10 End-Of-Year Journal Prompts to Help Create the Life You Want

Journaling is sacred to me. I find that writing both liberates me and holds me firmly accountable to myself. Much like when I practice or teach yoga, I am wholly present as I essentially empty my brain onto paper. I enter into a flow state with no real destination in mind.

When I am done, the words on the page carry truths that I simply cannot avoid. Sometimes I am forced to sit with the discomfort of my thoughts. Other times, I revel in all that I have been able to create in my life, offering thanks for the beauty of it all. Whatever comes up, what I most appreciate and revere about journaling is its capacity to help me witness myself in each stage of life.

December, in particular, is my month for pause and introspection. I relish time spent reflecting on the previous year and beginning to sow seeds for what I hope will bloom in the new year. Though December is often flooded with work events and deadlines, I have learned from the past that alone time to write is essential for me, especially during the holidays.

So I set aside some time, light a candle, make some tea, and slip into the not-so-distant past through my journaling.

The following are journal prompts I use to guide my end-of-year reflections. Whether you go through them in order or choose just a few that resonate, I invite you to dive inward and plant your own seeds for the year to come.

10 End-Of-Year Journal Prompts

1. Describe in detail where you are physically, right now, in time and space. How does it feel to be here?
2. How are you feeling in the present moment? Boldly name any emotions that are arising, no matter what they are, and consider why they might be coming up for you.
3. Think back. Can you identify the peaks and valleys of each month for you this year? When you look back at the year as a whole, what feelings arise for you?
4. Of the feelings that arise, which do you want to leave behind?
5. Of the feelings that arise, which do you want to invite to follow you into next year?
6. List five moments in the past year when you experienced a feeling that you want to cultivate more of in the new year.
7. What allowed those moments to feel as they did? Was it the people around you, the achievement or attainment of a goal of some sort, or something more intangible?
8. What feelings can you embody or create space for that will allow for more of such moments in the coming year?
9. What do you want to call into your life in the new year—personally, professionally, spiritually, and otherwise? Be as general or as specific as you like.
10. Ponder where you are in the trajectory of calling your desires into your life. Consider what, if anything, may need to shift within you to allow this desire to arrive. If you like, identify one tangible step you can take in the new year to bring your desire closer to you, and commit to it.

I enjoy sealing my reflections by listing 10 offerings of gratitude.

When I can, I share my thanks with those I am grateful for. Once you have completed this journaling session, set a reminder for yourself to review your reflection in one year, if not sooner. Repeat this writing ritual at least once a year.

This article has been updated. Originally published in December 2021.

About Our Contributor

Milan Sundaresan is a 200 RYT yoga instructor teaching at Yoga Beach in San Francisco, Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma, as well as at international yoga retreats. While not on a yoga mat or outdoors, Milan practices as an immigration and human rights attorney, advocating for migrants seeking immigration status in the United States. Follow her on Instagram @milanyoga.