A Year-End Review with Yourself

As we approach the end of the year, there can be a flurry of emotions that emerge.

We may look back on memories, and feel a sense of loss for what has happened this year. We may experience a sense of pride for what we have overcome in 2025, or from new milestones achieved.

When we consider what’s going on outside of ourselves, reflecting on our relationship with friends, family, the communities we identify with, or the world, we may also experience different waves of thoughts and emotion.

Do you feel anticipation or excitement for the new year? Or do you notice a feeling of fear or dread?

We could very well experience a mixture of feelings, depending on what comes to mind. We may have more than one feeling about the same situation or topic in our life. 

There is no correct way we ‘should’ feel about any given situation.

Regardless of the emotional reaction, how you feel is real. Your feelings are valid, and they matter.

Instead of changing how we feel, it can be insightful and useful to explore what is going on in our inner world: our thoughts, feelings, and life patterns we have noticed.

It is normal to experience emotions that may seem to be at odds with each other, too. There may be parts of us that are tired, and some parts excited to wrap up the year in a big way.

If we find ourselves having more social commitments as we approach the end of the year, how can we make space for the parts that are tired and the parts that are excited?

If you notice other parts coming up for you, try and take note of what these parts are, and give them a name. What is each part trying to communicate to you? What does each part need?  

Becoming aware of the different parts in us can deepen an understanding of ourselves. When we recognise there are different parts in us, we can be more equipped to look after our well-being in new ways.

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A reflective exercise

As we approach the end of 2025, we invite you to turn your attention inwards, and engage with a self check-in exercise that is appropriate for this time of year. Here are 8 guiding questions to consider for reflection:

• What were the key events that happened for you in 2025?

• What were the themes that appeared in your life this year?

• How would you describe the challenges? How did you respond to them?

• Were there milestones you met? How would you describe your accomplishments in 2025?

• What have you learned about yourself this year?

• What are the qualities about you that you would like to carry into the next year?

• Were there areas in your life that you think could have been better? What is a change you would like to see in this area? What is something you can do that might improve this area of life?

• If there is a message of encouragement, compassion, or hope that you can give to yourself, what would you say?

If you struggle with finding a message to give yourself that inspires compassion, hope, or encouragement - imagine you are telling your loved one about this year. 

If they knew everything about the year you have had, the highest and lowest points you experienced, and all the feelings you have been carrying with you.. What might they say?

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As we wind down for the year, we hope you can give yourself a pat on the back for reaching the end of 2025. It was not easy, and yet - Here you are. You have come this far. 

Sending you wishes of renewed strength and restoration for 2026.