Reflection to me is a key value I practice on a day-to-day basis in different ways. There are many ways you can practically practice reflection and today I am sharing some of the ways I do.
Sometimes I find myself journalling and reflecting on past or current events to gain more clarity on how I feel about the situations or my actions within the event.
At other times I find myself talking out loud to myself as I drive home so I can go over conversations I have had during the day or in preparation for a harder conversation with someone in the near future.
I also reflect upon my daily, weekly, and yearly goals to see where I am at in achieving the things I want in my life.
Every year I make a yearbook of life moments and events that have occurred throughout the year as a way to reflect upon the year through stories and pictures.
Reflection is an action word for me, it is intentionally setting aside space to allow my brain to recall information in hopes to gain a deeper understanding of a situation in hopes to create change in the future. Even though reflecting is a daily practice for me in small ways, I find that I do a big overhaul of my year in August and December as those are the months that represent the year coming to an end for me. It’s my time to intentionally create changes as a new school or work year is about to begin.
Since reflection is an action word, how it is practiced looks different for everyone. Like with any new practice we have to be intentional about carving out time in our daily lives to engage in meaningful reflection as a way to implement this practice into our daily lives. Reflection gives us the opportunity to be braver in our lives as we get to examine how we show up in the world or how we parent our kids, how we approach a hard conversation with our partners, or how to set boundaries with extended family members. The quote that always resonates with me around reflection is from Brene Brown as she states;
“The idea of ‘no regrets’ doesn’t mean living with courage, it means living without reflection. To live without regret is to believe we have nothing to learn, no amends to make, and no opportunity to be braver with our lives.” Brene Brown
Journal Prompts:
What intentional steps can you take to integrate the practice of reflection more into your daily life?
Are there certain ways you’re already practicing reflection in your life?
How has engaging in a reflective process helped you be the person you are today?