As the year winds down and we’re all trying to resist inhaling our body weight in mince pies, it’s the perfect time for a spot of reflection. Looking back on the past 12 months can help you grow, celebrate, and maybe laugh at the questionable decisions you made (remember that fringe?). Here are five fun yet meaningful ways to reflect on the year gone by:
Write a gratitude list (with a twist)
Grab a pen, a notebook, or that fancy journaling app you downloaded in January but abandoned by February. List the things you’re grateful for this year, but don’t stop at the obvious. Sure, your friends and family made the cut, but what about your local coffee shop barista who nailed your oat milk latte every time? Or that one week your Wi-Fi didn’t act up? Acknowledge the little joys that kept you going.
Revisit your wins and your ‘what was I thinking?’ moments
Take stock of what you’ve achieved this year, big and small. Got a promotion? Brilliant. Managed to keep your houseplants alive? Equally brilliant. Now for the fun part: list your “what was I thinking?” moments too. That impromptu karaoke night or the time you tried to cut your own hair. Reflecting on your wins and wobbles keeps things balanced and makes you more human.
Create a photo reel
Scroll through your phone’s photo gallery—it’s like a time capsule of your year. Relive the moments that made you smile, cry, or roll your eyes. Create a highlight reel or collage to keep those memories alive. Bonus points if you include a picture of your dodgy fringe for comedic value.
Have a ‘year in review’ chat
Grab a mate, a partner, or your dog (they’re great listeners) and have a chat about the year. Share your highs, lows, and anything in between. If it’s with a human, ask them what they’ve learned this year too—you might gain some perspective. If it’s with your dog, maybe skip the deep questions and stick to belly rubs.
Set a theme for the new year
Instead of making resolutions you’ll forget by mid-January, set a theme for the new year. Think “courage”, “adventure”, or “mindfulness”. Use your reflections from this year to choose a word that resonates with where you’re headed. It’s like a motivational mantra, but cooler.
Final thought
Reflection doesn’t have to be all serious and soul-searching. It can be light-hearted, creative, and even a bit silly. So, as you sip that mulled wine or tuck into another slice of Christmas cake, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come this year—fringe disasters and all.
