As I imagine most do, I always like to reflect as the year end approaches. Though many of you reading this probably don’t know, 2019 has been a difficult and challenging year for me. I experienced a very unexpected event that resulted in many losses. There were days and nights when I felt depleted of everything I had. However, as 2019 comes to an end, I can look back and say with confidence that the difficulties and challenges I experienced throughout the last eleven and a half months have had their share in shaping me into who I am today. As it’s been a full cycle, it’s interesting and encouraging to see the growth. The soil has been so amended. When we face challenges in our lives, we can either choose to be victimized by them or we can choose to allow them to propel us into growth. I like to choose the latter.
Both reflection and rest are important pieces of our growth as individuals. The winter invites us into a calm, dark, hibernation of sorts, so we can rest and be rejuvenated before we blossom in the spring. Despite the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s also a time to be quiet and still both seasonally and spiritually. Tomorrow is the winter solstice, which is the darkest day of the year. Many cultures believe the winter solstice is a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer. Soon, the light will reappear and we will have renewable and invigorating energy. I encourage you to slow down during this restful time the earth is giving us and spend time reflecting on 2019 and looking into 2020. Ask yourself some important questions:
What was your favorite memory of 2019?
What was the hardest moment or your greatest struggle of 2019?
What enabled you to grow the most in 2019?
What were the ways in which you grew in 2019?
What is your biggest goal for your growth in 2020?
What are your top three priorities for 2020?
How will you prioritize self-care in 2020?
Write your responses down so you can check in on them quarterly to be sure you are keeping your priorities straight and working towards the growth you’d like to achieve. Remember to take time to reflect and to rest daily, weekly and monthly.
In the last couple months of 2019, I hope you embrace the season for what it means to you and find gratefulness for your growth this year.
I’ll see you in 2020!
