Reflection is a necessary process in life for self-improvement and when choosing to move forward. We need to take a step back, be honest with ourselves, look at what happened, resolve, redirect, and evolve. It is important that before we set goals and refresh for a new year, we take the time to reflect on the previous year’s highlights and lowlights. Most of the character qualities we gain are from not only our achievements but from our failures and hardships that occurred. Reflection helps us understand more about ourselves; our vulnerabilities, pain, losses, successes, achievements, and strengths. It offers us the space to let go and not stay stuck in the disappointments or “should-ofs.” So, let’s take a look at the previous year: the good, the bad, and even the in-betweens. Take a quiet moment to write down and think about this past year. The year of 2020 has been difficult for a lot of people. There has been a collective amount of grief, loss, change, adjustments, trauma, failures, and challenges. What were some of your toughest struggles? What did those struggles and failures teach you? Now, take a moment and think about some of the simple and grand accomplishments that happened during this previous year. What were some moments and successes that you were thankful for? We can build confidence and better ourselves through our successes, but most of the time learning from our failures and pushing through adversity will actually propel us even further. So remember, take time and space to look at all of the ups and downs of this last year, let go of what is holding you back, and move forward with appreciation. Appreciation for a new direction, the grit and determination through the suffering and pain, and gratitude for the moments and opportunities that you did not know existed.