As we career towards the end of another year it can be affirming to step back and reflect on just how far we’ve come, what we’ve endured, overcome and achieved, as well as where to from here.

Both personally and professionally, I have ridden the emotional roller-coaster of the pandemic as we all have to varying degrees, and this has only been the background noise (albeit extremely stressful) to other life challenges and highs and lows of my year.

For us in New Zealand, or perhaps just me, it has been less stressful than the previous 2 years as we’ve done away with some strict Covid restrictions. Thank God, I say. It nearly crushed our spirits. We were later than the rest of the world regarding removing the mandated mask wearing, it now being optional, and the “no jab, no job” mandate, which brought many people, including me, to their knees. This is now no longer enforced and another new normal has evolved.

Connecting with ourselves, taking time to acknowledge our losses, gains, achievements, progress or stuckness can be really honouring (and fruitful). Journalling is such a helpful tool in aiding us to do this. I journal every morning and sometimes several times a day, as the need arises. Like a mirror, it reflects back to us our inner world and can help bring clarity. I cannot recommend it enough.

Reflecting and planning, sitting down with pen and paper or jotting notes on our phones doesn’t need to take hours. Taking a few moments whilst having your coffee may be all the time you can manage right now. The simple act of bringing your attention to this topic can elicit a sense of appreciation and pride in oneself and that alone is a good thing.

Here are some prompts:

• What have you been through this year? Perhaps you are still in the midst of one of life’s storms. Please know that storms are temporary, despite their intensity, which can be all consuming. “Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK it’s not the end”, John Lennon.
• What have you achieved or set out to achieve and got way-laid?
• What would you like to change, do differently?

I heard something beautiful on an Abraham Hicks audio clip that has stayed with me as a powerful metaphor. It said something like, “Have your hands in the clay of your own life.” Wow, I love that.

As the year rolls to a close, we are all busy to some degree or another. Self-care is even more important at such times, yet it is often the first thing we drop when we are stressed or busy. We have the power to craft the life we want and love. Appreciating the small things, being grateful and enjoying the now, whilst working towards worthwhile dreams and goals are actions we can implement along the way. Choosing these small acts will improve our well-being and are within our reach. This to me is delicious!

As I think back on the past year, I am amazed just how much I’ve grown and how much I have achieved. Time to celebrate that! Let’s never forget to celebrate our successes and nurture our wounded places with love and kindness.

• What will you celebrate when you look back on a year of your life? Was it a year well spent?
• What changes would you like to make as a result of your reflections?

I am in awe of life’s provision and support throughout my life and the past year has been no exception. How will I celebrate? That’s yet to be decided, but life keeps getting better and better as I have my hands in the clay of my own life. I hope you have too because living life by default is not much of a life at all. We were all created to fulfill a unique purpose and have been given the gifts to do so….. … … more in another blog post on that topic I think!

How will you celebrate your year’s achievements and progress? I’d love to hear!

© Karen Lighthouse 2022

Namaste.

Thanks for reading and take care until next time.

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Words by Karen Lighthouse.

I also offer –

• One-on-one counselling/coaching via Zoom
• Group facilitation
• Mental health education
• Oracle card readings

Email me at: karenlighthouse59@gmail.com