Why Reflecting Might Be the Best Gift You Give Yourself This Year

December has a way of making us feel like we’re in a three-ring circus. There’s the “finish everything before the end of the year” ring, the “decorate, shop, and attend all the things” ring, and the “try to act joyful while living on caffeine and sugar cookies” ring.

Somewhere between the office potluck and the family group text about who’s bringing the green bean casserole, we realize — we’ve been sprinting since October.

And we’re supposed to start another year like this?

That’s why I’m suggesting something radical (and maybe a little rebellious): pause.

Not forever. Not even for a whole day. Just enough to exhale and ask, “What just happened this year?”

The Power of the Pause

Here’s the thing — reflection isn’t about reliving mistakes or replaying regrets. It’s about recognizing what mattered.

We’re so quick to move on — to the next goal, the next responsibility, the next “should.” But when we don’t stop to look back, we rob ourselves of the wisdom our own experiences are trying to hand us like a beautifully wrapped gift.

Sometimes, when we actually pause long enough to notice, we realize things like:

• We did way more than we gave ourselves credit for.

• Some things that felt like detours were really divine redirections.

• The goals we were chasing in January might not even fit us anymore — and that’s okay. Growth changes the shape of our dreams.

How to Reflect Without Making It a Whole Project

You don’t need a color-coded journal (though if that’s your jam, go for it). Start simple.

Here are a few questions to sip your coffee over:

• What am I proud of this year — big or small?

• What drained me that I don’t want to repeat next year?

• What surprised me about myself?

• Where did I grow, even if it didn’t look like progress at the time?

• Who helped me become a better version of me?

Write them down. Talk them out. Or just think about them while staring at your twinkle lights.

Permission to Rest

Let’s be honest: the pause can feel uncomfortable. We’re not used to stillness. Productivity has been our security blanket. But reflection is not laziness — it’s leadership. It’s self-awareness. It’s how we stop living on autopilot and start living on purpose.

So, before the ball drops and the confetti flies, take a quiet moment (even if it’s in your parked car) to reflect on how far you’ve come.

Then smile — because you made it. You grew. You learned. And you’re still showing up.

Now that’s worth celebrating.

This December, don’t just rush toward the new year — arrive there intentionally.

Pause. Reflect. Recharge.

And maybe — just maybe — skip one holiday event in favor of your own peace.

After all, presence — your real, calm, grounded presence — is the best gift you can give anyone this season.

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn or read more of her articles on Plaid.