Journaling My Way to Clarity: An End-of-Year Ritual.Reflecting on one year and gently welcoming the next

This reflection was originally shared as a two-part newsletter in December 2023. As the year came to a close, I wanted to offer a simple journaling ritual — not to fix or improve anything, but to gently reflect, acknowledge, and create space for what comes next.

Week 1 — Looking Back: Reflecting on the Year That Was.

(December 15th 2023)

If there is one thing I have been doing regularly — and for longer than yoga — it’s journaling.

I was given my first journal, with a lock and key, when I was ten years old. Since then, I’ve been journaling continuously: from simply documenting my life with very little insight, to writing my deepest thoughts and questions about life.

It is how I start and finish my day.

In the morning, I wake up, sit in my bed, and grab my journal. I love the velvety softness of a brand-new page. Very often, in that instant, I am able to recall my dreams. If I don’t make the effort to retain them, they evaporate like ether and disappear forever.

My dreams always tell me something. I write about what they mean to me, then slowly drift toward what the day ahead looks like, putting a little order into my thoughts.

I do the same at the end of the day. I like to start my bedtime routine early, especially in winter. I switch from to-do energyto what I tell my kids is soft energy: quiet voices, soft light, getting cosy and comfortable.

There are absolutely no rules in my writing. I free-journal and write down whatever comes to mind. It often starts with mundane thoughts, and the thread can gradually become more elaborate or profound.

I find writing has many similarities with meditation. It’s not about stopping or suppressing thoughts, but about acknowledging them — letting them move through, processing them until the pen slows down, the thoughts dry out, and clarity quietly appears.

End-of-Year Journaling Ritual — Part One

As the year comes to a close, take the opportunity to reflect on what has been.

Begin by writing an overall summary of the year, without going into too much detail. From memory, ask yourself:

What happened this year?

If you enjoy this exercise and feel called to go deeper, take it month by month.Use your calendar, personal journal, or email inbox to refresh your memory.

Take time to:

• celebrate your successes and growth

• acknowledge any losses

• recognise the love that still remains

Allow your thoughts to process and settle.

Week 2 — Looking Forward: Creating Space for the Year Ahead

(22 December 2023)

Some of you shared your interest in journaling, and I’m very happy to continue this reflection.

If journaling hasn’t been your thing but you’re curious, the end-of-year ritual is a beautiful place to begin.

Last week, we looked back at the year in a general way, and then month by month, exploring the more factual events that shaped it.

Once this reflection is complete, it’s time to kindly say goodbye to the year that’s ending — and create space to welcome the one ahead.

Sit somewhere comfortable.Choose soft, pleasant lighting.Make yourself a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Open your journal to a brand-new page.

At the top, write in big letters: 2024.

Now, write down your deepest wishes for the coming year. I like to divide this exercise into four sections:

Home

Everything that relates to your physical home and family life.What do you long for, crave, or wish to nurture in this area?

Body

How do you feel in your body?How would you like to care for your physical and mental health this year?

Mind

What challenges you intellectually?This might relate to work, study, or personal interests.Is there something new you’d like to learn or explore more deeply?Remember: baby steps are often the most sustainable way to begin.

Soul

Your inner world — the place that feeds on your values and beliefs.What would nourish this part of you and bring more joy into your life?A book, a workshop, a practice, a course — anything that feels meaningful.

Take your time. Let this be gentle.

Feel free to share your reflections with me if you wish.

Wishing you a beautiful journey into the new year,Hélène

Reflecting on one year and gently welcoming the next

This reflection was originally shared as a two-part newsletter in December 2023. As the year came to a close, I wanted to offer a simple journaling ritual — not to fix or improve anything, but to gently reflect, acknowledge, and create space for what comes next.

Week 1 — Looking Back: Reflecting on the Year That Was

If there is one thing I have been doing regularly — and for longer than yoga — it’s journaling.

I was given my first journal, with a lock and key, when I was ten years old. Since then, I’ve been journaling continuously: from simply documenting my life with very little insight, to writing my deepest thoughts and questions about life.

It is how I start and finish my day.

In the morning, I wake up, sit in my bed, and grab my journal. I love the velvety softness of a brand-new page. Very often, in that instant, I am able to recall my dreams. If I don’t make the effort to retain them, they evaporate like ether and disappear forever.

My dreams always tell me something. I write about what they mean to me, then slowly drift toward what the day ahead looks like, putting a little order into my thoughts.

I do the same at the end of the day. I like to start my bedtime routine early, especially in winter. I switch from to-do energyto what I tell my kids is soft energy: quiet voices, soft light, getting cosy and comfortable.

There are absolutely no rules in my writing. I free-journal and write down whatever comes to mind. It often starts with mundane thoughts, and the thread can gradually become more elaborate or profound.

I find writing has many similarities with meditation. It’s not about stopping or suppressing thoughts, but about acknowledging them — letting them move through, processing them until the pen slows down, the thoughts dry out, and clarity quietly appears.

End-of-Year Journaling Ritual — Part One

As the year comes to a close, take the opportunity to reflect on what has been.

Begin by writing an overall summary of the year, without going into too much detail. From memory, ask yourself:

What happened this year?

If you enjoy this exercise and feel called to go deeper, take it month by month.Use your calendar, personal journal, or email inbox to refresh your memory.

Take time to:

• celebrate your successes and growth

• acknowledge any losses

• recognise the love that still remains

Allow your thoughts to process and settle.

Week 2 — Looking Forward: Creating Space for the Year Ahead

(22 December 2023)

Some of you shared your interest in journaling, and I’m very happy to continue this reflection.

If journaling hasn’t been your thing but you’re curious, the end-of-year ritual is a beautiful place to begin.

Last week, we looked back at the year in a general way, and then month by month, exploring the more factual events that shaped it.

Once this reflection is complete, it’s time to kindly say goodbye to the year that’s ending — and create space to welcome the one ahead.

Sit somewhere comfortable.Choose soft, pleasant lighting.Make yourself a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Open your journal to a brand-new page.

At the top, write in big letters: 2024.

Now, write down your deepest wishes for the coming year. I like to divide this exercise into four sections:

Home

Everything that relates to your physical home and family life.What do you long for, crave, or wish to nurture in this area?

Body

How do you feel in your body?How would you like to care for your physical and mental health this year?

Mind

What challenges you intellectually?This might relate to work, study, or personal interests.Is there something new you’d like to learn or explore more deeply?Remember: baby steps are often the most sustainable way to begin.

Soul

Your inner world — the place that feeds on your values and beliefs.What would nourish this part of you and bring more joy into your life?A book, a workshop, a practice, a course — anything that feels meaningful.

Take your time. Let this be gentle.

Feel free to share your reflections with me if you wish.

Wishing you a beautiful journey into the new year, Hélène