Now is the perfect time to reflect on the year that was 2023.
As we enter a brand new year, we are often filled with optimism at all the possibilities, or perhaps simply the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start a fresh.
In coaching terms, we tend to be predominantly forward focused, working towards positive goals and achievements in our future, be it short or long-term. Whilst this is clearly very positive, there is also so much power in looking back. When we do this we have an opportunity to see how far we have come - through both the challenges and the accomplishments.
When we only glance back without really taking the time to look, it is all too easy to focus on those things that didn't go our way (our brains do love to focus on the negatives!), yet when we stop and really pay attention we can find so many beautiful things to be grateful for, and that energy can really support us and increase our confidence as we set our intentions moving forwards.
I have been using this simple but powerful process for many years now, both personally and with friends and clients. There is something so cleansing about it and it really helps me to get clear on where I am, and where I would like to focus my energy moving forwards.
If you don't already have a process you work with like this, I encourage you to join me, it doesn't take long and feels really lovely. (ps. you don't have to do this only at New Year, you can pause and reflect back on your year at any time you choose and it will be just as useful!).
To do this process all you need is:
Some quiet time and a comfy, relaxing space
A pen
A notebook / journal / piece of paper (I like to use a journal so I can keep it and look back at past years to remind myself where I was v's now)
A nice drink and maybe some snacks (because it is never not a good time for snacks, right?!)
Then start to reflect on the year that was 2023 (or whatever year it is)…
I start with a quick brain-dump. I write 2023 in the centre, with all the words that I associate with what has shown up in my life in the past year written around it. (see photo)
Next write a bullet point list of all of the challenges you experienced in 2023. For example:
2023 - Challenges :-
Health….
Relationships…
Career…
Get as specific as you like - really look at what challenged you this year, big and small.
Then list all the things you are grateful for from 2023, all the little blessings. For example:
Spend sometime being really proud of yourself and how far you have come, even if things haven't turned out as you hoped, you are still here and you have learnt and grown in ways you may not even be fully aware of yet. If no one else has told you lately, you are amazing!
When you are finished, take a moment to look at it all as a whole and check in with how you feel? Perhaps you feel a little clearer? More focused on what you would like moving forwards? Perhaps tired or emotional? All feelings are valid, there is no right or wrong way to feel.
However you are feeling, we are now ready to let go of the past year and reset our energy as we move on to the next. A fresh start, full of potential...
It is time to bring our energy in to the present moment and feel into what we would like to see / feel / create as we move into the in the new year. More on that in my next post...
I would love to know if you tried this process and how it felt to you, so drop me an email info@heatherferry.com or DM via social media with your comments, thoughts or questions.
Would you like some support in letting go of anything that has been holding you back, or in setting and achieving your goals moving forwards? I am now taking bookings for new clients in 2024 and would love to chat to you and see if working together feels supportive. Drop me a message or book in for a no-obligation free discovery call and let's chat.
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