Happy New Year!
New Year’s Day represents a new chapter, prompting some people to reflect on past experiences and set intentions for the coming year. During the reflection, people assess accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. We can use those insights to set better goals and strategies for the upcoming year. Reviewing your progress can also re-energize your motivation and provide a clear direction.
I’m sharing my favorite format below, and there are many other free templates and formats online. Forgive me if I’m oversharing. I hope it inspires you to create one for yourself. It is a practice that is good for your mental health.
Here is my Year in Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4-star rating)
Highlights
My favorite memories from this year were:
- Galena Octoberfest Weiner Race, in which my Dachshund took third place (out of 5) in the senior division.
- My macaw (parrot) was invited to a Cinco de Mayo party and raised $150 for Safe Haven Humane Society.
The hardest thing about this year was election stress and turmoil around the world.
The coolest thing I did this year was hike in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Utah.
My favorites this year
Food: Wild mushroom pizza with alfredo sauce on gluten-free crust
Music: Teddy Swims duets with Kelly Clarkson singing “Lose Control”
Movie: Wicked
TV Series: The Bear
Book: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, in audiobook. (The author narrated it and brought the characters to life. But heads up; it’s 31 hours long.)
Event: Blues Festival Chicago
Activity: I learned to play pickleball.
Looking At Next Year:
I Want to Learn: How to keep flying squirrels out of the attic and how to deter woodpeckers.
I Want to Get Better At: sugar and ultra-processed food abstinence.
I Hope That I’ll Be Able To: Publish a book.