Have you taken time to reflect on all that you’ve learned, the ways you’ve grown this past year? In case you would like to take time for reflection, but aren’t quite sure how to go about it, I’ve prepared a series of reflection questions/prompts that I use quite often. All you need is something to write with and something to write on.
Centering: Take a moment to breathe and notice what’s happening in your body, in your environment. Let your mind shift into a neutral, observational state of noticing. Let thoughts of criticism or critique fade away.
Stress List: For 60 seconds or so, list the sources of stress you’ve experienced over the past year.
Stress Rating: Using that list and a scale of one to five, place a star ranking next to each source of stress based on intensity. The most stressful words get a 5, the least stressful a 1. You can draw the number of stars or just write the number.
Ease List: For 60 seconds or so, list the sources of ease you’ve experienced over the past year.
Ease Rating: Using that list and a scale of one to five, place a star ranking next to each source of ease based on intensity. The most ease inducing words get a 5, the least get a 1. You can draw the number of stars or just write the number.
Identify Patterns: Given the sources of stress and ease in your life, what patterns do you notice about yourself? For 5-10 minutes write down anything you notice about your patterns of stress or ease.
Wanting More: Now that you’ve identified sources of stress and ease, along with your patterns, take a few minutes to identify what you want more of and make a list!
Identifying Challenges: What stops you from having more of what you want? What objections come to mind? Write them down.
Support Needs: What support do you need to have more of what you want? Write it down!
Next Steps: What is your first step to support yourself? Write it down. Feel the level of commitment you have toward taking that step. Notice it. Now commit yourself fully to that next step. Schedule it, plan it out, and then do it!
You can repeat any of these steps as often as it is helpful to you. I hope it is helpful!