Traditionally, the end of one year and the start of another is a time for reflection.
However, there are many other milestones during the year that can be used as reminders to check in with yourself.
In a previous post, I shared Journaling Prompts for Spring, as this can be a great time of the year to reflect on any resolutions set in January or to identify new intentions for the remainder of the year.
A birthday can also be an opportunity for self-reflection and intention setting.
Living in a society where age is used as a marker for so many things, a lot of us subconsciously reflect on our lives when our birthday is approaching.
Some may wonder where the previous year has gone and what they have to show for the past 12 months.
Others may have packed a lot in and have a long list of things to celebrate.
Either way, intentionally taking time for self-reflection on your birthday can help to acknowledge any personal growth and achievements as well as clarify any dreams, desires and intentions that you hope to fulfil.
10 Birthday Self-Reflection Questions
- How do you feel about this birthday?
- How do you feel about ageing and people knowing your age?
- What are your most cherished moments of the past 12 months? What made these moments memorable?
- Who/what have you been enjoying or in love with over the past 12 months?
- What has surprised you most over the past 12 months?
- How have you changed since your last birthday?
- What have the past 12 months taught you?
- What are you ready to let go of?
- What are you open to welcoming into your life over the next 12 months?
- What do you hope to experience over the next 12 months?
Unsent Letter to Your Future Self
When you have reflected on the questions above, you may like to write a letter to yourself 12 months from now.
You might like to include any reminders, affirmations, lessons, words of encouragement or anything else you think you might appreciate reading a year from now.
Once you have written your letter, you can seal it in an envelope until your next birthday.
Alternatively, if you have a Gmail account, you can write an email to your future self and schedule it to be sent on your next birthday. (You can find instructions on how to do that here).
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For some, birthday self-reflection can be enlightening while for others, it can be disheartening.
Either way, taking time to acknowledge how you feel about the past 12 months or turning a year older, can give you clarity about what is working in your life, and anything you would like to change.
It can also inspire you to take the necessary actions to live a more intentional and fulfilled life.
For more prompts to inspire your journaling practice, follow on Instagram.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Great questions! Thank you for sharing them.