Simple is best. At least for me it is. If it is simple, I remember it and the chance I will do it is significantly higher.

In the last few days, I’ve been reflecting on the past year. I don’t always do this. Sometimes that is because I don’t remember everything that happened during the year. Here are a couple of easy ways to help you remember (if you want to reflect on the past year).

• Go to your photos app and scroll through the past year in photos.
• Go to your calendar and scroll through the past year

I didn’t come up with this myself. I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast called How to make the next year your best year where she gave the idea to use your photo app and calendar. I also used some of the other ideas she suggests in the podcast to do my own review including the idea of filtering what you find in your photos or calendar though the lens of what you want to stop, start or continue. Here are the 7 questions she suggests using as you reflect. (I used my notes app to make my list including emojis to help categorize things.)

1. Describe the highlights of the last year (things that make you smile and bring you joy, peace or accomplishment) by looking at your photos and calendar.😊😀🏆🎉
2. What were some of the hardest parts? 😩
3. What are you going to stop doing? ❌
4. What are you going to start doing?💡
5. What are you going to continue?✅
6. What did you learn about yourself over the last year?
7. What can you do today to take that first step?

What did I learn from doing this exercise?

1. Most of the celebrations included family.
2. Most of the things I’m proud of were also very difficult.
3. By far the majority of things on my list were in the category of “continue”. Very few were in the “stop” category and none in the “start” (so far). That tells me I’m already heading in a good direction.
4. By far the most difficult things had to do with grief and loss.

Choose fewer things to focus on

As I think about the coming year, I like the idea of choosing fewer things to focus on. This will help me remember – part of keeping it simple. Instead of always expecting more from myself, there is something about this choice that feels self compassionate and that it will help bring some grace and ease into my life. The things I’ve chosen include:

• Health
• Meaningful connections
• Continuing to develop professional expertise – I’m celebrating getting my PCC designation this year and doing a lot of coaching!
• An added bonus if my activities include seeing something beautiful, being creative or doing something fun. (Some of the creative things I’ve done this year include taking the photos below while on a trip to Botswana).

What I’ve been practicing in 2024 and plan to continue

1. Trying to let go of things outside of my control (like other people’s thoughts, feelings and actions) and focusing on my own responses, thoughts and allowing my own feelings but not letting them determine my behaviour. Trying to choose my actions based on my values rather than reacting to my thoughts and feelings.
2. Trying to include more nutrient dense foods that also are not calorie dense like vegetables, salad, fruit. Learning more about how my thoughts and feelings trip me up when it comes to food choices through using the Noom App.
3. Exercising regularly.
4. Doing what I can to prioritize better sleep
5. Consciously choosing to try and have more meaningful connections with others even when that feels difficult. Doing my part. Letting go of the outcome.
6. Trying to include more fun things like shows, concerts, creative things like pottery painting, mosaic lamp making and mini golf.
7. Consciously and consistently trying to make more time for family and friends.

Wishing you all the best for 2025.

Happy New Year!

Sue