Turning the Page: Reflection and Intention for the New Year
Yesterday, my daughter said something that stopped me in my tracks. She was excited for the new year so she could say, "This year, I will turn 13, go to a wedding, and have another…” I laughed and asked her why it mattered whether she said "this year" or "next year" since those things were coming anyway. Her answer was simple: “It just does.”
She’s right, isn’t she? There’s something about the new year that feels like a fresh chapter. It’s not that life suddenly transforms at midnight on December 31st, but it’s a marker—a chance to pause, reflect, and consider what’s behind us and what lies ahead.
For me, this year has been bittersweet. It’s the first year without my Dad in it—a gap that feels both enormous and surreal. There’s been a quietness to his absence, a reminder that time moves on whether we’re ready or not. Next year, my children officially become teenagers, and that milestone fills me with a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and disbelief. Time and I have always had a complicated relationship; I often feel as though there’s a ticking clock urging me forward. But as I’ve learned, moments like the transition into a new year are opportunities to slow down, breathe, and check in with ourselves.
Today, I had a list of things I’d planned to do, but when I glanced outside and saw the warm glow of the sunset, I couldn’t resist heading out for a walk. It was unusually mild for this time of year—one of those rare evenings where the world feels soft and still. The golden light, the quiet streets, and the peace that comes with dusk created a perfect pocket of calm. This time of year often feels like it’s on fast-forward, with so much to wrap up (literally) before Christmas and the year’s end. But walking in that moment reminded me to pause and simply be present. Time won’t wait for us, but we can choose to savour it when we notice its gifts.
The new year doesn’t have to be about harsh resolutions or endless lists of things to “fix.” It’s not about perfection. Instead, it’s a chance to reflect with compassion and set intentions that feel meaningful. What have you learned this year? What are you carrying forward? What are you ready to let go of?
Welcoming Reflection and Intention
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few simple prompts to guide your reflection:
Gratitude: What moments brought you joy or taught you something valuable this year? Even in difficult years, there are often small glimmers of light worth holding on to.
Release: What are you ready to leave behind? This could be a habit, a belief, or even a situation that no longer serves you.
Intentions: How do you want to feel in the year ahead? What small steps can you take to move in that direction?
These questions don’t demand grand answers or sweeping changes. Often, the smallest shifts in perspective can have the biggest impact. For me, it’s been about learning to let go of time as my adversary and instead embrace it as a partner in my growth.
A Gentle Invitation
This year, why not carve out intentional time to reflect and reset? I’m offering single Reflection and Intention Sessions—an opportunity to pause, take stock, and step into the new year with focus and purpose.
During our session, we’ll explore what this year has taught you, identify what’s weighing you down, and create space for meaningful intentions that align with your values and goals. Whether you’re navigating bittersweet changes, looking for clarity in your next steps, or simply craving a moment to breathe and process, this session is designed for you.
Reflection doesn’t have to feel daunting, and intentions don’t have to feel heavy—they can be a celebration of where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Book your session now and start the year with clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of purpose.
