Year-End Self-Inquiries

✨ Year-End Self-Inquiries

Ideas for self-inquiry about where you are and where you’d like to be in your life.

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Winter is a time of year when many of us pause to take stock of where we are and where we’d like to be. This where is not necessarily about geographic location. Rather, where can be a metaphor, inviting us to pause and ask ourselves, “Where am I in my life and what might be next for me?”

In this coming year, I plan to take a pause to consider more fully where I am. Below are some ideas for questions I want to explore in the laboratory of my inner self and personal experience.

🤔 If you want to explore your where, here are a few ideas for self-inquiry. Perhaps you’ll find one or more of these inquiries of interest, as you contemplate where you are and where you’d like to be:

• How am I currently showing up in my life, at work, and in my communities and how is that working for me?
• What have been the highlights of this year from my vantage point? Why do I view these as highlights?
• What aspects of my life are most important and meaningful to me?
• What are my current priorities? What, if anything, has shifted about my priorities in the last year? Why?
• What do I want to let go of?
• What would I like to shift about my priorities going forward that I have some measure of control or influence over? If change is not possible, what else might be possible?
• Which of my strengths can I leverage to help me accomplish my objectives (Niemiec, 2018)?
• How can I experience greater flourishing in my daily life (Fredrickson, 2009; Kaufman, 2020; Seligman, 2011)?
• How can I connect with others in ways that would bring greater positivity to my life?
• How might I improve my self-care in some way?
• How can I experience greater meaning in my life?
• What is one way I can make a positive difference in my family, community, or world?

What inquiries would you like to consider for yourself – from these ideas or other self-inquiries that you find of interest?

If you decide to take some time to explore where you are and where you’d like to be in your life, you might want to create some time to pause offering yourself some quiet internal spaciousness as part of the process. Some people find it helpful to contemplate and write down their thoughts and ideas, while others simply like to contemplate. Some people may find it helpful to explore their questions and ideas with a trusted loved one, friend, or group.

The choices are yours.

I wish you peace and wellbeing on your path,

Kind regards,

Ilene

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. No content is a substitute for consulting with a qualified mental health or healthcare professional.

© 2024 Ilene Berns-Zare, LLC, All Rights Reserved

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References:

• Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Top-notch research reveals the upward spiral that will change your life.. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
• Kaufman, S.B. (2020). Transcend: The new science of self-actualization. New York, NY: TarcherPerigree
• Niemiec, R. (2018). Character strengths interventions: A field guide for practitioners. Boston, MA: Hogrefe.
• Seligman, M.E.P. (2011).  Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York, NY: Atria Paperback.

Ilene is a Featured Author on PsychologyToday!
Read her blog series Flourish and Thrive: Navigating transitions with mindfulness and resilience.

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