Reflections on the Year

{2:42 minutes to read} Around this time of year, most people are considering resolutions for the new year. I never did that because I feel if you want to change something to be more positive, why wait? I prefer to reinvent myself or incorporate changes as they come to mind and when I can commit to them, be it on a Tuesday in March or the last week in December.

I’m not without end of the year rituals though. Mine are just in terms of the past rather than the future. I spend some time reflecting on the year that has passed.
It’s a little too difficult for me to do this in my head, so I actually look through my calendar and seeing the notations of things I have done brings those faded memories and the emotions they stirred (or not) to the forefront.

• Some professional matters that were so troubling and time consuming in January are but a distant memory now. The beauty of perspective is that many of those matters that kept me awake at night and provoked such anxiety, just faded away.

• Other professional matters that didn’t just fade away with distance can be more thoroughly examined, and I can see what I can take from even the most negative experience in a more positive way.

• Seeing the name of a social event brings to mind the happy occasion and the friends and family with whom I shared it.

• Seeing crossed out days means time off from work, and I remember where I went and what I did as if it was yesterday as opposed to months ago

• Some dates and times of the year bring up some sad memories, and that’s okay too.