Reflecting On Change and 2021 As We Prepare For 2022

We have to reconcile ourselves with the fact that the world has changed.

Change can be hard to stomach, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow.

 “If you do not create change, change will create you.” ~Unknown

Humans are often resistant to change, as we are creatures of habit and feel safe in our comfort zone. However, change is the most powerful experience and the greatest impact we can experience in our lifetime.

As the year starts to wind up and we start to wind down, it’s common practice to reflect on the year that was. We open that gratitude jar, full of moments in the year scribbled on post it notes, we read through our journals and we watch photo memories our smartphones have compiled for us.

It's easy to look back on the year that was and all the ways it forced us to change.

But what about embracing change and taking responsibility for our own evolution?

How often do we take the time to sit still, look inwards and self-reflect?

When you look into the mirror, who do you see?

It is time to give serious thought to our behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and motivations.

Here are some essential ways that we can practice self-reflection.

Have a conversation with yourself - having a conversation with yourself is a great way to realise your own thoughts.

Taking deep breaths! - breathing exercises can steady our heart rate, making us feel more relaxed and calm. When we feel calm our cluttered thoughts become clearer.

Check-in with yourself - monitor your feelings and take note of the mood they put you in.

Pay attention to your reactions. Can you see a pattern in your responses to situations?

Practice meditation - meditation can be done in many ways. Observing the way your mind wanders in silence, being in the moment or enjoying the beauty of nature.

Looking back on a past event and how you dealt with it. How would you handle that situation differently now that you've been through it?

With reflection comes reinvention.

What did you learn about yourself? What needs to change?

Taking action is the only way to implement change. It is a daily ritual, a practice that requires conscious effort and commitment.

Decide on one significant change and stick to it.

To overcome roadblocks, you must be persistent as your ego will come up with all kinds of excuses.

Be comfortable with discomfort as you go beyond your comfort zone. Prepare yourself to experience situations in a new way.

Create an image of the new you. You will become more and more like the image of your ideal self as each day passes.

Reinvention is not a destination but rather a continuous process.

Regardless of where you are in your life, it is important to remember that you are exactly where you should be. You have endured life's challenges and come out the other side stronger.

As 2021 draws to an end, you made it through another tough year. As you are grateful, also be very proud. A new you will emerge in 2022, one that is stronger, wiser, and braver.

by Danielle Covalea

ABIC FACILITATOR