Reflections > Resolutions (for me)

Whether a person wants to argue nature, nurture, or something else entirely, my personality tends toward ambition. (Swiss + German heritage and all that. Tackling a tough project?No sweat. Introspection? No dice.)

It only stands to reason the siren song of New Year, New Me is especially tempting.  

Of course, no one is actually surprised it doesn't take me long to tumble from that high-horse.  Some years the thunk is harder than others.   At times the fall occurs even after I've conquered the ideas and improvements I've reckoned would make my life more simplified/fulfilled/organized/healthy/fill in the blank. Goals aren't bad. But I'm waking up to the realization that without reflection, my resolutions are not tethered to what really matters. For me. For my season. 

December found me pondering the "10 Questions for the End of the Year". (hat tip to Laura Tremaine)  "Fun discussion questions to hash over with close friends", is where I mentally filed this list.  After a  month of letting these questions marinate, the depth of conversations produced blew me away. Which is saying something. (I mostly loathe hyperbole)

 Like I said, what appears to be "doing nothing",  is for me most aggravating, and can we just get to the punch line already.  But doing so has become an invaluable practice. Instead of immediate goals and plans, time and thought combine to form a more informed path. (my dear husband is my biggest inspiration in this area) 

Maybe I'm grasping the fact that 38 trips around the sun are good for something other than forehead lines. When waiting a beat is not my default mode, I'm learning that time brings clarity.  The pause comes before the progress. 

Here's what matters right now.(even though I pretend otherwise)

This is who I want to take time for. (because I see how often they come up in my thoughts or prayers). 

This is a direction where I keep veering (even though I've been avoiding the thought)

 I'm finding reflection is worth the effort. Maybe especially if I think it isn't. 

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Here's the prompts for reflection, I'd be curious to hear what you think.

***10 questions for the End of the Year***

What are some of the standout moments of the year to you? (no need to judge or over analyze the answers that float to the surface)

What would you do differently if given the chance? (things I could have approached or handled differently, conversations, logistics, reactions, etc.)

Who did you have the most meaningful interactions with? Big or small. But meaningful.

Which places/where did you spend the most of your time? (the space around us affects us!)

What is something you are really proud of in 2023?

What book, podcast, articles, or songs made an impression on you this past year?

What is the biggest lesson you learned this year?

How would you define the era you are in right now? Silly or serious. How would you look back at this point of your life?

What would you be willing to change in order to get closer to the life you really want?

What is a dream you have for 2024?