A year’s worth of life experience.
A year of highs and lows.
A year of loving and learning.
A year of sowing and reaping.
For many years now I’ve wrapped up my year in deep introspection. I usually sit with my journal and a list of questions for my end of year reflections as I ponder on the ways God has worked in and through me throughout the year. I look over the goals I began the year with and assess the progress I’ve made. I think about my relationships, my health and more. This process can sometimes be painful albeit it is a great growth exercise in that I learn to be gentle with myself and not allow thoughts of failure or shortcoming to overtake me.
It is a great opportunity to truly see the ways God has shown up for me and to measure success based on His metrics. I am always encouraged as I think about the relationships that were fortified, the spiritual illumination God gave and the limited beliefs I’ve been delivered from.
As 2024 draws to a close, I invite you to sit at Abba’s feet and reflect. For many of us, the year has been chock full of highs and lows, blessings and challenges, moments of clarity and seasons of uncertainty. Through it all, God has been GOD! And no matter how violently the storms raged, He has been Yahweh Shalom, the Prince of Peace who commands the storms to be still. And He is the God who causes all things to work together for your good because He knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Pausing to intentionally reflect is healthy. Reflection is not just an act of looking back and mulling over the past; it’s a critical part of the growth cycle and positions us to align ourselves with God’s purpose. Reflection allows us to see ways we’ve grown and gives us a chance to align/realign with our values.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Yahweh. Lamentations 3:40
One of the most profound ways to reflect is to consider how God’s hand has been at work in your life. Have you seen His faithfulness in answered prayers, unexpected blessings or quiet moments of peace? Even in trials, we can trust that He is shaping us for His glory and for our good.
How has He shown up in your holistic wellness? Has He walked you through decluttering your soul? Has He shown you how to ease your mind by casting your cares? Has He challenged you to improve your diet? Has He spoken a fresh word to you during your quiet time?
Man, as I consider all the ways He’s been with me in 2024 all I can think of are these words from Minister Nathaniel Bassey, “See What The Lord Has Done!” As you intentionally reflect on the year, here are some questions to guide your thoughts:
End of year reflections
Spiritual Life:
- How have I deepened my connection with God this year?
- How has my faith grown this year?
- How did I operate in my gifts this year?
- What spiritual practices did I employ in 2024 that bought me closest to God?
- What challenges have strengthened my dependence on God?
- Are there areas where I need to trust God more fully in the coming year?
- How did God get the glory out of my life in 2024?
Purpose:
- What were my biggest wins for 2024?
- This year I learned that I am capable of……..
- What was my biggest AH-HA for 2024?
- How did I live IN PURPOSE & ON PURPOSE in 2024?
- What has God been teaching me about my purpose?
- What new skills did I learn in 2024?
- What were my biggest time wasters, if any?
- What limiting beliefs or behaviors am I leaving behind as I move forward into 2025?
- What activities do I need to start, stop, slow down?
Gratitude:
- I am so grateful that God ……..
- I am thankful that God removed……
- I am so grateful to _____ for showing me…..this year.
- What made me smile this year?
- How did God surprise me in 2024?
Holistic Wellbeing:
- How did I view my body in 2024?
- How have I cared for my body this year through rest, movement, and nourishment?
- In what ways have I honored my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
- What steps have I taken to cultivate my emotional and mental well-being?
- Did I spend enough time outdoors in 2024?
- If I could improve one thing about my health in 2025 what would it be?
- What missing piece if any is missing from my wellness routine?
Relational
- Who were my key relationships in 2024?
- What new relationships did I foster?
- What business/career/ministry relationships do I want to nurture going forward?
- What were my favorite moments spent with loved ones in 2024?
- How can I be a better wife, mom, daughter, friend in 2025?
- What collaborations do I need to pursue in 2025?
- Who do I need to enlist as an accountability partner so that I can achieve my maximum potential in 2025?
As you prepare to welcome 2025, remember that Yahweh Sabaoth, the Lord of Host is leading the charge into your new year. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It is with this assurance that we can boldly step into this new year with hope and confidence, trusting that He will guide us every step of the way.
I hope sitting with the end of year reflection questions lets you see how God’s righteous right hand has been at work in your life. He loves you with an everlasting love and will never leave nor forsake you.
May the coming year be a season of going deeper and higher in God, nourishing your body and nurturing your soul as you live fully in His grace and purpose for your life. If you need additional support in getting there, be sure to join me for the 7th annual Fully Focused Fast. It will definitely set you on course for living abundantly in 2025.
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
