31 December 2023 - Time to reflect

Another year ends, and for many, it’s a bittersweet time. Every year brings its own unique set of victories and defeats, struggles and joys. Whatever season of life you’re in now, it’s important to reflect on how the year went so you can adjust your sails. What may feel like the end is often the beginning.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” - Margaret J Wheatley

We think too much about what could lie ahead and forget to absorb those good and bad moments that made us who we are today. These are opportunities and lessons we can reflect on, so we know what to do or what not to do to achieve success in the future.

Reflect on what you can take from this year to best prepare yourself to make the new year even better. The end of the year is a special time. The mind kicks into reflection mode (the past), wonders what comes next (the future), and ideally also practices gratitude (the present). Thoughts turn to: What have I done well? Where can I improve? What more can I do? How else can I contribute to the people who matter most in my life? And then: What do I want next year to look like?

Deuteronomy 32:7(ISV) Remember the days of old, reflect on the years of previous generations. Ask your father, and he'll tell you; your elders will inform you.

Philippians 3:13-14(TLB) No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.

Psalm 37:1-6(AMP) Do not worry because of evildoers, Nor be envious toward wrongdoers; For they will wither quickly like the grass, And fade like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness like the light, And your judgment like the noonday .

We have the power and control to develop and grow from this experience. We can make some positive changes to our thought, emotional and behavioural patterns to make decisions in how we move forward with purpose and intention. Reflection allows us to learn from past mistakes, realise great ideas, gain perspective, and help others.

Psalm 143:5(HCSB) I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands.

The final words I share with you this year is a quote by Brad Paisley: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”