15 Writing Prompts for End of Year Reflecting and Manifesting

Dear 2021, 

I thought 2020 challenged me but you showed up at my front door with an excavator and a permit — ready to work! It turned out that in 2020, we were just getting started. 

You showed me a new way to be.

There was so much hope going into this year — my declared theme was deeper, not wider. 

I'm proud to say I stuck to that. I knew that 2021 would be more of the same — just at a faster pace. 

There was one big difference, though — my attitude. 

I had no idea just how much change would come my way. And so ironic for a year that I was publishing a book all about intuitively navigating change. I had no idea we'd move states. And especially that we'd move a total of three times in one year. Even that was a bit much for me. 

Last year I wrote a letter to 2020. You can read that here.

I wrote a letter to 2021. Here are some personal highlights:

Dear 2021, thank you for showing me…

• when I could stick to my theme of deeper, not wider

• how 2021 would be more of the same — just at a faster pace

• the best teachers

• the perfect timing for publishing my book

• when it was time to draft the next book. 

• how to work less — I didn’t really “grow” in terms of increasing revenue, but I did increase profit, adjust my pricing, launched two new services, a book, and worked 271 fewer hours this year as compared with 2020. (BUT if I calculate revenue divided by hours worked, I actually DID make more money this year) — which is a massive win after moving three times this year.

• why I needed to stop looking for answers outside of me (including from oracle cards) and journey inward instead 

• to clear my mind and body

• where to look to heal — I healed shit I didn't know was there to heal

• how essential it is to deepen the relationships that matter most — namely myself

I invite you to write a letter to the previous year.

… or a letter to yourself on December 21 (winter solstice)

…or December 31 if you prefer.

… or both. Write a letter to the previous year and your future self.

Here are some writing prompts for your end-of-year reflection and looking ahead to what you’ll manifest next.

Take a look at this list and choose a few to free-write on. Maybe even take these prompts to your morning pages practice.

1. What were the most magical moments of the year? I suggest going through a journal, planner, or calendar to capture the highlights.

2. What adventures did you go on this year?

3. Where did you find inspiration? Did it surprise you?

4. Did you dream big? Why or why not?

5. What fears did you release?

6. Where are you taking risks?

7. What did you think you'd see in December?

8. Visualize your personal timeline for the coming year. Draw it if you like.

   • Where does it take you?

   • What stops are essential along the way?

   • What are your favorite stops?

9. Does this timeline feel right to you? Edit however you see fit. 

10. Dream big. Make a list of all the beautiful experiences you'd like to have. No editing or judging.

11. Choose 1-3 big life goals and 1-3 more business goals. Brainstorm a list of actions you'll take to start making progress toward one goal.

12. Imagine your future self sitting you down. 

    • What do they want from you? 

    • What do they show you?

13. What if you went into the next year knowing it would be a wild ride? How do you want that ride to end?

14. What does your big writing project need from you? More attention, love, care, quiet time?

15. Where are you feeling fired up, angry, or passionate?

Take your letter and tuck it in a safe place so you can revisit it a few times during the year — no need to wait until December.

And like any great writer, feel free to edit and improvise along the way.

Want more writing prompts? Play with some of these next:

• Inspiring Astrology Writing Prompts for Creative Businesses

• 15 simple and powerful writing prompts to help clear the noise from your head

• Writing Prompts to Reflect on the Year (plus my personal lessons)

• 12 fun writing prompts to help craft a standout about page

• 15 writing prompts for a sales page that does its job—sells!

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For even more writing prompts, follow the journey inside my 2023-published book, Intuitive Writing.