End of Year Closure Series: Part 1.
As the year draws to a close, take a moment each day to bring closure to all you’ve experienced in this revolution of the Earth around our Sun. This transitional time offers a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for a fresh start. By focusing on reflection, gratitude, and a mindset of growth, we can turn the end of the year into a meaningful ritual of closure and renewal. In this five-part daily series, we’ll use reflection and intention-setting exercises to settle our minds, appreciate all that we’ve accomplished, acknowledge our opportunities for growth, and prepare for a fresh start.
Looking for the rest of the series? Begin with this reflection exercise, then try:Â
Honoring Your Achievements, Growing From Your Challenges, Letting Go of the Unhelpful Patterns, and Expressing Gratitude.
Reflect on the Year with Clarity
Reflection is important to creating closure and moving forward. Close out the year with awareness as you take some time to ask yourself meaningful questions.
To start, sit in a contemplative posture for reflection: Find a comfortable seat where you feel stable and supported, either on a cushion with crossed legs or in a chair with feet flat on the ground. Sit upright with your spine aligned, imagining a gentle string pulling the top of your head upward. Rest your hands on your thighs or in your lap, relax your shoulders, and let your face soften. Lower your gaze to a neutral point or close your eyes, and bring your attention to your natural breath, allowing it to anchor you in the present.
As your breath settles into a smooth, natural rhythm and distractions begin to subside, ask yourself these simple questions. Contemplate your answers with honesty and openness, without judgment.
- What were my proudest achievements this year?
- What challenges did I face, and how did I grow from them?
- What moments brought me the greatest joy, connection, or peace?
- What do I feel I still need to focus on to grow in the year ahead?
Consider journaling your answers or discussing them with a trusted friend or mentor. Reflect on your accomplishments, both big and small. Recognize and appreciate where you’ve made progress in your own development in all aspects of your life. At the same time, being honest about where you struggled or fell short helps you see areas for growth without judgment.
Want more ideas to help you close our the year and start fresh for the one? Read our guide to recentering and realigning for the new year.