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A Cozy End-Of-Year Reflective Ritual to Usher in 2025

Hey, Love.

I’m writing this email to you while snuggled up under a cozy blanket next to a dancing fire on Christmas Eve. I feel sentimental as I take in the stockings hanging above the fireplace, the garland and fairy lights twinkling on the mantle, and the family of plushy gnomes that have all brought a sense of magic and wonder to these December evenings.

Soon, it will be time to remove them from their perch to make room for a new year. But before releasing the gentle magic of the holiday season, I will engage in one of my favorite rituals… and I wanted to invite you to join in. 🤗

This cozy end-of-year reflection involves writing a love note to your 2024 self to root deeply in the learnings of the past year while opening to the new energy awaiting you in 2025.

Doesn’t that sound lovely? Let’s begin. 💛

Here are the steps I follow, though please feel free to make this practice your own.

1. Create a cozy space 🕯️🎶

Energy flows where intention goes. Take a moment to create a sacred space for reflection, and plan to set aside 30-60 minutes with minimal interruptions. Perhaps it will feel good to dim the lights, gather your cozy slippers and blanket, burn some essential oils, grid your favorite crystals, or play healing sounds – whatever helps bring you into the moment as you crack open your journal and click your favorite pen.

2. Reflect on 2024 holistically 

When you’re all settled in, using your journal, reflect on each of the following areas: body, mind, heart, spirit, relationships, and work. In what ways did you grow? What lessons did you learn? What do you need more or less of?

Be gentle here; simply observe and note any insights without judgment. Perhaps these questions will be helpful to guide you in your journaling practice.

🫁 Body:

  • How did I nurture and care for my physical health this year?
  • What new habits or practices did I adopt to support my body’s well-being?
  • In what ways did I listen to and honor my body’s needs?
  • How do my habits affect my energy levels and overall health?
  • What signs of stress or fatigue does my body show, and how can I address them?

🧠 Mind:

  • In what ways have I expanded my knowledge or skills, and where do I want to grow next?
  • How did I challenge my thinking or expand my perspectives?
  • What mental habits did I cultivate to support my overall well-being?
  • What thoughts or beliefs have held me back this year, and how can I reframe them?
  • How do I manage stress and anxiety, and what new techniques can I try to improve my mental resilience?

💛 Heart:

  • What moments brought me the most joy and fulfillment this year?
  • How did I practice self-compassion and emotional self-care?
  • In what ways did I express and receive love and kindness?
  • What emotions have I struggled with this year, and how can I process them in a healthy way?
  • How have I practiced self-love and compassion, and what additional steps can I take to nurture my emotional well-being?

✨ Spirit:

  • How did I connect with my inner self or higher purpose this year?
  • What practices helped me feel more grounded or spiritually aligned?
  • In what ways did I find or create meaning in my daily life?
  • How connected do I feel to my sense of purpose or spirituality this year?
  • What practices have helped me feel grounded or centered, and what new practices could enhance my spiritual growth?
  • In what ways can I incorporate mindfulness or meditation into my daily routine?

🫶 Relationships:

  • How did I nurture my most important relationships this year?
  • What new connections or friendships did I form?
  • Which relationships have positively impacted my life, and how can I nurture them further?
  • Are there any relationships that feel draining or unfulfilling? How can I address these feelings constructively?
  • In what ways did I effectively communicate my needs in my relationships, and what improvements can I make in this area?

📥 Work:

  • What was the most important lesson I learned about myself through my work this year?
  • What aspects of my work brought me the most joy and/or aligned most with my personal values and goals?
  • In what ways did my work impact my overall well-being, both positively and negatively?
  • How effectively did I set and maintain boundaries and/or balance in my professional life?
  • How did my work contribute to my sense of purpose or make a difference?

4. Release any stuck energy 🔥

If you find there are topics in 2024 that hold some stuck energy, consider engaging in a releasing ritual. Perhaps you can write them down on a piece of paper and then burn it in the fire or rip it up. Perhaps you can turn these feelings into beautiful expressive art. Or, my favorite method, perhaps you can turn inwards and identify where the stuck energy lives in your body. Be curious about its shape, color, and texture. Then speak to this energy directly, offering it love and forgiveness, and giving it permission to release its protective hold. (I just posted a video of this method for you on my Instagram.)

5. Pen a love note to yourself 💌

After concluding your journaling and releasing practices, write a love note to your 2024 self, briefly summarizing what you are most proud of as you reflect on what unfolded for you this year. Also pen down what wishes you hold for your 2025 self.

I invite you to approach this like a caring parent who is honoring you for how far you’ve come and offering you support for what’s ahead.

6. Close in gratitude 🙏

End your practice with gratitude for all the events (both positive and challenging) that have encouraged your growth so far and for the new experiences that await. This might be a beautiful moment to bring your hands to gassho (prayer; as we use in Reiki) and then to your third eye point.

I truly hope you find this cozy end-of-year ritual deeply meaningful. It is one of my favorites! I’d love to hear about your practice; please DM me on Instgram if you feel moved to share. 😊

Or, even better, I invite you to share your experiences with me in person at one of my upcoming healing events:

  • Restorative Sound Bath – Lewiston, NY 1/7/25
  • Self-Reiki Sanctuary (for students who have completed Reiki 1 training with me) – Lewiston, NY  1/21/25
  • Not in the Western NY area? I’ll be cooking up some virtual offerings for you really soon, so stay tuned! 😘

In love, Light, and healing, as always. And with TONS of gratitude for your support and friendship this year.

Namaste, friends.

Vera V. Chapman with smiling warmly in a soft pink kimono against a calming blue background

Vera is a Reiki Master Teacher and Energy Coach who helps women identify, clear, and heal blocked energy so they can move through grief and trauma, and become joyfully present in their lives again. She is a Board Certified Coach, Certified Sound Healer, Certified Yoga Teacher, and proud mama of two living children and one in the stars. She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Ph.D in Education. She has healed from deep grief and sexual trauma using the modalities she now teaches, and has authored a children’s book and healing affirmation cards to support grieving women and their families. Most importantly, she’s on a mission to make energy healing accessible to everyone.