25 Reflection Questions To Wrap Up 2021

And just like that… another crazy year is coming to an end. We thought 2020 would be the weirdest year ever, but 2021 contained its fair share of weirdness.

Given how much has changed in the world around us in the last two years, I think it is more important than ever before to take some time to do some true personal reflection.

Why? Personal reflection is important for personal growth.

According to The Shine App, “Studies show that people who reflect actively strengthen their emotional intelligence, making it easier to cope with new challenges that may come their way.”

And, as Laurel Halloran, Ph.D., explains for The Shine App: “It is not an opportunity to get an exact ‘do-over,’ but by critically examining our experiences it gives us a chance to have a ‘do-better’ in the future.”

Even if 2021 hasn’t been your best year, I’m sure there were some positives. You might just need to dig deep to find them.

Take some time to reflect on the good and not-so-good parts of 2021.

Tips for Reflecting on the Year

As a mom, I get it. The idea of answering 25 questions about your year is daunting.

But, think of it as self-care.

Set aside time and space.

(Suggestion – aim for after Christmas when the kids are distracted and playing with their new toys.)

Get a notebook and jot down your answers.

Don’t overthink it.

Skip the ones you don’t have answers for immediately.

Come back to them later after you’ve had more time to ponder them.

Be honest and truthful.

Remember, these questions and their answers are just for you. You don’t have to perform.

25 Reflection Questions to Put a Pretty Little Bow on 2021

1.       What were the highlights of 2021 (big and small)?

2.       What goals did you accomplish?

3.       What did you do that worked?

4.       What did you try that didn’t work?

5.       What are you grateful for?

6.       What will you remember the most?

7.       What changes do you want to make in 2022?

8.       Where did you need more space?

9.       What valuable lessons did you learn?

10.   In what areas did you thrive?

11.   What were your challenges?

12.   What mistakes did you make?

13.   How are you different now than you were at the start of the year?

14.   What would you have done differently?

15.   What is something selfless and kind you did?

16.   What was the best compliment you received this year?

17.   What surprised you?

18.   What advice did you receive this year that proved helpful?

19.   How did you take care of your family this year?

20.   How did you take care of yourself this year?

21.   What can you let go of as you move into the new year?

22.   What brought you joy in 2021?

23.   How present were you in your relationships?

24.   What one word would you use to describe 2021?

25.   What are your intentions for 2022?

Do you have any other reflection questions you’d add to the list?

Looking Back at My Top Posts from 2019

I finally had time to review my analytics from 2019. And the results tickled me! I found out you guys love T.J. Maxx just as much as I do! And that we all agree getting ghosted by a potential employer is the worst. I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my most popular posts this year in case you missed them, or you are new to my blog.

Helpful Tip - Read the Whole Blog by Clicking on the Title!

All the Heart Eye Emojis for T.J.Maxx + A Giveaway!

“Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.

If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.”

Who doesn’t love T.J. Maxx? You guys apparently were all about my T.J. Maxx love and my discussion of why they are soaring why other retailers are failing. And, of course, you were pumped to enter that fantastic giveaway!

Colgate Does More for Your Whole Mouth

“Do you remember the line “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” from the Broadway musical Annie? As someone who works in fashion, I believe this song lyric is completely true. All the clothes in the world won’t matter if you don’t take care of your beautiful smile. That’s why, as a mom, I am always on the lookout for products that will have my whole family showing off their big, beautiful smiles.

Fortunately, it is easier and more affordable than ever before to take care of my family’s smiles. I recently tried out Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste with Colgate Total NEW breakthrough formula, and I am sold! I’m sure if you try it out, you will agree.”

I guess my followers also love Colgate as much as I do…or they were just curious to see why I am such a fan. Either way, I am glad I could share my reasons with you.

When a Potential Employer Ghosts You

“I’m going to be super vulnerable here. Recently, I was ghosted after a string of job interviews with a company I was really interested in. Even worse – they seemed really interested in me! I interviewed with a company for over two months and four interviews.  We talked about pay, how my workday will be, etc. The hiring manager was supposed to get back to me about the package and the offer, and then I heard nothing. #Ghosted”

Every now and then, it is good to be vulnerable as this post goes to show. Since this was one of my most popular posts of 2019, I have a feeling I am not the only person who has experienced this unfortunate situation.

To Hike with Kids or To Hike Alone – That is the Question

“It’s no secret that I love to get outdoors and hike. When you live in a city, it is so important to get a break from city life, and hiking is one of the best ways to get away from the noise and busyness of NYC.

Let’s face it. It is easier to hike kid-free, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the added complications.

When I am planning my outdoor escape, I often have to choose between hiking alone or with other adults or hiking with my kids. There is no right or wrong answer here! It all comes down to how I feel that day. So, when it comes to deciding whether to hike with kids or to hike alone, the following thoughts guide my decision-making.”

Apparently, I am not the only mom who asks herself this question on a regular basis! I am so glad to know I am not alone. After re-reading the post though, I still want to know which you prefer. Send me a message and let me know!

Why You Need to Prioritize Your Marriage (and How)

“Ask anyone who has been married as long as I have, and they will tell you it hasn’t always been easy. And, if they tell you otherwise, they are lying. Marriage is hard, but a strong marriage is worth all the hard work it takes to get it there. Between work and kids, if I didn’t prioritize my marriage, it would be easy to let it fall apart. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

Whether you are newly married or have been married for decades, the following tips for how to prioritize your marriage may be just what you need to remember why you two got married in the first place.”

Marriage matters! It’s so important to prioritize it – even when it seems hard to find the time to do so. I hope you found my tips helpful!

Thank you for all the love in 2019! I hope this year I share blogs that help make you better moms, fashionistas, travelers, and stronger women.