I am so excited to be into December now, as I always look forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays. And I especially look forward to starting fresh each new year and planning what I want to accomplish in the coming twelve months.

Recently, I read a blog post about nearing the end of the year and taking stock on our accomplishments, goals reached, etc.

I started thinking about what I’ve done this year and it was fine. I have certified as a life coach, started my own business, ran a half marathon, rescued a couple of dogs. I’ve had fun and learned a lot. I’ve met some really great women who have become my colleagues and clients.

Then I start thinking that there had to be more to reflect on. All of those items I listed above are very important to me. However, I’ve also spent a lot of time taking care of myself. I started thinking that many women as mothers and caregivers, spend vast amounts of time taking care of others. But we may spend less time carving out time for themselves, to work on themselves.

When I started thinking about the ways I have taken care of myself this year and how I have invested time and energy into my well-being, it was deeply satisfying.

This list included:

– a daily practice of yoga and meditation
– journaling, including goal setting and appreciation lists
– getting coached on my personal life and my business
– listening to podcasts by some amazing women
– eating something green every day
– flossing my teeth
– going to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep
– ensuring to walk or run each day
– learning EFT tapping
– reading inspiring books

The consistent practice of all of the above is really what had the most impact on me this year. I feel a deep sense of appreciation for investing my time in myself like this.

Taking Stock

If you want to take stock of your year, I recommend doing a similar exercise. Spend a few minutes reflecting on the ways you have taken care of yourself. How have you invested time and energy into your well-being? Feel appreciation for all the ways you’ve invested in you. This is no small thing. Reflect on the ways you are better today than a year ago. This is no small thing.

In addition, this is also a great way to start thinking about how you want to start 2022. Think about which habits and practices you want to carry with you into the new year. Decide which ones you want to start. If you’re feeling like you haven’t invested as much time and energy into your well-being as you might have liked, that’s OK. This is not to make you feel bad. Use it as an opportunity to plan and get excited about the year ahead.

Finally, in case you are wondering about the subject line of this email Thank You for You, I spent several years working in Iraq and it was common that if I said thank you to someone, they would reply “Thank you for you”. I thought this was a good way of describing the above exercise – thank you for you.