A Way to Wrap Up 2009

I’ve just had an idea, so figured I’d blog about it.  I’m always challenging myself to break out of the norm, find new ways to be with the world and myself.  This time of year is generally seen as a time of celebration and reflection, simultaneously.  The celebration, of course, is all about thanksgiving, sharing and joyful connection in most traditions.  And the reflection, at least for me, is about looking at this year that’s passed, taking stock, and then channeling those reflections into intentions and goals for the year ahead.  With this in mind, I conjured my new idea

Look back on the past 12 months and fill in the following blanks:

• I am _______________
• I’ve done _____________
• My favourite moment was ________________
• I laughed the most when _______________
• I know now that _________________
• I’m blessed because __________________
• I’m thankful for _____________________
• I’m surrounded by ______________________
• I discovered that _____________________
• I know I can do __________________

It occurs to me that a list such as this will allow me to take stock.  But what I really like about it is that once I’ve filled in the blanks for 2009, I can rewrite the list, pretend I’m looking back on 2010 once it’s passed, and fill in the blanks AGAIN.  In other words, with one simple activity, I can reflect and give thanks AND set my goals and intentions for the new year.  In the latter context, my blanks will be filled in based on the answers I have to this question:  “What do I want to be able to say come December 31, 2010?”

I don’t know, for me, it’s all about fun, new, fresh and intriguing. These questions seem to capture some of these qualities for me.  I believe they’ll work for you too.