Wrapping Up 2024: A Year of Reflection and Intention
As the year winds down, I’m reminded of Spotify’s annual tradition of recapping the music that shaped our lives. It’s such a fun way to reflect on the rhythms and moods of the past year. Inspired by this idea—and by a thoughtful client who shared a similar practice with me—I’m starting my own tradition of wrapping up the year: reviewing the months gone by, finding the threads that tie them together, and choosing a word or theme that encapsulates the year I’ve lived.
For over a decade now, I’ve picked a word or theme to guide my intentions for the upcoming year. It’s a ritual I’ve followed since 2011, helping me set my focus and navigate the seasons ahead. But my client’s practice got me thinking: why not also honor the year I’ve just finished?
What did it teach me? What patterns or lessons emerged? What word best describes the journey I’ve been on?
2024: A Year of Unbalance
When I reflect on 2024, the word that rises to the surface is unbalance. It wasn’t an easy word to embrace at first. This year brought shifts and challenges that pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a place of uncertainty. It felt like I was juggling more than I could hold, like the scales were tipped.
But in this unbalance, I found new growth. It taught me to recalibrate, to prioritize, and to redefine what balance even means. Unbalance wasn’t a bad thing—it was a messy, transformative process that helped me see where my energy was going and where I wanted it to go in the future.
The Practice of a Year in Review
I encourage you to take some time before the year ends to look back, month by month. What were your highs and lows? What moments felt pivotal? If you could distill the essence of 2024 into a single word or phrase, what would it be?
This practice doesn’t have to be perfect or exhaustive. You might even surprise yourself with the themes that emerge. It’s a chance to honor your journey—your triumphs, your struggles, your growth.
This idea came to me after hearing a client share their experience of doing something similar. They explained how looking back at their year gave them clarity and closure, and it inspired me to add this reflective piece to my own practice.
Choosing Your Word for 2025
Once you’ve reflected on the year past, you can turn your gaze forward. What word or theme will guide you into the year ahead? For me, picking a word is less about setting rigid goals and more about creating a compass for my actions, decisions, and mindset.
I haven’t finalized my word for 2025 just yet, but I’m leaning toward something that speaks to reclaiming steadiness and embracing alignment. After a year of unbalance, it feels fitting to seek clarity and intention moving forward.
Your Turn
What word would you choose to describe your 2024? And what word will guide you into 2025? If you’ve never tried this practice before, now might be the perfect time to start.
Let’s close out this chapter with gratitude and curiosity and step boldly into the next one. Here’s to wrapping up the year with purpose and setting the stage for what’s to come!
