NEW YEAR JOURNALING PROMPTS: REFLECTING ON THE YEAR THAT WAS
NEW YEAR JOURNALING PROMPTS: REFLECTING ON THE YEAR THAT WAS
I don’t know about you, but when New Year’s Eve comes close, I always feel like: “No, I can’t start a new year and set intentions before reflecting back on the year that was.”
For me, it’s like I need to finish this year’s chapter before opening the next one. I want to pause, slow down, and really feel what this year has been about — the lessons, the surprises, the moments I’m grateful for, and even the challenges I’ve overcome.
One of my favorite ways to do this is through journaling.
Sometimes I do it alone, sometimes with a few close friends or family.
We write, reflect, and then, if we feel like it, share what we’ve noticed.
Even just putting thoughts on paper can bring so much clarity, and sharing out loud can deepen connection and spark new insights.
For me, reflecting on the past year isn’t about judging what I did or didn’t do. It’s about noticing, acknowledging, and giving myself a moment to land.
When I take time to reflect through journaling, things soften. I see patterns more clearly. I remember moments I’d forgotten. And I can move into the new year with a bit more honesty and intention.
HOW I PRACTICE YEAR-END JOURNALING
What I love to do is gather with some of my closest friends or family and take time to reflect and journal about the year that passed.
When we’re finished, we share what we’ve written with each other. Sharing out loud is, of course, not necessary for this to be a powerful exercise, but I highly recommend it!
It brings you closer, and it often gives you insights or ideas for things you might want to write down as well.
JOURNALING PROMPTS TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR
If you feel like reflecting, but don’t know where to start, these are some of the questions I always come back to:
What’s one word you’d use to describe this past year?
What are some things you’re grateful for that happened this year?
(If you want to go deeper, go month by month — scrolling through your photo gallery can really help.)Who were the most important people for you this year? Why?
What challenges did you face, and how did you make it through them?
What’s something you learned?
What mistakes did you make, and what did they teach you?
If you set an intention around this time last year — did you stay with it? Did it work?
What’s something you don’t want to take with you into the new year?
(For example: excuses that don’t serve you, negative self-talk, or a habit you’re ready to let go of.)
CLOSING THIS YEARS CHAPTER
For me, this kind of journaling is such a beautiful way to close the year, noticing what’s passed, what you’ve learned, and what you’re ready to let go of.
From there, stepping into the new year feels calmer, more grounded, and aligned with what’s actually true.
I hope you enjoy this little journaling ritual as much as I do, and that after doing it you feel a sense of ease and “readiness” to step into the new year!
If you want to dive into journaling about setting the tone for the year ahead, I’ve written another blog post all about that:
NEW YEAR’S JOURNALING RITUAL – SET THE TONE FOR THE YEAR TO COME
If you crave a slow, intentional ending to the year, bringing focus back on you, come join our annual New Year’s Retreat in Portugal. During the retreat, we spend dedicated time exploring prompts like the ones in this post, reflecting deeply on the year that was. We also have a separate workshop where we turn our attention to the year ahead, setting intentions, speaking our dreams out loud, and stepping into the new year with clarity and heart.
It’s powerful to do this together, in community, with support, presence, and inspiration. Along with that lots of yoga and great food!
Sending you much love,
Lisa
