As the year draws to a close, it is human nature to reflect and review the year. And it is often our tendency to think of the would have, could have, should have list.
The resolutions that have not been kept. What did not happen is emphasized, rather than what actually did happen. We forget all that we did accomplish, the small achievements, how we touched people’s lives, the daily difference we made in the lives of others.
Look at how you have progressed, evolved, grown as a person. Even if you didn’t do your spiritual practices daily, aren’t you another place than you were a year ago? If you didn’t make it to the gym as often as you’d wanted to, didn’t you make the effort to get there every so often? Did you do better with your diet?
Are you more aware of your behavior, eating patterns, how you spend your time, the company you keep, etc?
As we look at the year in review, what have you let go of that didn’t serve you?
Did you act with the highest of intentions? If so, then don’t be so attached to the results. You’ve done your best.
Did you make some time to do what you enjoy? What have you learned this year that you can bring with you into the coming year?
If there are things that you wish you’d done differently, then carry that knowledge with you into the future and you’ll have a plan of action for the new year.
That’s already a big step forward.