Reflecting on 2024 with Kindness and Compassion
by Lim Swee Chen
Counsellor / Parenting Coach
Reflecting on 2024 with Kindness and Compassion
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a natural time to reflect on what the past twelve months have brought into our lives. This year’s journey may have included achievements, challenges, and plenty of in-betweens, all of which hold value. Reflecting on the year with kindness and compassion, rather than judgement, can bring insight, growth, and renewed energy for the year ahead. Let’s take a compassionate look back at 2024 together, exploring each area of life with questions that invite meaningful self-reflection and insight.
Self-Compassion: Your Foundation for Reflection
Before diving into the reflective process, it’s essential to approach it with compassion. Self-compassion means giving ourselves the same care we would give a close friend. This is especially important when reflecting on moments of struggle or unmet goals. Being kind to ourselves can transform a reflective practice into an uplifting, motivating experience.
A Note on Unhelpful Thinking Styles
As we reflect, we may encounter unhelpful thinking styles—automatic, often negative thought patterns that cloud our perceptions. For example, “all-or-nothing” thinking might make us see minor setbacks as total failures, while “catastrophising” can make challenges seem overwhelming. Staying aware of these patterns helps keep reflection constructive and supportive. Read more about unhelpful thinking styles in my previous post.
Health and Wellbeing
2024 likely presented opportunities and challenges in caring for your physical and mental health. Reflecting on these areas with kindness can help us celebrate progress and bring compassion to our struggles.
Sample Questions:
“What positive habits did I develop for my physical health this year?”
“How did I make space for rest and recovery, and what effect did that have?”
“What challenges did I encounter with my mental health, and how did I manage them?”
When reflecting on health, remember that growth in this area is not linear. Rather than focusing on where you may have “fallen short,” consider incremental progress and times when you prioritised self-care, no matter how small.
Unhelpful Thinking to Watch For: All-or-nothing thinking. It’s easy to label goals as “successes” or “failures,” but true progress happens in small steps. Reflecting on these helps us appreciate the journey.
Relationships and Connections
Our relationships—whether with family, friends, partners, or colleagues—shape our year. Reflecting on these connections helps us see how we give and receive support, foster joy, and grow through shared experiences.
Sample Questions:
“Who did I feel most connected to this year, and how did they support me?”
“What role did I play in supporting others, and how did that impact my relationships?”
“Were there any relationships that felt strained? How could I bring more compassion to these experiences?”
When reflecting on relationships, focus on the connections that brought you fulfilment and on ways you contributed positively to others’ lives. If some relationships were challenging, consider how empathy and open communication could play a role in the future.
Unhelpful Thinking to Watch For: Mind reading. Instead of assuming what others thought, base your reflection on your experiences and feelings. Remember, the only thoughts we truly know are our own.
Work and Personal Growth
Our work lives offer endless opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and find fulfilment, even when challenges arise. Reflection in this area helps highlight our achievements and the resilience we’ve built.
Sample Questions:
“What projects or accomplishments am I most proud of in my work this year?”
“What new skills or knowledge did I develop that helped me grow?”
“How did I handle setbacks or feedback, and what did I learn about myself in the process?”
When looking back on work and growth, avoid letting a single setback overshadow months of progress. Think about moments when you adapted, learned, or took on a challenge. Growth often appears in ways we don’t immediately recognise.
Unhelpful Thinking to Watch For: Catastrophising. When we see challenges as overwhelming, they can feel paralysing. Instead, consider each setback as a step in learning and resilience-building.
Finances and Material Wellbeing
Money is often a source of both goals and stress, so reflecting on financial wellbeing can be a powerful exercise in appreciating our values and choices.
Sample Questions:
“What financial goals did I achieve, and how did I manage my resources effectively?”
“Did I spend or save in ways that brought me joy or peace of mind?”
“What are my values around money, and how well did I align with those this year?”
Reflecting on financial wellbeing can often reveal unexpected areas of fulfilment, like spending money on experiences rather than things or saving for future goals. Try to approach this reflection with an open mind about your personal growth.
Unhelpful Thinking to Watch For: Black-and-white thinking. Financial success isn’t about being “good” or “bad” with money but rather making choices that align with our values and bring us stability and joy.
Personal Enjoyment and Fulfilment
Hobbies, interests, and time for ourselves are essential for wellbeing. Reflecting on what brought you joy or helped you feel fulfilled can remind you to prioritise these activities.
Sample Questions:
“What activities brought me joy or helped me feel fulfilled?”
“How did I make time for hobbies, passions, or relaxation?”
“How did I nurture my creativity or curiosity this year?”
Personal fulfilment often lies in seemingly small moments—reading a good book, practising a skill, or simply relaxing. Reflecting on these moments can encourage you to carry them forward into 2025.
Unhelpful Thinking to Watch For: Disqualifying the positive. Sometimes, we discount small moments of enjoyment, viewing them as less important. But fulfilment is built from these little moments, and appreciating them can greatly improve our quality of life.
Conclusion
Quick check-in: Are you being kind to yourself during this reflection? As you conclude your reflection on 2024, remember that self-kindness is key. Acknowledge both your progress and your challenges with compassion. Reflecting on the past year is not about criticising perceived shortcomings but about learning, growing, and preparing to enter 2025 with renewed hope and insight.
Consider jotting down one or two intentions based on your reflections. These intentions can serve as gentle reminders as you journey into the next year. And remember, if this reflection brings up difficult emotions or areas where you feel stuck, it’s okay to reach out for support. Speaking with a therapist (such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist) or a trusted individual can provide new perspectives and help guide you toward the clarity and compassion you deserve.
About the author
Swee is a seasoned counsellor and parenting coach at The Counselling Place Singapore. With over 7 years of clinical experience, Swee supports individuals and parents coping with various challenges. She is also certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Women’s Reproductive Mental Health, and crisis intervention (ASIST).
She fosters a safe, non-judgmental space for self-empowerment and growth, with a special interest in working with trauma, relationships, mental wellness, domestic violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues.