December 2023 | Issue No. 33

One of the ways in which we can create A Kinder World, whether it’s within ourselves, our families, our community or in our businesses, is to take time to reflect on what matters to us most. Reflecting on ourselves, our values and our authentic desires allows us to make choices that are in alignment with who we really are…at our core.  When we live our lives in alignment with our true, authentic selves, we experience more peace, fulfillment, and hope, and ultimately, deeper love and greater joy. 

Several years ago, I attended a group meditation with several friends on New Year’s Eve, and the hosts guided us through a very powerful process of self-reflection. The experience was so powerful that I made a commitment to do this for myself every year. It has now become a tradition that Claudia now also embraces. It is a thought-provoking process that allows us to gently sink more deeply into ourselves and reflect on our lives in a way that supports our personal growth. As result, life for us is no longer “same old, same old”.  Instead, it is filled with the excitement and fulfillment that comes with learning, healing and growing as we move towards greater visions of ourselves in service of creating a Kinder World of Commerce.   

As we approach the end of 2023, we would like to share our process with you in the hopes that it contributes to your lives in a meaningful way.  We have found that creating a personal ritual around this process helps to ground the experience and coax us inward. We start by blocking out a couple of hours of time, choosing a quiet place and creating a nurturing, inviting space. Some years, I’ll head to a quiet beach with my beach chair and journal and let the sound of the waves lull me into a dream-like state where I can revisit the memories of the past year and dream into the future I am wanting to create. A couple of years ago, Claudia and I chose to do this together. We met at her home, lit a candle and played soothing, relaxing music. Then we pulled out our list of questions, closed our eyes and allowed the answers to bubble to the surface. Surprisingly, with the intention of growing and learning, the answers always come and leave us feeling grateful for a year that both inspired and challenged us to become greater versions of ourselves…despite whatever hardships or difficulties we may have also experienced. 

Past Year Reflections:  

1. What has been the underlying, unifying theme of your year? 2023 has been the year of…
2. What are 8 of your greatest successes, accomplishments, breakthroughs and/or miracles of 2023?
3. What was a key challenge of this year and what did you discover about yourself in meeting this challenge? What gifts did you receive?
4. What three people had the greatest impact in your life this year? What has their presence stimulated and awakened in you?
5. What are three key lessons you’ve learned through your experiences in 2023?
6. What are some of the most joyful moments of 2023?
7. What “risks” (taking action in the presence of fear) did you take this year? What was the outcome? What did you learn about yourself in taking these risks?
8. In what meaningful ways have you been of greater service to your family or community this year?
9. What are the greatest blessings of 2023, i.e. those people, gifts, experiences, conditions, and insights that fill your heart with gratitude?

New Year Desires for 2024 

1. As you stand upon the firm foundation of all the learnings, growth and insight of 2023, what wise counsel would you give yourself as your move into the New Year?
2. What one thing, if you could manifest, create or accomplish it, would have a significant impact on your overall well-being and happiness?
3. What areas of your life do you want to focus on next year, i.e. family, health, personal growth, travel, career, philanthropy/service, fun, etc.
4. For each area, list 1-3 goals you want to accomplish in 2024. 
5. And if you’re feeling particularly inspired and adventurous, consider writing a 1-2 page Vision Story that is a retrospective of 2024.  Imagine it is December 2024, and you are reflecting on everything you have accomplished and manifested that matters to you most. From a place of feeling grateful and happy, write your story in the past tense as though it has already happened. Then refer to your Vision Story throughout the year and allow yourself to experience how it feels to be living the life you have envisioned.

We hope you find this process supportive in creating more happiness, healing, success and fulfillment in 2024! 

We wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday with time to reflect and envision your best year ever, 

Monica & Claudia