womenswizdom.com ∙ carrie@mchalegroup.us