Heartbeats and Horizons: Reflecting and Dreaming

It seems I always wrap up a year with 2 things: reflections and dreams. I can't help but think about the year that's ending and the one just beginning and I often use this time to process the joys and struggles while preparing my heart for what lies ahead.

For many years now, I've been journaling about the experiences I've had throughout the year and the ways I've seen God's hand touching it all. Something inside of me also gets a little excited when I think about the possibilities a new year can hold. Walking with God is always an adventure!

In some ways, 2023 was a hard year. While I don't talk much about it, I've faced the challenge of being a single woman in her mid-thirties and longing for someone to share this beautiful life with while also realizing that the season of life I'm experiencing is such a gift. Such. A. Gift. I was just telling someone the other day about how much growing through the struggle has changed me as a person. It's a choice we make to keep moving, to not get stuck in the struggle, and to resolve within ourselves that life, no matter what it looks like, is worth living and living fully. I couldn't do it without the Lord's help! I'm resilient. I'm strong. I'm seeking joy and living life to the fullest and in many ways I'm having the time of my life. But, I realize so fully that this joy doesn't come without struggle. What do we do when the prayers we've been praying haven't been answered? How do we pick ourselves up when things we thought would work out just don't? I'm living proof that while 2023 didn't look like I thought it would, it has turned out much better than anything I could've dreamed up and this time has been so sweet.

I've traveled to some beautiful places, I've tasted delicious foods, I've made new friends, had new beginnings, and found so much joy along the journey.

With all this in mind, I've decided to share with you my year-end routine. While I journal throughout the year, I spend a little extra time in these final days of the year reflecting and dreaming. I process the year as a whole and ask God for direction for the new year. I take an inventory of where things are at in my life and where I would like for them to be, but more importantly, where God would like for them to be. I ask myself lots of questions and spend time pondering the answers. Some are quick, but some are slow. I spend lots of time in the quiet so that I can hear His whispers a little better.

If you'd like to do the same but you're not sure where to start, I've compiled a journal to get you started! These are the questions I'm working through this year. There are over 40 pages, but pick and choose the questions that speak to you. Don't feel obligated to answer everything! It can be overwhelming! Half of the journal is devoted to reflecting on 2023 and the other half is dedicated to dreaming into 2024 from a faith-based perspective.

I hope this helps you as you prepare to turn the page of another chapter and I'm praying you'll find joy and abundant blessings in 2024!

-Kindall

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