How I do my New Year’s Reflections

Embracing change and the power of journaling.

Another year is ending – and, as always, it seems to have arrived faster than expected. Yet, this also means it is time for one of my favorite traditions: my personal New Year’s reflections.

In the quieter days between Christmas and New Year’s, I like to sit down with my journal to reflect and write. And I love how those few moments of mindfulness really change how I look back on the year and step into the next.

So, I thought I’d share what this yearly ritual looks like for me, including some of my favorite prompts, in the hope they will support you in your own reflections at the end of the year.

Why I reflect at the end of the year

Ever since I became a nomad, I’ve made it a habit to sit down at the end of each year to journal. (I journal at other times too, but there’s something special about the end-of-year reflections.) The ever-changing nature of my life as a traveler often creates more memories than I can process, so this quiet time of introspection around New Year’s helps me slow down and acknowledge it all.

And then there’s my mind… It likes to live in the future, always thinking about the next thing. So for me, consciously taking time to pause and thinking back on everything that has happened is extremely precious.

More often than not, I realize that SO much more has happened than I initially had thought. We tend to forget to give ourselves credit (and compassion) for all the growth and life events we go through within a year.

Writing it all out makes all of it visible. I reconnect with all the emotions of the year, gratitude, grief, joy, loss, fear. I realize what a privilege it is to experience this all and what incredible people surround me.

And yes, I usually end up crying.

The good kind of crying; even when the year has not been what I imagined. Because sometimes you just need to feel it all. To acknowledge both the beauty and the struggle and to give yourself a big hug for making it through the tough bits.

Every year, this ritual grounds me. It’s a chance to reflect on where I’ve been, understand how those experiences have shaped who I am, and think about where I want to go next.

My process for New Year’s reflections

My process for reflecting at the end of the year is simple but meaningful. I start by finding a quiet moment when things are a little calmer. I grab my journal and sit down with no distractions.

First, I like to create a calendar overview of the year, noting the main events of each month. I do this by reading through all my journal entries of the year, but also by looking through photos, and recalling the moments that stood out.

I let my thoughts flow freely, allowing myself to remember both the highs and the lows. I focus on what’s been truly important to me, the growth I’ve experienced, and any changes in my values or perspective.

Then, I ask myself questions to dive deeper into the past. I reflect on things like, “What lessons have I learned this year?” or “Who are the people that have had the biggest impact on me?”.

Finally, I turn my focus forward. I think about where I want to go from here. What do I want to carry into the new year? What do I wish to leave behind? This is where I allow myself to dream big and prepare for a fresh start with intention and clarity.

Prompts for looking back on the year

Here are some questions I like to ask myself about the year that has just passed. Look back with gratitude, and self-compassion for the things that didn’t go so well.

• What has gone well for me this year?
• Are there any moments I would especially like to remember?
• Which difficulties have I overcome?
• Which lessons have I learned?
• What habits have I built that support my growth?

Prompts for beginning the new year mindfully

After answering these questions (it may take a couple of hours or even days), I like to look into the future as well. To begin the year with intention feels different than making thoughtless last-minute resolutions barely anyone ever sticks to. Questions to figure out your course for the new year could be:

• What are my intentions for next year?
• What do I want to cultivate more of? What do I want less of in my life?
• Do I want to build new habits or work toward specific goals?
• How do I want to show up in the world next year?
• Who am I becoming?

The power of journaling for positive change

Journaling has been one of the most powerful tools I’ve used to make intentional change. It goes beyond just writing down thoughts; it’s a process of digging deep, of exploring what’s really going on inside. The act of handwriting in particular has been shown to enhance self-reflection and emotional clarity. Did you know that research suggests that writing by hand engages more areas of the brain than typing? This is why my New Year’s reflections will always be on paper, handwritten with love and intention.

Journaling regularly helps you see the bigger picture. It creates a timeline of your growth, helps to process emotion and makes room to learn from challenges. It’s a safe space to explore your dreams and fears, and I believe that’s something we all need to turn our dreams into reality.

Perfect for your New Year’s reflections: Blueprint for Change

If you’re ready to take your journaling practice further and create meaningful change in your life, I’ve designed a 31-day journaling workbook called Blueprint for Change. This journey is for anyone looking to reflect deeply, set purposeful goals, and build a foundation for personal growth in the new year.

Guided by meaningful prompts, weekly themes and affirmations, you’ll explore your past, understand your current self, and reimagine your future. This workbook is divided into four phases: Reflect, Reconnect, Reimagine, and Live Your Vision, each taking you on a multi-faceted journey of introspection.

The beauty of this process is that it’s not about quick fixes, but about creating lasting change through consistent self-reflection. If you’re someone who’s looking for more than just surface-level resolutions, this journey can help you build a blueprint for a year that’s truly aligned with who you are and what you want to create.

If this sounds like the kind of intentional journey you’re ready for, I’d love for you to join me. It’s all about giving yourself the time and space to reflect, dream, and design a life that feels truly yours.

Whether or not you choose to dive deeper with the workbook, I hope this post has sparked some inspiration and excitement for the journey ahead. Embrace the changes you wish to create and trust that you have everything you need to make it happen.

Let me know in the comments if you have a similar ritual to end the year, I’d love to hear what it looks like for you!

Wishing you a year filled with love & joy.