As each year draws to a close, it often feels natural to pause and reflect on its most important moments, to consider successes as well as possible missteps we might learn from. What was the highlight of the year? And what is something I would rather skip over? What gave me energy, and what drained it? Should I do something differently next year? And if I’m not sure what I want, I can also think about the things I definitely don’t want in my everyday life or in my life overall.
Could I start the new year with a clean slate? I may not be able to change my circumstances, but I can choose my attitude toward them. Change can feel frightening or unsettling, but sometimes it is necessary for the bigger picture. New things may feel difficult at first, but by doing them, they become more familiar—some even turn into new routines. What felt awkward just a moment ago soon becomes easy and effortless, almost as if you had always done it that way. A bit like dancing, once you know the steps.
When taking inventory, we can choose to emphasize either negative or positive things. It is often said that what we focus on begins to grow. In my own inventory, I aim to be realistic while leaning toward the positive. Above all, I feel gratitude for all the good things in my life. It is not always dancing on roses, but failure can teach us something and help us act differently next time.
You know that feeling when someone seems to save your day? A small smile at the checkout counter, holding the door open for a stranger, saying thank you out loud. These are small everyday miracles—sharing them generously costs nothing and takes nothing away from yourself. Yet at best, such a simple act can save someone else’s day and turn the whole direction of their year’s inventory toward the positive.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful Christmas season 😊
