2020 Reflections

​As the banner year of 2020 comes to a close in just a few weeks, I’d like to go through a brief activity to commemorate the good, the bad and the ugly. You may not want to reflect on what was likely a chaotic year, but I encourage you to stick it out. I will keep it simple and take you through step by step. Before you start, go ahead and grab a notebook in case you’d like to write down any notes.
 
Step 1
Take one of the deepest breaths you have taken all day and settle into this moment.

Now take a second.

And a third.

Just breathe and allow yourself to take this time away from your schedule.
 
 
Step 2
Think back on the trials you have faced this year.

The challenges. The crises. The losses.

Just sit with these for a moment and acknowledge all that you have survived just in this one year. Bring awareness to the perseverance and strength it has taken to make it through the last 9 months.

Allow accomplishment to wash over you without any justifications.

Try to not brush this away or talk yourself out of it.

Simply allow it to come and be felt.
 
 
Step 3
Reflect on every good thing that has occurred this year as well.

Perhaps working from home has given you additional freedom, comfort or balance in your life. Maybe you learned a new hobby during quarantine. Have you experienced joys from extra family time?

No matter how big or small, write down every blessing that came your way.

Acknowledge all of the good that came with the difficult.
 
 
Step 4
Bring a sense of compassion to each of these steps.

Lovingly allowing yourself to sit and breath.

Acknowledging the pain you have endured while also considering the strength each challenge created.

Remembering the good, the light, that has been experienced even in the darkest of times.

Allowing yourself to be present with every emotion that arises through this exercise as you breath through each one.
 
 
Acknowledging the challenges, crises, and losses of 2020 has the power to bring validation, understanding and empowerment to your being. You have survived one heck of a year! It’s okay to be proud of yourself for simply surviving.  It is also okay to find joy and peace when you have seen so much suffering.
 
 
Be well,
Katie