As 2009 comes to an end it's important to review your year and give yourself credit for how you have grown. Acknowledge the changes you've made and the obstacles you have overcome. Become grateful for your challenges, lessons, insights and wisdom.
It may be helpful to use your journal or calendar to jog your memory about what occurred.
The following categories and questions will help you get started:
Personal Growth
What events happened in the last year that have helped me grow as a person?
Am I more loving, responsible, helpful or bold?
Have I overcome obstacles and fears?
Have I set boundaries?
Have I learned to let go and lighten up in any areas?
Health-Emotional, Physical, Spiritual
Have I changed my diet and exercise habits?
How have I learned to reduce or eliminate stress?
How have I grown emotionally?
Did I hire a coach, see a therapist or keep a journal?
Do I listen to my heart and intuition more?
Have I grown spiritually?Did I schedule time for silence, meditation and prayer? Have I gone on any retreats?
Finances
Have I changed my spending habits?
Did I save more and spend less?
Did I eliminate any debt?
How have I protected myself financially?
Did I take a class, join a support group, meet with a financial planner?
Relationships
Have I improved as a spouse, parent or friend?
Have I forgiven myself and others.
Have I shown appreciation?
Have I created boundaries?
Have I offered time and help?
Have I been involved in quality relationships?
Work/Career
Did I improve my work life?
Did I change jobs or increase my income?
Am I at peace with my co-workers?
Did I accomplish my goals?
Have I reduced workplace stress?
Contribution/Giving
Did I donate my time, money and talents?
Have I helped improve the quality of anybody's life?
In what ways have I been generous?
Was I involved in a special cause?
Passion and Interests
Have I taken action to pursue my passion?
Do I make time for hobbies?
Did I take a class or connect with someone who can help?
Physical Environment
Is my home, car, and office in order?
Did I give away what I don't need?
Did I make any repairs or improvements?
Has there been a lot of laughter in my home and office?
Gratitude
What happened in 2009 that you are most grateful for?
Did I make new friends or find a life partner?
Has someone helped me in a significant way?
Are you healthy?
Have my family bonds grown stronger?
Do something to celebrate your growth and progress. Go to dinner, purchase something special or symbolic or spend a day doing what you love. Honor yourself for the person you've become.
Was there something significant that happened in 2009 you would like to share with us?
Please join The Bold Life for free and receive my free guide, Peace, Love, and Connection. Please share this post with a Tweet and a Like.
Related Posts
- 50 Questions for Reflection and Personal Growth
- 2009: Twelve Months of Living Better with Less
- What Was Your Biggest Insight In January 2009?
- Family: Love, Loss and Growth
- 10 Ways To Embrace Change For 2009
Your FREE Gift:
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Tess,
Fantastic post! I’d like to say, yes, please celebrate all that you do have, all that you did do!! So very often people review the year and the disappointments and mistakes stand out, rather than all of the joy and accomplishments.
For me personally this was a monumental year. I stepped out of an abusive relationship and spent 2009 fulfilling my promise to myself to heal and grow by surrounding myself with only beauty and good on all levels; to extend the same compassion and love toward myself as I do for anyone else. I not only caught my breath, I was revitalized. I can surely look back and think of all that I’ve “lost” along the way, but there were so many fantastic experiences and memories; things that never would have been possible had I not stepped out. Miraculous. By grace, standing in Faith and remaining completely open to the Universe I have grown in leaps and bounds creatively, spiritually, emotionally. The energy from many different people touched my life with inspiration, wisdom, encouragement, laughter, love, adventure….and I am extremely grateful for each person, each moment because 2010 is going to build upon that and it’s going to be wondrous and amazing:)
.-= Joy´s last post…My Letter……. =-.
Wow, this is a GREAT list of questions! Thanks!
.-= Positively Present´s last post…words to live by: sometimes i feel like alice =-.
Wow, I’ve got to print this page out! A few days ago I was telling DH that I’d like to start a New Year’s tradition of celebrating our growth and goal achievements from the past year. This post is a marvelous resource–thanks!
.-= Emily´s last post…Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas =-.
Hello Tess,
You’re giving excellent advice when you encourage us to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments! We need to do that, I need to do that, because too often I drive myself hard and sometimes see only what I did NOT do and don’t stop to realize how much I HAVE accomplished. I appreciate you reminding me of this!
I love these questions, they work great as a tool to assess where we are and where we want to go!
.-= Keith´s last post…It’s Time To Get Real! =-.
By grace, standing in Faith and remaining completely open to the Universe I have grown in leaps and bounds creatively, spiritually, emotionally”
Joy this is so powerful. It has been an honor to watch you change your life and grow. And all the while remain happy and live with your two children on your boat. I tell you this is amazing stuff. The stuff movies are made of;)
Dani,
Your very welcome my friend. I can’t wait to see your progress as you continue your path on a adventurous and fantastic year!
Emily,
I can’t tell you how satisfying it has been to do so. We began when our children were young and included them as well.
Keith,
Yes it is a very valuable tool. I think anyone with a blog is driven and we’re the hardest on ourselves. Which doesn’t make life very fun!
