What a year. 2021. Just when you thought that it’d be better than 2020, it still had its way of bringing about a wave of transformation, emotional unheavals and threw all kinds of changes at us. 

I used to look back on my life at the end of the year and felt like I didn’t accomplish much. However, this year I look back on 2021 with a full heart. I’ve come so far and have accomplished so much this year – both big and small. Did I face setbacks? Oh, numerous. 

But I’m so thankful at how I could overcame them all, of course with great help from so many friends and from the Divine. 

As 31st December is approaching, I’m feeling called to just slow down, pause and rest. And as I’m resting and recharging, I feel called to reflect as well. I love reflections of any kind. I love looking back at things and figuring out what went right, what didn’t and what can I do moving forward.  

I encourage you to take some time here to think about the various things you’ve accomplished and achieved this year. It doesn’t have to be huge. And remember to pat yourself on the back and celebrate how far you’ve come. 

Here’s a workbook to help you with your reflections:

Things I accomplished in 2021:

1. I left a toxic as hell job (more here: 1, 2, 3, 4) which I made the most of – and I’d shamelessly say where I was one of the best in the team/company – despite not even having a lick of experience in the industry.
2. I learn to celebrate my accomplishments and acknowledge my achievements. Just like what I wrote in #1. I started owning how far I’ve come despite setbacks, I started recognising myself for the amazing person I am and for my achievements. We all must learn to praise ourselves more.
3. Found a new job after 6 months of hell search in this sort of Covid climate, met so many hurdles and setbacks, overcame them. and saw all the awful behaviour of companies. Passed the rounds of writing and intimidating interviews all on my own merit.  
4. Made huge changes to my website. This co-incided with some spiritual shifts in my personal life.  
5. Decided to embrace my spiritual side. Everything in divine timing. I felt called to join a spiritual group in Feb, what started small grew into more spiritual groups, coaching and I finally rekindled my previous love for the Tarot. Pulling cards, talking to my guides and making tarot/oracle spreads are a part of my life at this point. 

1. Started reading again. I rediscovered my childhood love for books and boy have I never felt more connected with myself, more grounded. Completed my book challenge on Goodreads of 20 books this year and am looking forward to up it to 50 next year! 
2. Started writing with a higher vibe. I used to write anything with DREAD. Blog posts, emails to my list etc. I found out that I was holding myself back with too many fears. I’ve started working on my non-fiction and fiction books, and I hope to publish them in the near future! (aka next year).
3. Connected to my heart chakra. The best way of doing this? To do what you want. I started listening to my heart and what I wanted to do, what brought me the most joy. It has opened up a whole new world of living for me. 
4. Cut off cords and connections with people and places that no longer served my highest good. This involved saying goodbye to bad habits, negative workplaces that were dampening my spirits and biding adios to friends I used to be close to, but no longer feel any connection to. 
5. Reconnected with so many good friends I lost touch with from the past. It was interesting how at least 3-4 people I used to be close to at various times in my past, reached out to me to re-establish contact. Just wow. And we’ve picked off where we left, it was as if we were never apart. Love it when this happens.  
6. Restarted my energy clearing and tuning into my intuition. Tapping into my intuition has never been an easy thing, but getting into tarot again and talking alot to my Spirit Guides has really “sharpened” my intuition, if I could say so. I started cleansing my space frequently with sage too and it’s been great. 
7. I’ve learnt how to assert myself, stood up for myself at work and said what I felt was wrong. Having my Mars in my 12th and a weak throat chakra for most of my life has meant that I’ve always been super un-assertive. It’s one part of my personality I dislike and struggle with, but I’ve been taking baby steps. In a particularly interesting episode this year, I let someone in my workplace know that their lazy actions will not be tolerated, and they need to stop dumping their work on someone else. Not only at work, but in general as well, I’ve been more forward with my thoughts.  
8. Started decluttering a little. I’m not huge on decluttering and it’s more practical to me than anything else (I need more space). I actually do love my clutter, but this year I’ve taken time out to get rid of lots of things in my cupboard and made way for new books.
9. Started exercising more. I dislike the gym and believe in a more natural way of shedding the pounds, that is: spending time in nature and just walking for an hour. I haven’t been consistent with this but I’ve done well!  
10. Had a better relationship with my parents. I’d need to write a book to detail the family relationships we’ve had, I think it’d be a best-seller. There’s been alot of tears and happiness and anger along the way, but I’ve reached a good place with them. 
11. A better relationship with money. I’ve gotten into a very nice energetic space where I no longer think twice, thrice or ten times about treating myself, or donating. I never splurge and spend well within my means. Once in awhile, I will treat myself to an expensive dinner, contribute to the household etc. Never thought I’d get here but here I am! 
12. A better outlook towards love and romance. I used to carry around many romantic blocks and still do, to be honest. But many of it have fallen away and I’m seeing things with new eyes and with a whole load of optimism. I will meet the person I’ve been waiting for, soon. 🙂

What I want for the next year

1. Greater spiritual growth and a deeper connection with myself
2. Saying no to bad habits and yes to good habits 
3. Love. I want more romance in my life and am not ashamed to say that! 
4. Success and friendship in the workplace
5. Successful launch with my books
6. Deeper connection with my writing and creative side
7. Read voraciously 
8. Declutter more! And in manageable portions 
9. Heal my inner child, inner critic and lots of other psychological blocks I still carry
10. I want to learn a few new things well – watercolour, Spanish, numerology, fiction writing
11. Closer to my dream of buying a home in my dream country 
12. One step closer to my dream of being a freelancer
13. Greater self worth/esteem
14. Better physical health. I wanna lose weight! 

Questions +Journal Prompts to kickstart your reflections 

1. What blessings did this year bring?
2. What did you accomplish this year?
3. What did you learn?
4. How did you grow?
5. Where did you shine?
6. What was tough?
7. How did you get through it?
8. What are you ready to release and let go?
9. What changes do you want to make?
10. What do you want more of in your life?
11. What are your big dreams for next year and more?

Have fun! Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022!