How to Reflect on the Past Year with Grace and Gratitude

As busy moms, it often feels like the years blur together. Between managing work, kids, and endless to-do lists, there’s little time to pause and process everything we’ve experienced. Yet, reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have for growth, clarity, and peace. It allows us to step back, acknowledge our journey, and set a meaningful course for the year ahead.

In yoga philosophy, this practice of mindful awareness is deeply tied to self-compassion and presence. By reflecting with grace and gratitude, we can honor not just what we’ve accomplished, but also what we’ve endured and learned along the way.

Here’s how you can create space to reflect on the past year in a way that feels positive, manageable, and transformative.

Why Reflection Matters

Reflection helps us:

• Acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments—even the small, quiet victories.
• Process challenges and extract valuable lessons from them.
• Find closure by letting go of what no longer serves us.
• Prepare for growth by aligning with what truly matters in the year ahead.

For moms juggling multiple roles, reflection is an act of self-care. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, honor your resilience, and approach the new year with intention instead of overwhelm.

A Gentle Framework for Reflection

1. Create a Safe, Quiet Space

Begin by carving out a small pocket of time just for you. Whether it’s 10 minutes during nap time or a quiet evening after the kids are in bed, make this moment sacred. Light a candle, sip a warm drink, or play soothing music. This intentional setting can help you feel calm and centered.

Think of this time as a “container” where you are free to release your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and desires to see what comes out.

2. Use Guided Prompts

Journaling is a powerful way to organize your thoughts and deepen your reflection.

Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• What accomplishments are you most proud of this year?
• What challenges did you face, and what did they teach you?
• What moments brought you joy, connection, or peace?
• What are you ready to let go of as you move into the new year?

Write freely and without judgment. This is your time to honor your unique journey.

3. Celebrate Both Wins and Struggles

Yoga teaches us to practice Ahimsa or non-violence—not just toward others, but toward ourselves. When reflecting, approach your mistakes or unmet goals with kindness. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask yourself what these experiences taught you and how they helped you grow.

Remember: Growth often comes from the challenges we face, not just the goals we achieve.

Practicing Gratitude for the Year’s Lessons

Gratitude is a cornerstone of mindfulness and yoga philosophy. It shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, helping us see the beauty in what we already have.

Take a moment to write down:

• Three things you’re grateful for from the past year.
• One thing you’re grateful for about yourself.

This practice is a reminder that even in difficult seasons, there are moments of light and resilience worth cherishing.

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

In yoga, the practice of Aparigraha (non-attachment) teaches us to release what holds us back. As you reflect, think about the habits, beliefs, or situations you’re ready to leave behind.

Try this simple exercise:

• Write down what you want to let go of on a piece of paper.
• Take a deep breath, then tear it up or safely burn it as a symbolic act of release.

This act isn’t about forgetting; it’s about freeing yourself to move forward with clarity and intention.

Moving Forward with Intention

Now that you’ve reflected on the past year, consider what you want to create in the year ahead. Instead of rigid resolutions, explore the concept of Sankalpa. A Sankalpa is a heartfelt intention rooted in your values and desires. It focuses on how you want to feel or who you want to become, rather than specific outcomes.

Examples of Sankalpa include:

• “I create more balance and ease in my daily life.”
• “I nourish my body with love and care.”
• “I show up for my children with patience and joy.”

Write your Sankalpa in the present tense, as if it’s already happening. This affirms your belief in its possibility and helps you align your actions with your intention.

Your Year, Your Way

Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about honoring your journey and stepping into the future with clarity and confidence. By practicing grace, gratitude, and intention, you can create a new year that feels aligned with your values and supportive of your unique path.

If you’d like to go deeper into this practice, join me for my upcoming workshop. Together, we’ll explore mindful reflection, set meaningful goals, and create actionable plans for the year ahead—all through the lens of yoga philosophy and compassionate living.

Let’s make this year one of growth, balance, and fulfillment—on your terms.

Register Here!

2 - Part Workshop begins Friday, January 17 at 10 am PT - click here to learn more! Replay will be available shortly after each live event.

Additional Resources:

Guided Reflection on my YouTube Channel:

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Meet Your Guide

Shauna Hay-Viets, a mom of two and a yoga instructor with 13+ years of experience. Shauna specializes in teaching busy moms how to reduce stress and create balance through yoga and mindfulness. Shauna has a passion for helping her students achieve their greatest goals on and off the mat.