The Power of Year End Reflection: If your year were a playlist what would it sound like
The Power of Year End Reflection
As we approach the final days of the year, I’ve begun the process of pausing and reflecting on the past 360-some days. There's something profoundly rich about taking some time to pause – especially amidst a typically chaotic holiday season – and acknowledge the highs and lows, the triumphs, and the challenges that shaped us throughout the past year.
But, looking back isn't just a stroll down memory lane, just a few of the benefits that reflection can have for our future are:
Accelerated Personal Growth: Reflecting allows you to assess your personal growth and development. By looking back at your achievements, challenges, and experiences, you gain insights into how you've evolved as an individual, and better understand your strengths and areas for improvement in the year ahead.
Gratitude Practice: Reflecting on the positive aspects of the year creates a sense of gratitude. Recognizing and appreciating the good moments, achievements, and the support you received contributes to a positive mindset.
Increased Motivation: Reflection can also serve as a source of motivation. By acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how small, you can boost your confidence and enthusiasm for future goals.
Closure: Reflecting on the past year –especially if it was a challenging one – can also provide a sense of closure and help you to let go of any lingering negative emotions or disappointments.
And the best part is, the practice of reflection can look different for everyone, you might choose to journal or meditate in silence – this year, I took a slightly more unconventional approach and decided to create a playlist – one song to represent each month of the year. I looked at my photo library over the last 350 days and these songs seemed to sum up my year month by month. You may think this is cheesy, but I have to confess I loved it!
The Playlist of 2023
So without further ado, here’s the playlist that I came up with during my reflection time, and I encourage you to pick out a few tunes to remember the good, the challenges, the highs and the lows of 2023 as well.
Then look out, because 2024 is going to be a year of inspired action and glow! I declare it!
January - Celebration, Kool & the Gang
January came and went! We had lots to celebrate with a trip to Utah for Zallevo’s Annual Summit and a new product launch. Additionally, Scout & Cellar’s Summit here in Texas. And of course, we had snow! This song will make you get up and tap your feet and move your body! So remember that come January - it’s time to MOVE! High energy to carry through January.
February: Bag Lady, Erykah Badu
We decided in the dreads of winter that we had TOO MUCH STUFF and it was time to downsize both in stuff and in our home. So between prepping for taxes and putting our house on the market it was time to clean out the closets! I love the lyric, “pack light”. So even now, we still have some purging to do and I am reminded that our stuff weighs us down. In 2024 I will be cleaning out again! (Trust me, just do a little every month instead of making it a momentous occasion yearly).
March: Memories, theme song from Cats
As we started packing for our impending move, I started finding long lost treasures: old pictures, old trinkets, and even my baby book. When you take the time to savor the memories and the people it makes these laborious tasks easier. The best part was that I found a bell that Paul had given to me when we first met (I had lost it in a move - but lo, it was found!). So take your time and find the joy in the memories. Sometimes you just need to sit with the memories. Next up for me in 2024, I hope to retrace some of our family’s history.
April: Moving on UP, theme song from the Jeffersons
We moved officially in April. While we downsized, it seemed that it was a move for the better (if I could only find stuff). We changed the way we live, we play golf almost weekly! I’d call that a win. April also brought a return trip to Zallevo for Red Rock Retreat and Master Your Power events. What an amazing trip to UTAH to see God’s country: hike, jeep tours, and helicopter tours! In all the years I had never really SEEN Utah, and to see it from the sky was amazing.
May: Come Fly with Me, Trisha Yearwood (Frank Sinatra remake)
After the initial move, I was overcome with boxes and unpacking. I was ready to escape, so off to Florida we went for a long weekend (and golf of course). So between Florida, golf, Arnie’s escapades and the beautiful May weather, it was a lovely beginning of spring. Moreover, I found time to take a few shots for my soon to be announced website! All smiles, positivity and lots to be thankful for!
June: Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar
Well this month needs NO explaining! Mid June I found myself really sick in NYC. My symptoms could be ignored no longer and yep, whammy - brain tumor diagnosis. It all happened so fast that I could only focus on being positive and embracing surgery and recovery as a badass. So that reminds me - we all have badass days - you know, those days where we conquered whatever was ahead of us. What were your badass days of 2023?
July: Mama Said there’d be days like this
So I spent all of July in recovery. At first I was walking with a walker, and I hated that I needed it to go anywhere in public. And yet, it was humbling! I was sooo ready to get out of the house! I also learned to take life slow, to read, to draw, to paint, to nap, to cuddle Arnie. Looking back I just wish I hadn’t rushed my recovery! Seriously, life is meant to be treasured, not rushed.
August: For Once in My Life, Stevie Wonder
August brought a family getaway and I was actually well enough to play a little golf. I learned to prioritize rest and make it a part of my weekly routine. My website officially launched! And sadly, we said goodbye to our alpha, Alice. She lived an amazing life and it gave me a little extra peace when I found her records and realized she was years older than I thought. She stuck with me through moves and loss and even welcomed Arnie to our home. I sure do miss her, and think of her most days when I am taking a stroll in the yard.
September: For the Rest of My Days, Clay Page
As my birthday drew closer this year I found myself extremely grateful for a successful surgery and recovery. My partner in crime, Paul, and my tribe of good friends sure did love on me this year and I will never be able to say thank you enough. And just like that - Women Empowering Women is back in full swing with an amazing series of events, activities and connections!
October: Good as Hell, Lizzo
It is no longer 100 plus degrees! Thank you! What a summer of hot and crap….so October found me playing a LOT of golf, traveling to play golf, dancing with Arnie and really living my best life! Whew - looking back at the first three quarters was a LOT, and I am learning to prioritize myself, rest, and healing my body and not trying to control everything It’s a LOT to unlearn, and if you do it, I promise you will feel as good as Lizzo says!
November: Let It Go, Idina Menzel
So as the temperatures dropped, we lost our beloved old tree - (the only tree in our backyard). I am still mourning the loss of shade and the ‘old’ backyard. I am also learning to let go of the past, behaviors, expectations, and so much more. I am still unlearning and prioritizing my healing and my energy and tapping into ME. I challenge you to let go of those expectations others set for you or even those you set for yourself, it’s such a rush to just be.
December: You Say, Lauen Daigle
As Christmas approaches, I find myself trying to contemplate and use the season of Advent to prepare for the Glory of our Lord and the new year. This song reminds me of God’s Love and his miraculous power and love, unceasingly. While every day is a new day, I am resting in HIM and HIS glory. May you, too, find what speaks to you, encourages you, and reminds you that you are a gift to yourself, to others, to this world!
A song to take you into 2024: Be a Light, Thomas Rhett
This song was likely released as we entered 2023, and yet - it’s the song I listen to as we look to 2024. This past year has taught me that to have light you have to have dark; you can’t have one without the other. And I have spent the latter half of the year shining light on the dark parts of my life, my soul, my past. As I enter 2024, it will be a year of light, spreading kindness, sharing joy and GLOW. And each moment that passes I recognize we all are striving to Live Our Best Life - I sure hope you will join me in the new year! Here’s life together, as it is designed to be.
In case we haven’t met, I’m Rebecca. a spunky, Jesus- loving entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and wine enthusiast on a mission to help go-getter women cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life by establishing healthy routines with sustainable, high quality food, beverages, and nutrition supplements. I want to help you live your best life! Here are a few ways to get started:
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