Hey Tess! Long time no speak
Hope you’re having a great holiday!
This year has been amazing! I’ve made great friends (like you), started blogging, and (at long last) took some action towards making an online income. Things will only get better with the blog and my new venture in the new year.
When I look back on this entire year, it feels like a journey. Together, we’ve been on this journey, and have come out completely different people than we were Jan. 1, 2009. Just think, a year ago, I had no idea such a community of bloggers existed and here I am! It’s been such a joy getting know you and reading your posts about your take on the BOLD life
I can’t wait for 2010. It’ll no doubt be even better.
Cheers, Tess, and Happy Holidays! (to you and your kin)
.-= John´s last post…What Life Feels Like at Almost Two Decades Old =-.
I like how you’ve ended this, Tess. “Honor the person you’ve become.” It is important to do that, even as we look forward and work towards personal improvement.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last post…Happy Zombie Christmas! =-.
Every year at this time, The Professor sends out an email to all his students (me included) and asks us to make a Victory List for the previous year. Tess – I love your categories – and as I write my Victory List for 2009 and focus on 2010 – I will be thinking of your prompts.
But for now, two of my biggest wins for 2009 were
1) Becoming a certified yoga teacher
2) Becoming a recommended black belt in Thai Kickboxing
Both took an incredible personal investment to physical, mental, and emotional training.
.-= Peggy´s last post…Your Moment of Bliss =-.
Dear Tess, This is a REMARKABLE list!!! I LOVE it!!
I think I am going to print it out and sit down one evening and respond to these questions. They are GREAT questions by the way. I think this is such an important thing to do because it helps us claim more of who we are. It brings our accomplishments, whatever they are, right up into our lives in a really healthy way.
I think my husband is better at this than I am. He will often say, “Let’s do this or that do celebrate such and such. It’s important that we do this because it inspires us, honors us and makes what we’ve done more real.”
I always feel so happy when he says that and I’ve noticed that when we do this that I tend to not only remember my/our accomplishments more, but I feel better about myself and Life in general. It a REALLY good feeling. It makes my life more REAL!
By the way, you put an enormous amount of work into this list. It is REALLY REALLY good. It should be handed out to high school kids with the message that they use it throughout their lives.
You are an exceedingly inspiring person, Tess, and I love that about you.
Many hugs,
Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s last post…Share Your Legacy? =-.
John,
Ditto on no idea about the blogging community. It gives such hope for the world don’t ya think? Cheers back at you John!
Hayden,
I think it helps because our ego likes to convince us we can never do enough, have enough or be enough. Happy 2010.
Peggy,
I absolutely love that! A victory list! I wish I would have know that term when I wrote the title. Thanks for sharing and if you don’t mind I’ll use that in the future.
Robin,
Well thanks. Yes I think even middle schoolers could use it. I’d could adapt the questions to their level. Your husband seems as wonderful as you do. Of course, like attracts like right?
Hi Tess … I came on early this morning and just thought – no .. not now! I needed time and space to assimilate all those great thoughts – a brilliant summary for anyone wanting to re look at their life, regardless of New Year.
I agree with Robin’s idea .. kids should use it – we all should use it .. a daily checklist or wake up call.
I was able to look after two elderly pretty well and sadly see one to the other side; I was not able to do much for myself, but that will change in 2010 – I’m working in that direction already. On the gratitude side … I am so pleased I started (this – no) my blog (I’d have like to started yours!), but more importantly met all you wonderful supportive and caring people – brilliant, couldn’t be better for my soul at this time.
Great checklist – fantastic way to kickstart the brain for 2010 …
Enjoy the last few days of 2009 ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last post…Wassail .. and "The Twelve Days of Christmas" =-.
I need to bookmark this post and have myself reviewed before the year ends on 31st. This is a fine list and everyone should do it for the sake of living a better year ahead. I like it when Hilary addressed it as a ‘wake up call’. I believe we overlooked many important aspects in our lives, the learning points that made us mature in thoughts and in person. I actually feeling excited to do this checklist, perhaps I’m going to divide it in 2 categories, both in my personal life and blogging career.
Thank you so much, Tess. You’re a blessing to us for sharing this! *hugs*
@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker
.-= Ching Ya´s last post…How to Brand Your Tweets with TweetBrand =-.
A great list of things to remember consider and celebrate from last year. As this year has drawn to a close i have started to put in place the practices that will help me create the life that i want to have.
.-= Quinn´s last post…An Apology and a Replacement =-.
Hi Tess,
This is my favorite post from you.
I love it. For me it all comes down to 3 questions: Did I live? Did I love? Did I make a difference? And most of all, do all 3 things with boldly!
Happy Holiday!
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
.-= Giovanna Garcia´s last post…Merry Christmas! =-.
What a great summary Tess!
Thank you for passing along all these reflective questions to us, and I bet it was fun putting them together and thinking about them yourself.
2009 was a great year for me in many ways, but one that stands out is that I chose to pursue my passions against all odds, and that makes me very, very happy today!
.-= Evita´s last post…Spirituality Meets Modern World: Dealing With Expectations =-.
