The Year That Was—Making Meaning

This is my favorite time of year—the end of one year and the beginning of the next. I remember that as a kid it seemed nearly magical to wake up into a brand new year. In my middle age, I still see it as a special time where past, present, and future come together in a meaningful way.  

In a sense, this magic of endings and beginnings is artificial, based on our calendar of months and years –  we can mark an end or create a new beginning at any time, of course. But the holiday season is one that’s often full of rituals and traditions, along with (hopefully!) some time off, and I think that’s why I lean into creating my own rituals.

I take the end of the year as an invitation to pause and look back at the time that was, and where I have arrived today. I take the beginning of a new year as an invitation to acknowledge what's present and dream into the future. 

First, I look back. Perhaps not surprisingly, it can be difficult to remember what has happened in the last 12 months, so it helps to jog the memory! For the past seven years or so, I have read through my journal. Yes, this takes a long time (I usually begin after Thanksgiving) and is not for everyone! But because my journal holds a record of what I celebrated and struggled with, it always feels valuable to look back. Other ways I enjoy looking back are leafing through my calendar or agenda for the year, or taking time to scroll through the photos in my phone.

I am always surprised by what I find. Things that seemed insurmountable in the moment have already faded from my memory. A goal was set and is now accomplished. Some area of my life has changed drastically in the intervening months. Almost-forgotten precious experiences resurface.

As I go, I take notes about insights, achievements, and other noteworthy things that I want to hold on to. And because I seemingly enjoy being a researcher and documentarian of my life, I end up attempting to synthesize and summarize, trying to make at least a little sense of it all. 

What were the themes? What was this year about for me? 

It occurs to me that this process is many things at once, which is why I look forward to it each year. First, I am recalling—simply raising to mind some of the events of the past 365 days. Along the way, I am acknowledging—letting these events and the associated feelings be taken note of  in a different way than they were in the moment they occurred. 

And finally, (I just realized this!) I’m retelling the story. As I look at the year through the prism of time, context, and perspective, I am reframing some stories, emphasizing what was not always clear, and in essence, making meaning. The practice helps to make visible what is hard to see in the day-to-day: change, growth, non-linear progress in the development of what it means to be me.

The practice of looking back, whatever form it takes, is a way that I cultivate intentionality and meaning in my life, which is important to me. It feels empowering to take on this project each December, a project that only matters to me, and thus is a symbol of self-responsability and self-care.

I share this with you to invite you to join me. If as you read, you felt any pull towards creating time for reflection, I hope you’ll take time to mark the year that is ending and acknowledge this part of your journey. 

This Friday at 9:00 am Pacific, we will gather for our “Year in Review” online session to reflect and share together. I hope you can join us—just email me if you’d like the link.

I’m wishing you joy and ease,
Katie