2025

The end of a year is like reaching the final chapter of a good book. As you turn the last few pages, you find yourself wondering: What did I learn? What did it all mean? And what comes next?

2024 was no different. It came with its own quiet victories, its loud heartbreaks, its mundane Tuesdays, and its moments where the world felt too big or too small. But before you close this chapter, there’s a gift in looking back—because reflection isn’t just a pause; it’s a process. And if you sit with it long enough, it begins to transform into something else: clarity, intention, and a plan for what comes next.

As we approach 2025, let’s take a moment to look back, take stock, and step forward with purpose. Below, we’ll explore what to reflect on as 2024 comes to a close and provide guided journaling questions to help you prepare for a better, brighter year ahead.

The Three Pillars of Reflection: Growth, Loss, and Gratitude

1. Growth: Where Did You Stretch?

Growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s painfully slow, other times it’s uncomfortable and sharp, and sometimes it looks like simply getting through a tough day.

At the end of 2024, ask yourself where you grew. Maybe it was at work—finally advocating for that raise or pivoting to a job that feels more aligned with who you are. Maybe it was personal—showing up to therapy, staying sober, or finally learning to cook something that wasn’t just out of a box. Growth isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about stretching the edges of who you thought you could be.

Guided questions:

• What skill or habit did I develop this year that I’m proud of?

• Was there a moment this year where I surprised myself—for better or worse?

• How do I define “growth” now, compared to how I defined it in January?

2. Loss: What Did You Let Go Of?

Every year comes with its own set of losses—some tangible, others less so. Maybe you lost a relationship, a job, or even a part of yourself you thought you couldn’t live without. Or maybe you let go of a belief, a fear, or a pattern that was holding you back.

Loss, while painful, often clears the way for something new. But it’s important to sit with it, honor it, and acknowledge what it taught you.

Guided questions:

• What or who did I lose this year, and how have I processed that loss?

• Is there something I let go of this year that I now realize was necessary?

• What lessons did this loss teach me about myself, my boundaries, or my resilience?

3. Gratitude: What Made You Smile?

In a world that feels like it’s constantly moving too fast, gratitude is the pause button. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about noticing the small, good things that exist even when life is messy.

Maybe it was the way sunlight hit your kitchen table one morning, or the unexpected kindness of a stranger, or the fact that, somehow, you made it through another year. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard stuff—it sits beside it, reminding you that joy and struggle can coexist.

Guided questions:

• What are three moments from 2024 that I’m deeply grateful for?

• Was there a person this year who had an unexpected impact on me?

• What is something small—yet significant—that I often overlooked but want to celebrate?

Looking Ahead to 2025: Setting Intentions That Stick

Reflection is only half the equation. Once you’ve taken stock of where you’ve been, it’s time to think about where you want to go. But let’s be real: New Year’s resolutions often don’t stick because they’re built on guilt, not intention.

This year, let’s shift the focus. Instead of thinking about what you should do, think about what you want to feel. Instead of chasing goals for the sake of accomplishment, ask yourself what kind of life you’re trying to build.

Here are three areas to focus on as you set your intentions for 2025:

1. Connection: Who Do You Want to Be With?

Life feels richer when we share it. Whether it’s deepening existing relationships, making new ones, or even reconnecting with yourself, consider how you want to show up for the people in your life—and how you want them to show up for you.

Guided questions:

• Who are the people I want to prioritize in 2025, and why?

• Is there someone I need to forgive—or ask forgiveness from?

• How can I build better boundaries to protect my time and energy?

2. Growth: What Feels Expansive?

Growth doesn’t have to be monumental. It can look like reading one book a month, taking a pottery class, or finally starting that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about. The key is to focus on what feels exciting, not overwhelming.

Guided questions:

• What’s one new skill or habit I want to explore in 2025?

• How can I make space for curiosity and play in my life?

• What’s one area of my life where I’d like to challenge myself?

3. Rest: What Does Balance Look Like?

In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest is often seen as laziness. But rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Think about how you can create a life that allows for work, play, and recovery in equal measure.

Guided questions:

• What does rest look like for me, and how can I prioritize it?

• Are there commitments I need to say no to in 2025?

• How can I design a daily or weekly routine that feels nourishing?

The Power of Small Shifts

Here’s the thing: Transformation doesn’t always come in big, dramatic waves. Sometimes it’s as simple as committing to journaling five minutes a day. Sometimes it’s deciding to call your mom once a week or go to bed 30 minutes earlier.

Small shifts create momentum, and momentum creates change. So as you think about 2025, don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. Focus on the small steps, the daily choices, and the little promises you make to yourself.

Guided questions:

• What’s one small habit I can commit to in January?

• What’s a mindset shift I’d like to carry into the new year?

• How will I hold myself accountable without being overly critical?

Final Thoughts: Carrying the Lessons Forward

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2024, remember this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need a five-year plan, a perfect strategy, or even a clear idea of who you want to be.

All you need is a willingness to reflect, learn, and try again. Because life isn’t about getting it right—it’s about growing, stretching, and finding beauty in the process.

So here’s to 2025: May it be a year of intention, connection, and quiet, steady growth. And may you carry the lessons of 2024 not as burdens, but as gifts.

Happy New Year.