It has been common over the past couple of weeks to see articles on reflecting on the past year. Janice Dunn wrote one for the New York Times. I mused to a friend the other day that we shouldn’t judge 2026 by what happened in 2025. Don’t look in the rear-view mirror—You’re not going that way. The start of a new year is an arbitrary point in time. At any point, we can start fresh. Remember RESET? It might be a new day or the first day of a new month. It just so happens we are starting a new calendar year.
What if I turn some of Dunn’s questions more forward-looking rather than retrospective?
What is worth remembering from 2025? I’ll take stock of the year just ended. I definitely want to remember the many good things that happened. Those memories help temper the memories of the challenges and sadness I faced.
When did you feel the most joyful and carefree? What if, instead, I think about what brings me joy and makes me feel carefree? I can consciously work to add more of those opportunities and experiences to 2026.
What gave you energy—and what drained it? Who or what gives me energy, and how do I add more of that to my life? Banking the good feels helps me bounce back from the energy drains. And, maybe those drains don’t seem so big.
What seemed impossible—but you did it anyway? I’d rather think about how I came through challenges and remind myself that I can do the tough things. Did I call on my tribe? Did I step back to better assess a problem? Did I keep perspective on the severity of an issue? These are all tools in the toolbox for managing this thing we call life.
What habit, if you did it more consistently, would have a positive effect on your life? I am becoming more mindful of actions and experiences that fill me up. What I’ve found is it is often the little things that add up to big benefits. I’m cleaning up the kitchen every evening before I go to bed. That way, I start the day without an immediate feeling of dread because of dirty dishes piled up. Next, I’ll tackle putting away laundry from the dryer rather than relegating it to a laundry basket. One step at a time, girl.
What did you try to control that was actually outside your control? Another good look back. Are there patterns of trying to control the uncontrollable? Knowing the patterns empowers me to better understand my control issues.
Is there anyone you need to forgive in 2026? This is an interesting and thought-provoking question, but it overlooks an important thought. Is there anyone to whom I need to apologize? I can’t let myself off so easily.
Serendipity 