There are a few days each year when my family takes a step back and reviews our accomplishments from the previous twelve months, as well as our goals for the next twelve. We do this as a family on birthdays, at the end of a vacation, and of course, on New Year's Eve. I've also been inspired to do this with friends, as its a great way to form deeper connections and develop accountability partners.
Deborah Moss, LCPC, CADC, has put together a brief list of questions to help guide those conversations, or to simply answer for yourself.
- What were the five highlights for you of 2021?
- What were the five low points of 2021?
- What is/are the biggest lesson(s) you learned in the year 2021?
- What relationships grew closer in 2021?
- What relationships grew apart in 2021?
- Did you learn any new skills or try something new in 2021? If so, what?
- What would you like to have happen in your life in 2022? What is your vision of yourself, and your life, in the coming year?
- Do your friends/family have a vision for your coming year? Ask them.
- What relationships would you like to strengthen? What is the first step you will take to do that?
- Name one new thing you aim to try in 2022.
After the past two years, I think we have all become reluctant to make too many plans or to hope for too much of the next year. But one way or another, 2022 will bring about change, we might as well be prepared for it.
I've been trying to encompass the mindset of an improv artist, and only accept what is thrown at me and say, "Yes, and..." YES, this is the current situation, I will not fight it, deny it, or waste energy complaining about it. AND, instead I will embrace it, figure out what I will add to it, and what direction I will take it. As I tell my kids all the time, attitude is everything! I wish you all a healthy, happy, and optimistic new year.
Deborah Moss is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and has worked with individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups for over 10 years. She has strong interests in women specific issues, such as infertility and transition to motherhood, and all issues related to relationship health.
