Building Hope Counseling Services

Can you believe we are in the last week of 2023? This year has flown by. The end of the year can be a wonderful opportunity for reflection. Who were you in 2023? Who would you like to be in 2024? As you take a moment to reflect on the past year, consider beginning (or continuing!) a journaling practice.

Journaling practices have many benefits and are linked to reduced stress, increased immune function, improved cognitive functioning, improved mood, and improved emotional regulation. Continue reading for some suggestions of journaling prompts to end the year. Use one, use all, or make your own!

Prompts to Reflect on Self

Take a moment to think back on who you have been this past year. What did you do well? What could you have done better? Let these prompts guide your discussion with yourself.

*How did I grow this past year?

*Did I get stuck in any unhelpful patterns?

*How did I make myself proud?

*How did I let myself down?

*I learned some things about myself this year! Such as…

Prompts to Reflect on Relationships

Who we are in relation to others can show us a lot about ourselves – Some good things, some things we need to work on. These prompts are meant to help you to reflect on your interpersonal relationships this past year.

*What was my healthiest relationship this past year?

*What relationships can I continue to improve?

*How did I show up in my relationships?

*How did I serve my community?

*What boundaries did I set this year?

Prompts to Reflect on Career

The average person spends one-third of their life at work. Your career is not everything, but it is a big part of your life! Take a moment to reflect on who you have been in the workplace this past year.

*What is my 5-year plan right now? Did I make any moves towards these long-term goals?

*How did I practice work/life balance?

*How can I improve work/life balance?

*In what ways did I improve my workplace?

*In what ways did I hinder my own progress in my career?

Prompts to Reflect on New Goals

Practicing goal setting at the end of the year is a tradition believed to have started over 4000 years ago. Allow these prompts to guide your exploration of your goals and desires for 2024.

*Visualize 2024 being the best year yet… What does this wonderful year look like?

*How can I show up for myself next year?

*What are my top 3 desires for 2024?

*What steps can I take to reach these top 3 desires?

*How will I improve my mental health in 2024?

Final Thoughts

I hope this year was everything that you wanted it to be. And if it wasn’t (because it probably wasn’t!), there is good news… 2024 is right around the corner. A fresh start many of us could use right about now. I hope these journaling prompts got your creative juices flowing while providing some structure to your end of the year reflections.