Mid-Year Reflections

July marks a good, middle of the road, time to check in on your mind, body and soul! Practicing mid-year reflections can promote restoration in one's motivation, creativity, goals and confidence moving forward. It's important to focus on all areas in your life such as health, wellbeing, work, finances, relationships and personal growth. The best part about it is practicing reflection really only takes three steps.

1. Assess the past 6 months. Focus on what you’ve learned, accomplished and did with your time. 

   
   

2. Assess the now. What is currently lifting you up and encouraging you? What is discouraging and draining you? What has changed in the past 6 months? What has stayed the same?

   
   

3. Look toward the future. Reassess your goals and pick a top focus for the rest of the year. What do you want to bring more of into your life? What do you want less of?

After looking over these steps and questions, sit with them before answering. Once you have answered for yourself don't stop there. Start putting your reflection into action by creating a plan, voicing your refreshed goals and aspirations, or simply just enjoy having processed the past 6 months and taking the time to catch up with yourself! For a deeper experience you can journal, video log, meditate or dedicate time to reflect and connect with loved ones on your achievements and learned lessons.

Some more examples of reflective prompts to help guide you through journaling, meditation or mindful thinking:

• What are three things you did well in the last six months?

• Are your original goals still important? Do you need to change them?

• What is your top goal for the rest of the year?

• Is there anything you wish you could have done differently, or given more attention to over the past 6 months?

• Rate your optimism for the second half of the year (1–10) and explain to yourself why it is that number.

It's good to practice frequent check-ins with one's self, both on a focused and broadened scale. It's easier to assess what support you may need, what goals should be kept or changed and what you've learned or still need to learn when you're consistent with your personal care and wellbeing.