Wow, the questions are thought provoking and producing. Good stuff!
Tess,
I started blogging this year. I’ve met so many blogging inspiriters that challenge me to be a better person. It is life changing to be in this community.
And I was proposed to by an incredible man with two beautiful daughters. I can’t wait to spend my life with them.
What a year!
Excellent list Tess. It reminds me how often I forget to give myself credit before bounding off on the next adventure or in pursuit of the next goal. Stopping to appreciate my accomplishments is a great way to refuel. Thanks
.-= Davina´s last post…Put the Message in the Box =-.
Hi Tess!
That is the most extensive list of questions I’ve seen in a long time! I’m sure I’ve asked myself those questions in my daily journaling but more over the course of the year than all at once. Long lists of questions bring me back to test fears – haha!
I am grateful for the blogosphere as I reflect back on 2009 – it’s been great fun. And thank you for being a dazzling bright star in the sphere!
Hoping 2010 brings you glittering opportunities infused with peace and serenity.
Hugs
suZen
Hillary,
I hope your year is relaxing, joyful and meaningful. You have had a rough year and I it’s good to take care of yourself. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and wish your blogging a happy 2010 as well. Take care my friend.
Ching Ya,
I’m happy you find my list helpful. May you gain lots of insight and celebrate yourself and progress BIG. It’s important to look back at how far we’ve come or our egos will drive us mad!
Quinn,
How wise to know what you want and where you’re going ahead of time. And then to think you already have a plan??? You rock!
Gio,
I love your three questions. I can ask myself those everyday;)
Evita,
You and Julie are the two happiest people I know right now. What sparkle you both bring to the world.
Angelia,
Yes our community keeps us all on our toes. What fine friends I’ve only known for a year. And a big CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement and new life with a ready made family. I wish you the best!
Davina,
Refuel is a good word…chug, chug! Happy 2010!
suZen,
What a wonderful compliment. Thank you. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and enjoy the photos you share. The ball stands out;) So same to you peace and serenity and let’s both have much joy and gratitude as well. Looking forward to getting to know you better in 2010!
Hi Tess,
Just this morning I sat and wrote my accomplishments for 2009, whether they worked out or not. It is a great exercise! Then I wrote a list of what I want for 2010, in the present tense, as if it is happening now. I love doing things like this and then looking back to see what really did manifest.
For me in 2010, trying out for that TV show was a highlight!
Happy New Year!
.-= Stacey Shipman´s last post…What Was Your Highlight for 2009? =-.
So many great questions, where to start?
I am most proud of my growth as a father. I relish the time I have alone with my 5 month old son. When I first took care of him I was scared. I wanted my wife to take over. But as our relationship has grown I’ve learned to be a better listener and figure out his needs. Now I almost always know when he is upset and how to make him feel better.
As for business. Joining in a alliance with other bloggers has been amazing. They encourage, push, and give me so many great ideas. I feel so lucky to be a part of this special group.
I know my blog is taking off and each day I am able to help more people. That’s a gift that other people have helped me create.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…How to Deal with Goals You Don’t Reach =-.
Stacey,
Way to go…you’re leading the rest of us!
Karl,
With confidence like you have a successful year is bound to happen in work and personal areas. Others as well…
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Celebrate Your Growth In 2009 =-.
Hi Tess – I love the image you have used. Hope you are having a great holiday period – and Happy New Year!
Cheers – Robin
.-= Robin´s last post…There Is A Vitality =-.
2009 was a transformational year, to be sure. I left a good job to follow a dream. I overcame an addiction that wanted to get the best of me (and a few times, I almost let it!). I learned how to partner with not only others, but also with myself, and in the process have met some incredible people who have lifted me even higher than I ever dreamed possible.
I’ve softened my mind and let my heart shine. I’ve embraced LOVE as a way of life — a palpable, affirming, “breathe-it-in-and-breathe-it-out” energy — as opposed to something that’s given or received. Love always IS, and I know what that looks and feels like in my life now.
I’ve befriended and learned from amazing folks like you, Tess, and seen myself in many new lights as a result.
With gratitude, I bow to you, and wish you a loving, happy, and healthy new year.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Funny Cookies =-.
Such a great time to do this post and a fabulous list of questions to ponder. A blessed and amazing 2010 for you Tess. Thanks for all you do to elevate the people who read these thoughts and ideas here.
.-= Erin´s last post…Press On, Stay Focused, Take a Risk =-.
This is a beautiful list, Tess. I have certainly cleaned up my home a lot lately, by giving away the good stuff and backyard burning other stuff.
Who knew such personal ownership and responsibility could bring such joy?!
I got to know you very well in 2009 and that’s been a tremendous giftTess.
xo
.-= Jannie Funster´s last post…I Stenciled A Doll Trunk! =-.
There were so many things that happened in 2009, so many avenues for growth. But I guess the most critical decision I made was when I left my job as an auditor in order to start anew!
Happy New Year Tess!
.-= joyce at I TAKE OFF THE MASK´s last post…How Do You Start a New Year? =-.