The beginning of a new year is often a time of reflection, of assessment, of looking back over the last 12 months. Looking at what we achieved or not achieved, of the goals we’ve set ourselves and completed, as well of those we are still working on, or ones that we have abandoned. We look at the relationships that have blossomed or withered and those that we have maintained. We contemplate the major events that have occurred during the year, from births, deaths, and marriages, to moving areas, changing jobs. Some of the things we reflected upon may be huge shifts and changes, while others smaller yet significant.

Time pass constantly and markers in this passage such as a new year offer us this time to reflect.

As everyone experiences the New Year there is a sense of a collective assessment. This can be seen in the Best of/Worst of lists for books, films, and music to name a few as well as noticing social and cultural shifts that have occurred. Many people make New Years resolutions, a list of changes they wish to make, of goals they want to strive towards. Some collectively such as Dry January and Veganuary, others more personal. 

A New Year is often seen as a change of a new beginning, a fresh start. While we can not erase the past, we can learn from it and move on from it.

What have you been reflecting on? What changes do you want to make? What do you want to be different and what to you want to stay the same?

Taking a moments pause to reflect and contemplate can really help us to figure out what it is we really need or want from our life ahead. We can learn a lot from looking back and seeing where we’ve come from. But sometimes this can be difficult and confusing.The past might be hard to let go off and we may not know what it is that we want from the future. Counselling can help you work through this and help you understand yourself a little better. 

What ever your goals, plans or wants for the new year therapy can help you with self discovery and development.