The end of a year and start of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on, and capture memories of the year gone by. Though it is also an opportunity to press the reset button, and refocus and energise yourself or your child for the coming year. Just as Spid does in Spid the Spider Welcomes in the New Year.
It’s also easier to create New Year’s resolutions when you have reflected on the year just gone. Because you need to know where you are before figuring where you’re going. A New Year’s reflection is a powerful activity to undertake at the end of every year. It’s also a cornerstone to the success of any New Year’s resolution.
Why reflect on and record the past?
Childhood is short and goes by fast fast. The pace of change is also fast. So discussing and writing down what your child thinks and feels at a particular moment in time brings back and ‘tangibilises’ memories. So you can look back on them. The process of new year reflections also provides an opportunity to bond with your child, to celebrate their successes, and consider if, and if so, where to refocus.
Reflection is a vital part of moving forward. It enables clearer understanding and unfettered appraisal of the facts. Thus it gives better perspective on what to do in the future. But not just on their first step, but on the general direction your child wants to travel. This may not be something they think about, but in so doing they will lead more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
New Years herald new starts
According to Candida Moss, a historian and Professor of Theology at the Birmingham University, annual attempts at self-improvement are as old as celebrating New Year’s itself. “Even if we go very far back in history, we find people trying to orchestrate a fresh start at the New Year’s through resolutions. The ancient Babylonians had a big celebration, almost two weeks long, where they celebrated the New Year. They would make resolutions. And they were small – pay off small debts, small vows about better behaviour. And the Romans would do the same thing.”
A New Year’s reflection helps to reassess and re-steer ourselves on the course to travel. A course that makes our hearts sing. It provides an opportunity to refocus and tweak journey plans. For your child, to make a small or a big change in direction – whatever rocks their boat.
New Year reflections and resolutions
So here are a handful of questions to inspire new year reflections, capture some amazing memories, and create some purposeful resolutions for the year ahead. You might also like to read our free resources on goal setting.
