Creative Director: Reflect

I Create: Creative Director of my Life

What comes more naturally at the conclusion of any year, is a period of reflection. With the winding down of one calendar year, and the start of another.

Various traditions (or superstitions) have seen people and cultures attempt to leave various negative aspects of one year behind, while beginning a new year fresh, with good intentions and positive expectations. It’s natural for humans to set hopes and goals for a new beginning, which means we also look back at how the past year has gone, and what we might want to change.

Overall, was there improvement during the year? Remember all the things you can be grateful for. All the things that brought Joy. And with working towards the things that you want or the goals you have set, how’d you do?

This is where I find that my Book of Clarity comes in helpful. Looking at that reverse gap of the progress made, with advancement of thoughts, ideas and realizations. In my day planner, that I write my daily affirmations, I also have a page for ‘good things’ where I can summarize any special, surprising or unexpectedly good instances. I saw someone recently had shared the idea to start the year with a glass jar. To jot down on a slip of paper when special things happen and the date and pop it in the jar. Similar to my simple day planner list but also a fun way to review at the end of the year by pulling out each slip of paper and remembering the good moments.

Some things on my list include • a particular Eagle sighting one day, and • finding a four leaf clover another (little things such as these in nature always feel magical), • a certain brunch out with my husband and a few others while the kids were getting ready for their hockey game close by. It was so enjoyable in a way that was Gezellig – a Dutch word that takes a few words to summarize: cozy, enjoyable, companionable, a certain warmth.. it’s not translated with a single word. • My son’s graduation gathering we had here to celebrate him. • my Dutch family visit in October with a Whale Watching excursion and a Tea service. • my illustrated book’s Book Birthday in November. • and holding that book today with the unboxing as they arrived by courier. ~ among other things…

I also keep a list of the books I read during the year. I can look back and be reminded what I read and reflect on how those books impacted me or expanded any perspective.

Reflection is an important aspect for me. It makes me appreciate ~ and feel more grateful for what I have enjoyed during the year. Reflection gives opportunity: to be grateful, and also to motivate. Reflection can give that extra boost or push, to keep going. To see what else you can do. To see what other good things you can attract. To see what opportunities come up. And if something didn’t quite go as you hoped, that also gives you an opportunity. An opportunity to learn and make a plan for what you want to do next.

Until next week, and Happy New Year!

Devon