The strange thing about time is that it moves so quickly in the moment, yet when you pause and look back, the year suddenly feels rich with memories, lessons, and small moments that shaped you in ways you didn’t always realise at the time.

That’s why the week between Christmas and New Year — that cosy, slightly floaty, slow-paced stretch of days — is the perfect opportunity to sit quietly with your thoughts and explore the year you’ve just lived. It doesn’t have to be daunting or serious; even a few honest lines in a notebook can help you process, let go, appreciate and look forward.

Here are 20 gentle but thought-provoking journal prompts to help you reflect, reset, and step into the new year with clarity and intention.

20 Journal Prompts for Year-End Reflection

1. What is something you’re proud of yourself for this year?

Big or small — both matter.

2. What challenged you the most, and what did it teach you?

Challenges often contain hidden wisdom.

3. Which moment from this year still makes you smile?

Let yourself really relive the warmth.

4. What is one way you surprised yourself?

A strength, a decision, a moment of courage.

5. Who made your year better, and how?

Gratitude strengthens connection.

6. What habit improved your wellbeing this year?

And is it something you want to continue?

7. What’s something you let go of — or wish you had?

Letting go is often an act of self-care.

8. What did you learn about yourself?

We grow quietly, even when we don’t notice.

9. What was a highlight of your year?

Choose the one that feels most true right now.

10. What drained your energy, and how can you protect it next year?

Boundaries don’t need to be loud to be powerful.

11. What brought you joy in an unexpected way?

The little things can be the biggest gifts.

12. What did you nurture this year?

A relationship, a hobby, your health, confidence, etc.

13. What did you avoid, and why?

Honesty here is the doorway to growth.

14. What felt meaningful to you this year?

Meaning looks different for everyone.

15. What is one thing you wish you had done more of?

This is a gentle nudge for next year.

16. What is one thing you wish you had done less of?

Awareness creates change.

17. What did this year teach you about rest?

Do you give yourself enough of it?

18. What memory from this year feels like a turning point?

It can be tiny. Turning points don’t always announce themselves.

19. What do you want to take into next year with you?

Mindset, habits, routines, relationships — anything.

20. What do you want to leave behind as the year ends?

Give yourself permission to release it.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on your year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — sometimes all it takes is a few gentle prompts and a quiet moment to yourself. Whether your year felt full, messy, magical, challenging, or a bit of everything all at once, taking the time to pause and look back is such a powerful act of self-awareness.

Journaling isn’t about perfection or beautiful handwriting or having all the answers. It’s simply about showing up for yourself. These prompts are here to guide you, ground you, and help you make sense of the year you’ve just lived.

A Little Note from Me to You

Before you go, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your support this year — for reading, sharing, commenting, and being part of this little corner of the internet. It truly means the world to me.

I hope these prompts help you reflect, reset, and step into the new year feeling refreshed and hopeful.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.

I can’t wait to share even more with you in the months ahead.