GOODBYE, 2020! HELLO, 2021! A year in review.

Wow, 2020 is over. Even though it felt like it would never end…

How are you feeling about it all?

Have you taken the time to think about it?

2020 was a very unusual year, to say the least, with all that happened – and did not happen – we are still here. And life is still happening.

So I ask again: what are you thinking about it all? How are you feeling about it all? And what are your thoughts and intentions for the new year?

Every year between Christmas and New Year’s, I take some time to reflect upon the year that is ending: the highs and lows, the learnings, the silver linings, the habits and dream up about the upcoming year. It’s such an important moment for me, in the end, I’m always surprised to see that I actually accomplished more than I thought I did.

MY END-OF-YEAR TRADITION

Today, I invite you to join me in this simple and easy 3-step process to assess how this year really went for you and to manifest our intentions for 2021: (I created this simple worksheet to guide you along)

1. 2020 Reflections

Write down all of what has happened in the year: highs and lows. I sometimes look back into my calendar to make sure I did not forget important things. Reflect with gratitude on the many blessings you’ve received. Look deep for the silver linings, the little joys, and the new opportunities sometimes hidden in the big challenges.

Take inventory of any pent up frustrations, challenges, blockages, or habits you’ve created this year that do not support the way you want to live your life.

For instance, this year I spent lots of quality time with my kids and learned a lot about them in this new phase of their lives and all the changes they are going through. I spent more time in nature and I loved how that makes me feel. But I also drank more (wine) this year than ever before and I do not like how that makes me feel. I exercised less. I read more.

This is an opportunity to assess the habits we created, release the old and unwanted, and make way for new possibilities that are aligned with our intentions for ourselves.

2. 2021 Intentions

After you write down your 2020 reflections you can then look at each category and do a brain dump of all ideas, goals, and intentions you have for 2021. Write down everything that comes to mind: no judgments, no censoring, no “buts or ifs”. Looka t what you wrote. If something is not in alignment with how you want to feel and move forward in 2021, just scratch it off. Make sure that what you keep on your sheet is what you want to manifest for 2021.

3. Word of the year

From your list of intentions, find your word of the year – a word (or two) to keep top of mind throughout the year as an overarching theme to serve as a powerful tool for focusing intention, guiding attention, and ultimately shaping execution.

I love this part because this word (or two) helps me stay focused and aligned with my intentions. When I get distracted, my word of the year helps me get back on track. If you’ve never done it, I highly recommend you trying it this year. It’s really powerful.

Here is why we look back

* to celebrate our accomplishments and achievements,
* to consider what worked and what didn’t,
* to consider what we learned,
* to figure out what we love and where we find joy,
* to reorganize our goals, thoughts, plans, intentions,
* to design our upcoming year,
* to set aligned intentions and goals,
* to let go of what did not work,
* to make way for the new.

Important things to remember with this practice

• I do not dwell on the past. What happened, happened. My intention is to learn from the mistakes and mishaps by acknowledging what they are and being grateful for the lessons learned.
• I don’t get attached to my goals and plans because I know that there will always be issues I can’t control. They are my starting point, but not set in stone. I’m flexible and adaptable. 2020 has shown us this much!
• I focus on how I want to feel, no matter what happens. And this helps me find solutions when my plans get thrown off course.

2020 has shown us how resilient and strong we are. It has also brought to light some important issues that we need to tend to, on a personal level. Don’t let all of that learning go to waste.

Thank you for being on this journey with me and allowing me to be part of yours as well. I wish you a very Happy New Year full of joy, love, peace, laughter, and may all dreams come true.

As always, stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay peaceful and calm.

2021 here we come!

 With love and gratitude,

Miriam

P.S.: Oh, and feel free to share this email with anyone you think could benefit from it. It’s FREE!

Focusing on what matters most, let’s improve our communication and transform our interactions one conversation at a time.

Follow me for more FREE content