Before we dive into setting goals and intentions for the new year, let’s hit pause and reflect. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s next that we forget how far we’ve already come. Looking back on your year isn’t just about celebrating the big wins — it’s about honouring the small, everyday moments that shaped your journey. So, grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s celebrate your progress. The end of the year often brings a whirlwind of pressure — to achieve more, plan bigger, and be better. But growth isn’t always about what you accomplish. It’s about what you learn, how you adapt, and the moments that shape you along the way. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. This is your permission to slow down, look back, and let gratitude fill your cup. Because sometimes, the most powerful way to move forward is to first embrace how far you’ve already come.
Your Journey Deserves to Be Celebrated
It’s easy to focus on what didn’t get done — the unchecked boxes, unfinished projects, and plans that didn’t work out. But what if we flipped the script? What if we celebrated every small step forward, every lesson learned, and every challenge faced with courage?
Reflection Prompt:
- What’s something you didn’t plan but turned out to be a win?
- What’s one thing you accomplished this year, no matter how small?
Looking Back on My Biggest Wins
This year has been full of growth, joy, and valuable lessons. Embracing my blog again was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made. Letting go of perfection — publishing posts that weren’t flawless but were meaningful — has brought me a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. Creating my first digital product, This December, You Come First, was another milestone that reminded me of the power of taking leaps. And then there’s motherhood — my greatest challenge and teacher. As an early childhood educator, I thought I’d have it all figured out. But this year reminded me that parenting is as much about growth for us as it is for our little ones. Letting go of expectations and focusing on being present has been a powerful lesson, one that I’ve carried into my everyday moments.
Reflection Prompt:
- What are the wins, big or small, that shaped your year?
- How did those moments make you feel, and what lessons did they leave behind?
Finding Magic in Small Moments
Some wins are quiet but powerful — like those rare nights when my little one slept through. That extra rest gave me energy to face the unexpected with more balance. Learning to stretch tasks over a week rather than cramming them into a single day has been a game-changer, allowing me to navigate life with more ease. These small but impactful moments remind me that growth often happens in the in-between.
Reflection Prompt:
- What small wins lifted your spirits this year?
- How can you appreciate those tiny victories more?
Shifting Expectations | Redefining “The Village”
This year, I let go of the idea of having a big “village” and instead focused on creating a micro-village — a few supportive people I can count on. People come and go, and that’s okay. This shift reminded me that the strength of a support system isn’t in its size but in the quality of those connections. A simple check-in, a kind gesture, or a trusted person to lean on can make all the difference. Looking back on your year, think about the people who’ve been there for you, no matter how small the interaction. These relationships — even just one or two — can help you feel grounded and supported. Redefining what support means has been transformative, showing me that connection is less about quantity and more about the impact it has on your well-being.
Reflection Prompt:
- Who has been in your support circle this year?
- How can you nurture those relationships in the coming year?
Cherishing Time Together
Above all, the time spent with my little one has been the most meaningful gift of the year. From beach walks and zoo trips to lazy mornings at home, these moments have reminded me of what truly matters. They’ve helped me slow down and embrace presence, not perfection. It’s not about planning the perfect day but about cherishing the small joys in the everyday. Whether it’s building sandcastles at the water’s edge or simply cuddling up for story time, these experiences have filled my heart and reminded me that happiness often comes from simplicity. As we step into the new year, I’m holding onto these memories and looking forward to creating more of them.
Reflection Prompt:
- What shared experiences brought you joy this year?
- How can you create more meaningful moments next year?
Your Turn to Reflect & Celebrate
You’ve come so far — through challenges, wins, and everything in between. Looking back on your year is a powerful reminder of your strength and resilience, and it’s the perfect way to step into the new year with pride and purpose. Now it’s your turn to reflect, celebrate, and regain control as you embrace a fresh start. If you’re looking for guidance, my blog post When Life Turns Upside Down and its accompanying email series are perfect tools to help you reset and move forward with intention.
Here’s How:
- Write down three things you’re proud of from this year.
- Recall a memory that still makes you smile.
- Celebrate how you showed up — even when it was hard.
- Sign Up for My Email Series – to Inspire You
You’re stronger, wiser, and more resilient than you know. Taking time to celebrate your progress isn’t just about looking back — it’s about building confidence and gratitude as you move forward. Let’s head into the new year with pride, purpose, and hearts full of gratitude. You’ve already come so far — and the best is yet to come.
What’s been your biggest win this year? I’d love to hear about it — share in the comments or send me a message! And if this post inspired you, pass it along to someone who might need a reminder of how far they’ve come.
Celebrate your journey, no matter how imperfect it feels—because every step forward is a step worth honouring.
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