30.12.25

As a New Year approaches we can feel obliged to come up with exciting goals and resolutions for the year ahead.  However, in the rush to move forward, we can miss the wisdom of our past.

This journaling exercise is an invitation to reflect on the last year by recording the things you said yes and no to.

Simply, look back over the year and write a list of things you did or didn't do by simply saying 'I said yes to...' or 'I said no to...'

The purpose of the exercise isn't to explore the emotions attached to the choices, nor is it to judge the morality of why we chose one way or another.   It's simply to create a unique personal history of the past year through the choices we made.   While doing the exercise you'll notice that there's not much time to dwell or to justify.

Your list might be full of big things like, 'I said no to continuing in a relationship' or 'I said yes to moving house', but don't forget to include the small things too! 'I said yes to seeing by friend for coffee & gossip', or 'I said yes to trying a new podcast'.  Not all our decisions are grand life events with exciting high stakes, more often than not  they are small with little consequence,  yet still significant enough to remember months later.  And altogether tell the story of the year you've just lived.

You might notice that the small things you remember  because the outcome of your choice surprised you in some way, or simply because you found pleasure in something new, and isn't that worth recording?

I've been doing this exercise for several years and always appreciate the reflection this exercise offers.  I just finished doing my record for 2025 (Its 6 pages long!) and it strikes me just how busy I've been! Too busy, to fully realise what I was achieving at the time.   The execise gives me the oppertunity to  reflect with pride and gratitude on the time, energy,  AND stress expended to follow through on things, even when I was unsure things would work out at the time.  Sure, there are regrets and missed opportunities, but reflecting in this way avoids unnecessary noise from my inner critic, and accept my decisions, reflect and learning for the future.

If you'd like to try this exercise, keep these things in mind:

• Try to stick to cold, hard facts, imagine you are an accountant writing up a ledger.  For example, if you decided you wanted a career change but have yet to take action, record this as 'I said no to making a career change for now'.
• Personally I find it easiest to recall the start of the year and work backwards, but it might work for you to record things as they come to mind.  You'll find your own way or ordering the list.
•  Calendars, social media or photos are all good prompts to remind you of what you've done.
• And most importantly.  Don't try to remember everything!! It would be impossible and you risk getting bogged down in minutiae  and loose the joy of the exercise.  The significant things will stick out to you and it can be something you add too over time as memories come back to you.

Happy Journalling and Happy New Year!