What does it really mean to “look back”?
Looking back isn’t just about recalling what we’ve been through; it’s a practice of reflection, a chance to draw out key lessons from our experiences.
This article presents several key questions to reflect on in writing, helping you close out 2024 with more clarity and personal growth.
- Where did you begin 2024? Reflect on where you were and who you were with when the year started.
- What people were key during this time? Think about the people who supported you, encouraged you, listened to you, and made you laugh. What did you learn from them? What positive experiences did they leave you with?
- Who valued your presence in their life? Take a moment to remember the people you supported and the friends you were there for.
- What did you lose this year? Reflect on the losses that brought you pain, whether it was a job, the passing of someone you knew, or the loss of a pet. The aim is to find peace with these losses as you close out 2024.
- What entered your life? Think about all of the new things that came your way. Consider the people you met, a new job, a house—anything that 2024 brought into your life that you didn’t have before.
- What are you thankful for? Take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced—the highs and the lows—and appreciate the lessons they’ve taught you.
- What challenges did you face this year? This might be the most complicated part of looking back at this year. It is a chance to acknowledge the hard times and struggles you endured in 2024, whether it was illness or other difficult experiences.
- What are you proud of? It is important that you recognize what you did well, along with the goals and achievements that you reached. Remember, looking back is also a chance to give yourself credit for your successes.
Source: Luz E. Figueroa Oliveras, Health Management Coordinator (A Look Back at 2024 (grupotriples.com)