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- Yearly Reflections
Hello! Welcome to another edition of The ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health—one newsletter at a time. As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and grow. This week’s theme is Yearly Reflections, a gentle guide to looking back with curiosity and looking forward with intention.
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One relevant recommendation:
End-of-Year Journaling Exercise:
Take some time to journal with these reflective prompts to gain clarity and closure as you step into the new year:
What brought you joy? Write about the moments, people, or experiences that made your year meaningful.
What challenged you? Reflect on the obstacles you faced and how you navigated them.
What did you learn? Identify lessons—big or small—that shaped your growth this year.
What are you leaving behind? Consider what habits, mindsets, or relationships no longer serve you.
What are you taking forward? Note the strengths, dreams, or commitments you want to carry into the new year.
Two quotes on Reflection and Growth:
Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and author, on the importance of intentional reflection:
"Turn your wounds into wisdom. Every year, reflect on the lessons learned—both from your wins and your struggles. They shape your future."
Albert Einstein, physicist and thinker, on the value of self-growth:
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving forward. Reflection helps you steer in the right direction."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small: Sometimes we focus so much on what we didn’t accomplish that we forget to appreciate what we did. Whether it’s learning a new skill or just surviving a tough time, take a moment to honor yourself. For example, if you managed to improve your work-life balance, celebrate it—small wins build the foundation for big victories.
Embrace Self-Compassion in Reflection: Looking back may bring up regrets or “what ifs.” Instead of judging yourself harshly, try asking: What would I tell a friend in this situation? Remember, growth isn’t linear, and every setback is part of the process.
Set Intentional Goals, Not Resolutions: Rather than setting rigid resolutions, focus on intentions that align with your values. For example, instead of “I’ll exercise every day,” aim for “I’ll take care of my body and move in ways that feel good.” This shift fosters sustainable growth and reduces pressure.
A QUESTION?
What’s one thing you’re proud of from this year? Share your reflections with us!
Our most popular answer last week for the question what is the biggest challenge you face as a caregiver was... (drumroll please): managing time.
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
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