Family Reflections: Setting Goals and Intentions for the New Year in December

Holiday

As December unfolds, it brings with it the gentle transition from one year to the next. It’s a time when the world seems to slow down, and we find moments of reflection and contemplation. This December, why not gather your family for a meaningful tradition that involves looking back on the year that’s passing and setting intentions and goals for the one ahead? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through family reflections, helping you create a purposeful roadmap for the year to come.

**1. *Create a Cozy Space for Reflection:*
Choose a quiet, comfortable spot in your home where your family can gather without distractions. Light some candles, play soft music, or use dim lighting to create a serene atmosphere.

**2. *Review the Year:*
Start by discussing the highlights and challenges of the past year. Share your personal achievements, memorable experiences, and moments of growth as a family.

**3. *Express Gratitude:*
Take turns expressing gratitude for the blessings, big and small, that you’ve experienced over the year. Encourage family members to reflect on what they’re thankful for.

**4. *Set Intentions:*
Ask each family member to share their intentions for the upcoming year. These can be broad, such as fostering stronger relationships or cultivating mindfulness, or specific, like learning a new skill or traveling to a particular destination.

**5. *Discuss Family Goals:*
Identify goals that your family can work toward together. These might include committing to more quality family time, volunteering together, or embarking on a collective fitness journey.

**6. *Create a Vision Board:*
Gather magazines, old newspapers, and art supplies to create a family vision board. Each family member can cut out images and words that represent their personal intentions and goals. Display the vision board in a prominent place as a daily reminder.

**7. *Set SMART Goals:*
For more concrete objectives, guide your family in setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This method ensures that goals are well-defined and attainable.

**8. *Plan Regular Check-Ins:*
Schedule regular family meetings throughout the year to track progress on your goals and intentions. Celebrate successes, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust your plans as needed.

**9. *Create a Family Mission Statement:*
Work together to craft a family mission statement that encapsulates your shared values, goals, and intentions. This statement can serve as a guiding compass for your family’s actions and decisions.

**10. *Celebrate Your Journey:*
Remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Celebrate your achievements and milestones along the way, and don’t be too hard on yourselves if you face setbacks. It’s all part of the learning process.

**11. *Encourage Accountability:*
Hold each other accountable for your goals and intentions, gently reminding one another of your commitments. Support and motivate each other on your individual and collective journeys.

**12. *Embrace Change:*
Recognize that goals and intentions may evolve over time, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace change and adapt your plans to align with your family’s evolving priorities.

By engaging in family reflections and setting goals and intentions together, you not only strengthen the bonds with your loved ones but also create a shared sense of purpose for the year ahead. December’s quiet moments provide the perfect opportunity to embark on this meaningful journey, and as a family, you can step into the new year with clarity, intention, and a sense of unity.

December 21, 2023