How to end the year peacefully

The turn of the year is approaching. After the Christmas holidays I always feel a little uneasy. A bit of melancholy because another year is over, coupled with anticipation for everything that will come next year. And then I think to myself: “Oh, the turn of the year is ultimately just a normal day. Why make such a fuss?” And yet I still want to start the new year fresh and motivated. Because the beginning of every year is like a little new beginning. New experiences, new possibilities. The chance to finally do everything better this year - at least that's what we always resolve to do... However, in my opinion, much more important than starting the new year with resolutions is to use the days between the years to reflect on the year . That's exactly what we're talking about today: How you can end the year peacefully and start the new year with fresh energy.

Reflect on the year – in 3 steps

It is important to take your time when reflecting on the year. It's best to set aside half a day or, if possible, even a whole day for this. If your time is more limited, a few hours are of course sufficient. What is important to me is your motivation: the annual reflection should not seem like another item on your to-do list that you can quickly check off now. You should dedicate yourself to her want to do something good for yourself. Because that is definitely the best motivation. 

The following points are only intended to serve as inspiration for you. You don't have to answer every question per step. You don't actually have to do anything. As always, the key here is to choose what feels right to you. There is not the one correct one Opportunity to reflect on the year… Well, disclaimer over. Let's start!

Step 1 – What happened this year?

1.1

This is about collecting everything that happened this year. Take a piece of paper and divide it into three columns. In the first column You collect all input from outside in bullet points. This includes events and meetings, seminars, concerts, training courses, etc. Hobbies that you have (re)taken up or courses that you have taken also belong in this column. Feel free to grab your pocket or cell phone calendar. You can also look through your social media or photo collection; Because we often capture moments that are important to us in photos or posts.
Of course, it makes sense to keep the list chronologically. However, it can be easier to record the events as they come to mind and write down the date or month next to the event.

1.2

In the second column Write down how the circle of people you interact with has changed. What new people have you met? Which people have left your life? As a small bullet point, you can write down the relationship you have with each person next to their name. You can also add the reason for getting to know each other or “farewell”, e.g. “ Susan (name) – cooking class (reason for getting to know each other) – new friend (relationship with this person) ”. Of course, it doesn't matter whether there are two or forty names at the end of this column!

1.3

The third column is for everything else that happened. What trips or vacations have you taken? Have you completed or started a course of study or training? Have you changed jobs? Has a new permanent partner come into your life? Or has your relationship broken down? Here too, it is sufficient to note key points.

Write down everything that comes to mind. This table is intended to give you an overview of everything that has happened in your life this year.

Step 2 – What caused me pain?

Maybe you already find items on the list you made that are associated with negative emotions: breakups, a termination, the loss of a loved one, arguments or other conflicts. What happened this year that made you sad? What did you have to nibble on? What do you think you did wrong? What hurt you? What negative things have happened to you this year? What farewells were there?
Write these things down on a piece of paper or in a notebook too. There is great power in writing down anything that concerns us . This also applies if you want to reflect on the year. Thoughts floating around in your head can be articulated. You see everything that was previously only in your head in front of you at a glance. This way you can bring order into your thoughts. Plus, you're more focused and concentrated when you write things down.

Allow your emotions

This second step probably doesn't feel quite as pleasant. Any emotions can come out, and that's completely okay! After all, life is ups and downs, and beautiful and not so beautiful things happen every year. It's important to deal with the negative things, even though they can be painful. Only if we By acknowledging what went wrong this year, we can emotionally distance ourselves from these events and come to terms with them. To reflect on and acknowledge the things you wrote down, ask yourself the following questions:

• What can I learn from this?
• What part did I have in it?
• How/why did this happen?
• Which opportunities have I missed and why are these opportunities “missed” opportunities for me?
• What can I learn from the event so that a situation like this doesn't arise again?
• What feelings are associated with these events?

Especially the two questions “What can I learn from this?” and “What feelings are associated with these events?” are very powerful and important. Take as much time as you need for this step.

Step 3 – What brought me joy?

If we focus on the negative, then of course we also focus on the positive. Ask yourself here: What brought me joy? What made me happy this year? What opportunities did I recognize and seize? Which people have come into my life and enriched it? What events am I grateful for? What feelings come up in me when I think about these things?

Here too, you are welcome to refer to your list from step 1. As in the previous steps, write down everything that comes to mind. By the way, it is not important to have collected as many or more positive events as negative ones. Recognize the year for what it was.

After you've collected what made you happy this year, ask yourself another question: What can I do in the new year to allow more events like this into my life? This point is important because it allows you to think one step further. No matter how small or big the actions or actions that would bring you more such joyful moments are - write them down. They open your eyes to new possibilities and help you recognize which moments make you happy.

Finally, consciously connect with the gratitude within you again. Be grateful for everything that was. For everything that is and for everything that is yet to come. Life gave you another year and you were able to learn a lot; both through painful and joyful experiences...

Reflect on the year – Would you like even more inspiration?

If you haven't had enough or want to make reflection a regularity next year, here are a few more ideas for you:

• The happiness glass:
  Take an old jam jar and collect moments of happiness throughout the next year. Whenever something nice has happened to you or you have done or created something that you are proud of, write it down on a piece of paper and throw it into the jar. At the end of next year you will have the opportunity to recall all these moments and be happy about them.
• The monthly review:
  You can also use the annual review, as described here, as a monthly review. Next year, take an hour at the end of each month to answer and write down the questions collected above. This will strengthen your awareness of your own life. This review can also help you optimize your everyday life and invite more moments of happiness into your life.
• The vision board:
  This exercise does not directly serve to reflect on the year. You can let your creativity run wild here. It's a lot of fun and lets you start the new year motivated and full of enthusiasm. Take a large piece of cardboard, a bulletin board, or a similar surface and attach pictures that illustrate your dreams and desires. You can cut out pictures from magazines or print photos from the internet. You can then set up your vision board in a place where you will see it every day. It always shows you your wishes and goals and increases your motivation.

What ideas do you have to reflect on the year? Are you looking forward to next year?

If you would like to learn more about healthy eating, mindfulness or sustainability, check out more exciting blog articles on these topics here .