The Last Reflection of 2016
In just a few weeks, 2016 will be gone and we will be ready to start 2017, which brings new promises; new opportunities; new beginnings. Therefore, before embarking on a new year, it is a good idea to look back and reflect what this year has meant to us. As Søren Kierkegaard’s stated, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
In order to move forward into 2017 it is important to reflect on what happened this year with an open mind and open heart.
As some of you know, I like to do these reflections on my birthday and during this time of the year, as it helps me to keep perspective of where I have been and where I am going.
Some of the questions I pondered about are:
- What has this year brought?
- What did I learn about myself?
- Did I live with purpose?
- Did I express my love to my loved ones?
- Was I grateful?
- Did I forgive when necessary?
- Did I stay hopeful?
- Was I true to myself?
- What did I miss?
- What could I have changed?
- What did I achieve?
- How do I want 2017 to be?
I hope you find some of these questions meaningful and take the time to also ask yourself where you have been and where you are going. It is about living mindfully. It is about living with meaning and purpose. It is about living connected to our true selves.
Because it is very important to be true to ourselves, at this moment I ask you to let go of any resistance, and pay attention to what you feel as you reflect on the year.
- Is there a painful emotion?
- What is causing it?
- Did you suffer a loss or faced a difficult challenge this year?
- Is it keeping you stuck in a dark place?
Now is the time to process this pain, so you can release it, knowing you are more than your pain.
You are an amazing human being with powerful inner resources. Use them to transform any challenge or loss so that you can embrace the New Year with hope in your heart.
Now I ask you to close your eyes and think about something beautiful that happened to you this year and cherish it. Bring that emotion to the present time as a reminder that you also experienced something positive this year. You have the freedom to choose your thoughts, which will create your emotions, which will define your actions in 2017!
I wish you a beautiful 2017!
Remember…Your life has meaning!
Ligia M. Houben
