Una's Blog

by Una Hearne.

*Little announcement – I’m taking a break from blogging for the next few months as there is too much other stuff going on – I’ll be back!

 

 

 

It is my practice between Christmas and New Year to take some time out just for myself. Simple quiet reflective time.

I reflect on the past year, where I’m at and what I want next year. It’s one of my favourite times of the year.

We often only check in with ourselves and take stock of our lives when something goes wrong or we are unhappy with the situation we are in. That’s fair enough, but it actually makes more sense to check in occasionally when things are going great. Think about it, you have more energy and are in a better frame of mind, you can appreciate what you have and build on it  more easily than when you are in a bad place and struggling.

Here are 3 really simple questions I ask myself in my annual reflection time:

1. What are the top 3 things that didn’t work out or were complete disasters last year? What did I learn? What did it remind me? What did I gain? Who was there for me?
2. What are the top 3 things that were great and made me feel lucky, happy or proud? Who am I grateful to have in my life?
3. What are the top 3 things that I want for myself for next year?

Do whatever you need to do to get into a place of total honesty, truthfulness and trust with yourself and just write your truth. It’s a delightful practice which has real effects on you and your life.

Here’s why these questions work: If you answer question 1 fully you’ll find that every experience has been useful or affirming to you in some way. That puts them into the same positive category as answers to question 2. Proving all really is well.

It’s not about living in a fantasy, or ignoring all the normal life challenges, feelings and difficulties. The difference this exercise makes is it helps us to reframe and refocus our mental/emotional energy.

Now, I don’t want to alarm anyone unnecessarily, but I do practice what I preach. Since I began this practice I’ve become more conscious of the positive aspects of my life and of enjoying the journey. (For some parts of the journey that would have to read ‘I enjoy it.. eventually’).

The time out I take for myself every year feels like a gift to myself. Try it yourself and see if it feels good to you. 🙂

 

 

Pic credit: TizzleBDizzle. Found on pixabay

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