As the year winds down, many of us naturally begin to take stock of the goals we met, the ones that slipped away, the surprises we didn’t see coming. This reflection can be powerful, but it can also stir up harsh self-judgment. We tend to measure ourselves by what we didn’t accomplish rather than all the growth that quietly unfolded along the way.
This is where self-compassion matters most. It invites you to replace criticism with curiosity, and disappointment with gentle honesty. Instead of asking, “Why didn’t I do better?” try asking, “What did I learn about myself this year?” or “How did I keep going when things were hard?”
The truth is, every year holds both light and shadow, wins and setbacks, joy and grief. Self-compassion helps you hold it all without turning against yourself. It reminds you that growth isn’t always visible; sometimes it’s simply the resilience to keep showing up, the courage to rest, or the grace to forgive yourself.
As you close this year, take a moment to appreciate your effort and not only your results.
Pause. Breathe. Acknowledge yourself.
