Looking Back to Move Forward
Every year, I have this little ritual: I sit down with a warm cup of coffee (or tea, depending on my mood) and write a summary of my year. It’s not just a list of accomplishments or goals but also a reflection on what made me laugh, what made me cry, and everything in between.
When I revisit these yearly summaries, I can’t help but chuckle. Things that once felt like the end of the world now seem almost comical. “Really, girl? This is what had you crying for days? A piece of cake, looking back!” It’s like I’m reading about someone else’s drama, someone I’ve outgrown. And that’s the beauty of it: we’re always growing, always evolving, and yet we forget to notice how far we’ve come.
We Are Our Own Harshest Critics
Have you ever noticed how much more forgiving you are toward others than toward yourself? We set sky-high expectations for ourselves and then beat ourselves up when we don’t meet them. Mistakes replay in our minds like a broken record, making us forget that they’re part of being human.
But here’s the truth: you are doing better than you think. Every challenge you’ve faced, every tear you’ve cried, and every sleepless night has shaped you into who you are today. The things that once seemed insurmountable are now part of your story — stories you can laugh at, learn from, and share to inspire others.
The hidden in the Ordinary
That one time you stood up for yourself? That was courage. It wasn’t just a moment — it was you deciding that your voice mattered, that your feelings deserved respect, even if it felt uncomfortable at the time.
That moment you comforted a friend? That was kindness. You might not have solved their problem, but you showed them they weren’t alone. Sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing you can offer someone.
That day you kept working on something that felt impossible? That was perseverance. You didn’t give up, even when doubt whispered in your ear. You showed up, and that’s a victory in itself.
The time you paused to hold the door open for someone? That was thoughtfulness. It showed that you saw them, that you cared enough to make their day a little easier.
The day you let yourself cry instead of bottling it all up? That was emotional bravery. It was you acknowledging your feelings instead of pretending they didn’t exist — a quiet act of self-compassion.
The evening you spent teaching your little brother how to solve a math problem? That was patience and love. You shared your time and energy, not for praise, but simply because you wanted to help him succeed.
The morning you smiled at a stranger? That was warmth. You didn’t know their story, but your smile might have been exactly what they needed to get through the day.
The afternoon you stopped scrolling and called your parents just to say hello? That was gratitude. It was your way of showing them that they matter, even when life gets busy.
The moment you admitted you were wrong and apologized? That was humility. It’s not easy to swallow your pride, but it showed your strength in valuing relationships over ego.
The time you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something new? That was courage again — the kind that quietly whispers, “What if it works out?” instead of shouting, “What if it doesn’t?”
Every single action we take, no matter how small, is a reflection of the values we carry and the strength within us. We tend to dismiss these moments because they don’t come with applause or recognition. But they’re there — shining examples of your mental, emotional, and social growth.
Yesterday’s Struggles, Today’s Punchlines
When I read my old summaries, I laugh at my past self — not out of judgment, but out of love. That younger version of me didn’t know how strong she was or how her struggles would shape her into someone more resilient.
So, laugh at your past self, too. Laugh at the moments when you took life too seriously, when you cried over things that no longer matter, and when you doubted your worth. Those moments didn’t break you; they built you.
My nerdy mathematical description for it:
Future = ∫(Growth(t) dt) from Past to Present + f⁻¹(Self-Reflection)
Where:
Growth(t) represents the continuous development over time.
f⁻¹(Self-Reflection) is the inverse function of looking inward to learn from the past.
The integral signifies that progress is cumulative, built on all the little moments that add up to a transformed self.
Celebrate it
You’re not the same person you were a year ago. You’ve grown in ways you might not even realize. Maybe you’ve learned to set boundaries, to speak up for yourself, or to find joy in the little things. Celebrate those wins, no matter how small they seem.
Moving Forward with Grace
As you head into the new year, I encourage you to start your own reflection ritual. Write down what made you proud, what you learned, and what you hope to achieve. And when you look back a year from now, be kind to yourself. Recognize your growth, forgive your mistakes, and celebrate your journey.
Because life is a series of transformations, and each version of you deserves love, respect, and gratitude.
