This is the perfect time to press pause and reflect on how this year has been on your heart, mind and body, sweet girl. My 2023 has been filled with one physical challenge after another (post-menopausal, post-menopausal bleeding, plantar fasciitis, diagnosed with chronic disruptive insomnia, after two months of ALL THE TEST ON THE PLANET, I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr, I had a parasite, I’ve had three skin infections, I had a wisdom tooth infection (that was apparently in my head since 2017) and had two wisdom teeth traumatically ripped out of my skull, I found a lump in my breast (that turned out not to be anything), and I was recently diagnosed with frozen shoulder.) 65 medical appointments this year. And I’m a fairly healthy person who takes care of herself, so this messed with me mentally as well. It’s been hard.
And yet, I had some of the sweetest moments with my husband, our children and grandchildren, and my friends, and I’m still loving Jesus and he’s still loving me, and I’m really grateful.
But what was YOUR year like? This is a beautiful exercise, something I do every year between Christmas and the new year beginning, and I think you’ll find it will bring some memories to the surface, and hopefully stir up some gratitude in you as well.
Here we go:
I recommend trying to set aside about thirty to sixty minutes, if you’re able.
Light a candle.
Pour a cup of coffee or tea or hot chocolate.
Get out your journal.
Play some quiet music.
Ask the Spirit to quiet your heart and mind and to speak. Then, gently ask these questions of yourself and honestly answer them, for your eyes only.
How is my heart toward God these days?
What were my most significant family moments?
What were my most significant friend moments?
What was the biggest contributor to my personal growth?
What caused my greatest sadness?
Were there any hidden gifts in my hardships?
What was my greatest joy?
How do I want to be remembered? (What’s the ending I want to write for my life?)
Who do I love? Who do I want to love better? How do I want to love them better?
What did I learn from God or about God this year?
Wrap up by thanking God for walking with you faithfully and for going before you into the new year.
And if these spurred your heart and emotions and you’d like to go even deeper, you are invited to kick off this year with my e-course, Fresh Starts!
In this course, we’re going to:
take a look back
honestly assess our current reality
peer into our future year
set ourselves up for a more whole year with some thoughts & tips on self-care
and (if you’re up for it) we’re going to create our own manifesto
Here’s what you’ll get:
four readings and four journaling exercises
you will create a manifesto to propel us through the new year
You can register for Fresh Starts HERE.
P.S. ICYMI: Goodbye 2023 & Hello 2024! Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/elisabethkleincoach/videos/1045139963261914