End of Year Review

On the first lightening of dawn, up from the meadow where it has slept, the small brown Skylark begins its climb. Up,up in ever widening circles, the lark flies skyward until it disappears from sight. But all the while, although the bird cannot be seen, a flood of melodious song comes pouring down. Each day carries the promise of a new beginning.

It is the end of 2007, a time to reflect on the year and to begin to prepare for 2008. It is the time for me to sit with paper and pen and begin. Before I look towards 2008 I am taking a trip back over 2007- a reality check. Last year at this same time I made a plan for 2007 and I am looking at my calendar and notes, my journal and my feelings to assess how the year went. I look at all the areas of my life: appearance, career, family, animals, friends, fun, health, home, money, personal development, service and spirituality. I will question what I said I wanted to do or accomplish and what happened in 2007. What surprised me? What do I want more or less of for 2008? What was I proud of? What can I do better? Was my life in balance?

After doing my in-depth review of 2007, I will let it sit for a few days. When I pick it up again I will be looking at 2007 from a different perspective. Did the year 2007 take me where I wanted to go? Am I on my path? My mission in life is to feel joyful as I travel through it, to connect with others in healthy, value-added and purposeful relationships. Did I do that? Did my year reflect my values and did I live up to them? I have ten word symbols that describe who I am at my core, my uniqueness as a person. A couple of them are reading, nature, and Daisy Mae. Did I honor my uniqueness?

I'll put my project down again for a few days and then I will move on to the next year. Using 2007, my life ares, my values and my ten word symbols I will plan for 2008. I will think about what I want to have more or less of. What, at the end of the year, will make me proud or happy to have accomplished?

My review and then my 2008 plan will help guide me in the coming year and the choices I make with be more on purpose. I am a Skylark,