Yet another end-of-year reflection...

As we arrive at the end of another year, I'm sure your inboxes, news feeds and social media are flooded with the usual best of the year, worst of the year, predictions for the year ahead, and lots of advice for making 2026 THE BEST YEAR EVER.

Those articles can be interesting, entertaining and often inspiring - I read them and make lists of books to read, movies to watch, recipes to try, hobbies to take up, habits to adopt...and then as the calendar flips I feel the crushing weight of all the things I should do to make 2026 THE BEST YEAR EVER.

Who needs that kind of pressure? Who needs someone else to tell them what makes a year great, what makes a life successful?

If you've been journeying with me for a while now, you know that I believe with all of my heart that you are already whole, complete, enough. You don't need to add anything.

If I don't need to add anything, then what?

Maybe it's about tuning in deeply to your wholeness and filtering out the noise.

Here's a little exercise for you:

Fast forward to your 85-year-old self - imagine you're sitting on the porch, enjoying the sights, sounds and sensations of a beautiful day. Maybe there are birds singing, the feel of sunshine on your skin, the fragrance of sweet grass, or of flowers in the garden. There might be a cat in your lap, or a dog at your feet. Perhaps you're sipping your favourite beverage, listening to music, or reading. The day is perfect, whatever that means for you, and you're in a reflective state, thinking back on a life well-lived.

Have a little chat with your future self - ask a few questions...

What parts of your life have given you the most joy?
What are the memories you cherish the most?
What have you been most grateful for?
What are you especially proud of?

If you were to ask for advice, what would your future self tell you?

Now, with your own wise words in heart and mind...

What do you want to bring with you into the year ahead?
What do you want to leave behind, or set aside for a while?

What do you want to bring with you into tomorrow?
What do you want to you set down today?

Last week I mentioned Oliver Burkeman; his latest "The Imperfectionist" newsletter offers a thoughtful year-end reflection. Read it here.