December Reflections - Pause, Reflect and Celebrate

A month to take a moment with ourselves

I’m writing this month’s letter from a lounge, in front of the fire, no oat milk cappuccino this time, but a warming glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine.

I’m in the South of England, enjoying precious family time and the quieter pace that December invites. I used to wear busy like a badge of honour.

Over the past year, though, I’ve learned the value of slowing down, of pausing with intention, reflecting honestly, and celebrating the wins (no matter how small they might feel).

As the year draws to a close, many of us are fortunate to spend time with family, reconnect with hobbies, or enjoy moments of rest. And yet, for those juggling celebrations, wrapping presents, preparing food, and holding everything together, rest is often the first thing to slip. December, perhaps more than any other month, reminds us that self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity.

Why reflection helps creates balance

One of the grounding principles of coaching is moving from telling to asking. Peter Bluckert describes coaching as an inside-out process, rather than an outside-in one, built on the belief that we know more than we think we do, and that reflection helps us unlock our own answers.

This idea has stayed with me. Reflection isn’t about judgement or performance, it’s about learning. It’s about giving ourselves permission to pause, notice, and understand what we’ve experienced before rushing into what comes next.

A favourite quote I learned from an inspiring young leader, Sami Gichki, former Chair of the #IWill Movement, captures this beautifully: “Never measure yourself against someone else’s ruler.”

At this time of year, when reflections and achievements are shared so openly, it’s easy to fall into comparison. But the only journey we can truly measure is our own and the most valuable progress is often invisible to others.

Planning with intent (not pressure) 

December is often the moment when big resolutions appear, bold promises to do better, be better, change everything. And yet, so often, those intentions fade under the weight of expectation.

An article I found helpful (you can read it here) explored why resolutions rarely work, and what does instead. The key takeaway? Sustainable change comes from intentional reflection, not pressure or perfection.

Last year, a friend introduced me to Mel Robbins’ six reflection questions, a simple framework Mel and her husband have used for over 20 years. It’s centered around living by choice rather than chance, and I’ve found it a gentle, practical way to reflect without overwhelm.

You can listen here if you’re curious How to Make 2026 the Best Year - Mel Robbins

Combined with my coaching journey, these ideas have shaped this month’s three takeaways...

Three takeaways

1.      Pause to reflect, clarity often comes from stillness.

2.      Celebrate the wins,  big or small, they fuel confidence and purpose.

3.      Balance is a practice, not a destination.

 If you’re proud of the year you’ve had, I hope this gives you space to capture and celebrate what’s worked, and to carry it forward. If this year has been one you’d rather forget, I hope reflection helps you gently reconnect with what matters, and find small steps toward more joy in the year ahead.

Thank you for being here, reading along, and sharing this journey with me. Here’s to pausing, reflecting, and celebrating, together.