Looking Back

The start of a new year is often viewed as a turning point for some. People all over the world come up with resolutions– ways they can improve themselves and change for the better as the year changes with them. We strive for more all the time, continuously looking for ways we can be better.

“Next year, I’ll start meditating everyday.”

“Next year, I’ll start exercising and take better care of my body.”

“Next year, I’m going to be more independent.”

“Next year, I’ll start saving up to see the world.”

It’s always “next year” this, and “next year” that, but have we ever taken a closer look at “this year”?

What happened this year? What’s new? How did you feel overall? What did you learn? Who did you meet and get close to? Where did you go? Did you meet all your goals? Did you chase your dreams? Instead of viewing the new year as a time for new habits and goals, why don’t we take the time to reflect on what we achieved in the past twelve months of our lives? Why don’t we look back on what has happened?

A mistake many people make is pushing themselves too hard. Think for a while and be completely transparent with yourself. Instead of focusing too much on the next, have you taken the time to appreciate how far you’ve come this year? Without realizing, there were many victories you gained this year– both big and small. You survived that test you swear you knew you’d fail. You made friends with people you never thought you’d get along with. You confronted that one person that always got on your nerves. You did something small and it came back to you as something big and wonderful.

When setting goals for the future, remember to never strive for perfection. It’s okay to only read once a week instead of everyday. It’s okay to save ten dollars instead of fifty. Consistency is important, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Know your limits and stop when you feel like you’ve had enough. Because if not, you might get burnt out and your resolutions will die down faster.

So, as we approach the end of 2022, let’s look back and give thanks for everything that’s happened. Each and every one of our experiences, which have taught us something or given us something to ponder upon– something to take into consideration when building more goals for our future. As the new year comes, remember everything you did in the previous one, both wrong and right, and welcome new goals and resolutions!

Written by Valence XIISOS2