2022. A year in reflection. A year of rescheduled events and new plans to make up for the past two years of canceled gatherings, traditions, and travel itineraries. A year of finding and embracing our "new normal." It's hard to believe that it was over two years ago where the global pandemic disrupted our world as we knew it. This year thrusted us back into our busy lives, full throttle. It's been harder to take a pause this year without the forced slow down from previous years. Yet, there's been no better time to take a pause and turn inward during the hustle and bustle of our "new normal" life. 2022 is a year to reflect on ourselves, our needs, our values, our actions, and our relationships while also processing the state of our communities, our country, and the world.
The world may be opening up again but have we actually processed the accumulated few years of changes? We've experienced a whiplash of change resulting in constant adjustment and re-adjustment. So it can be difficult to process our internal experiences when it's easy to get distracted by never-ending change and to-do lists. Self-reflection is a practice that we all deserve to integrate going into the new year. Take the opportunity to check in with yourself and reflect on the past year: the old and new, the change and sameness, the chaos and order, and the growth and stagnation. From a bit of introspection, we can do so much more.
Reflect on experiences. Live in the present. Understand unhealthy patterns. Unlearn old, rigid mindsets. Re-prioritize what’s important. Adjust expectations. Practice gratitude. Roll with change. Make meaning from the mess. Let go of pain and resentment. Find peace.
Allowing ourselves time to reflect is how we can make use of this year. I invite you to take a moment to reflect on this year and give yourself what you need going into 2023. If you’re stuck on where to start, begin with the basics: live presently, re-align with what's most important, and honor your needs going into this new year.