Reflect, Release, and Manifest in 2026

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set powerful intentions for the year ahead.

Reflection allows us to acknowledge challenges, honor our growth, and consciously release—both emotionally and energetically—what no longer serves us. From that space, we can look toward 2026 with renewed hope, optimism, and gratitude. The lessons and experiences of this past year have shaped you in countless ways, quietly preparing you for what’s next and setting the stage for new possibilities.

Personally, the first half of 2025 was one of the most difficult and painful seasons of my life. There was deep uncertainty and moments of complete devastation—and yet, those very circumstances became a catalyst for profound transformation.

It was a time of grief, re-evaluation, resilience, self-discovery, reconnection, and growth. While I would never choose to relive that chapter, I can honestly say that without it, I would not be who I am today. My relationships, priorities, health, hobbies, and career would look very different.

And here’s the truth life continues to teach me: even in the hardest seasons, moments of joy, awe, love, peace, and gratitude still exist. Life is full of duality—many things can be true at the same time. Life holds difficulty and beauty and restoration. This both/and perspective allows us to honor our pain without losing sight of what is still meaningful and life-giving.

So let’s also celebrate the wins, big and small, that occurred this year. Each one matters and has brought you closer to your highest self.

📝 A Gentle Year-End Reflection Ritual

Below are simple yet meaningful practices and journal prompts to help you reflect, release, and intentionally close out 2025—so you can step into 2026 feeling more aligned, grounded, and clear.

You don’t need to answer every question. Follow what resonates most with you.

1. Reflect with Gratitude

Take a few moments to reflect on your experiences from 2025. Writing your answers in a journal can be especially helpful for you to review later. Reflection helps you appreciate your journey and recognize the strength within you.

Start by listing 3-5 things from this year that felt meaningful or significant to you—personally, professionally, or spiritually. Then consider these prompts:

What were some challenges you faced or overcame this year?

Ex: “I finally had that difficult conversation and set healthier boundaries.”

Ex: “I stayed present with grief instead of numbing it.”

What new skills or insights did you gain?

Ex: “I learned to slow down without guilt and listen to my body.”

Ex: “I realized the importance of doing things simply because they bring me joy.”

When did you feel most joyful or connected?

Ex: “Taking long walks in nature without distractions.”

Ex: “Laughing with friends, family, or spending time with pets I love.”

What unexpected blessing came your way?

Ex: “A deeper sense of peace and self-trust.”

Ex: “Rediscovering a hobby I had forgotten about.”

How did you grow emotionally or spiritually?

Ex: “I practiced self-compassion instead of self-criticism.”

Ex: “I trusted my intuition and honored my inner wisdom more often.”

🌱 Taking a Holistic Look at Your Life

Next, consider these 8 key areas of your life. Rate your level of satisfaction in each one on a scale of 1–10 (with 10 being amazing). Doing so will help you assess your needs and make changes more aligned with your core values and a fulfilling life. You don’t need to focus on every category—notice what stands out.

Significant Other/Romance 

• Do I feel loved, respected, connected, and supported in my relationship?     
• What’s one way I could provide and ask for more understanding, quality time, and intimacy?    
• How can I express more appreciation for my partner and/or ask to receive it?

Family and Friends

• Who has been my greatest source of support this year?
• Are there relationships I’d like to strengthen or reconnect with?
• What boundaries might I need to set to protect my energy?

Career

• Do I feel fulfilled, challenged, and find enjoyment in my work?
• What’s one skill I’d like to develop to advance my career?
• How aligned is my work with my long-term goals?

Finances

• Am I managing my finances in a way that supports my goals and values?
• What’s one step I could take to improve my financial health?
• How confident do I feel about my financial future?

Health 

• Am I prioritizing my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being?
• What’s one habit I can implement to improve my health?
• How do I feel about my energy levels and vitality?

Fun and Recreation

• How often did I make time for hobbies or activities that bring me joy?
• What’s one new activity I’d like to try in 2026?
• Am I allowing myself to fully enjoy moments of fun and relaxation?

Personal & Spiritual Growth

• How much time did I dedicate to self-reflection or learning this year?
• What’s one spiritual or personal practice I’d like to establish or enhance?
• How connected do I feel to my faith, God/My Higher Power/the Universe, myself, and purpose?

Physical Environment (home/work)

• Does my environment support my productivity and well-being?
• What’s one change I can make to create a more peaceful or inspiring space?
• How do I feel about the energy of my surroundings?

2. Release What No Longer Serves You

Write down anything from 2025 you’re ready to let go of—habits, patterns, limiting beliefs, or feelings like fear, doubt, or resentment. Use the questions to guide you: 

What drained your energy this year?

Ex: “Overgiving, people-pleasing, and not prioritizing my self-care.”

Ex: “Saying yes to requests or activities when I wanted to say no.”

Ex: “Time spent in superficial, unsupportive, or unhealthy interactions or relationships.” 

What beliefs held you back?

Ex: “I have to earn rest, love, or acceptance.”

Ex: “I’m not good enough, lovable, or worthy to go after that dream, date that person, find another partner or job, ask for a raise, etc .”

What’s one thing you’re ready to forgive—yourself or someone else—for?

Ex: “Not knowing then what I know now.”   

Ex. “Not being what I hoped, wanted, or needed them to be.”

Limiting belief → Empowering belief practice

To transform a limiting belief into an empowering one, try this exercise:

• Limiting belief: “I’m… not good enough, too old, not talented enough to….”                     
• Empowering belief: “I am capable, talented, and resourceful. I can take small steps toward my goal or dream.”
  
  
• Limiting belief: “I have to shrink my needs to keep the connection.”                                       
• Empowering belief: “My needs matter, and healthy relationships make space for honesty and mutual care.”
  
  
• Limiting belief: “If I express my needs or boundaries, I’ll be rejected or abandoned.”       
• Empowering belief: “Expressing my needs and boundaries strengthens the right relationships and protects my well-being.”
  

Focus on how you want to feel in 2026, and identify one small, realistic step that supports that feeling.

3. Manifest Mind, Body, and Soul–Aligned Goals

Manifestation is the process of bringing something tangible into your life through attraction and belief. By focusing on your desires and maintaining a positive mindset, you can attract wonderful experiences, people, and opportunities to you.

Now gently envision the life you want to create and experience in 2026. Really feel the emotions and sensations in your body of all of your desires being realized. Trust that the universe is working in your favor while you take action to make your dreams a reality. 

What’s one bold step I can take?

Ex: “I say yes to experiences that excite me.”

Ex: “I choose rest without guilt.”                         

Ex: “I set boundaries that protect my time, energy, and peace.”                         

Ex: “I spend more time doing what nourishes me and less time doing what drains me.”

How can I prioritize self-care?

Ex: “Start each day with 10 minutes doing something enjoyable.”

What relationships do I want to nurture?

Ex: “Create more intentional time with people who feel safe, supportive, and aligned.”

Write down 1–5 intentions for the year ahead, focusing on small, achievable steps.

🕯️ A Simple Intention-Setting Ritual 

Light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and reflect on your intentions.

Repeat an affirmation such as:

“I am open to receiving the abundance, clarity, and joy available to me.”

I'm wishing you a gentle close to the year and a meaningful beginning to the next!

🌟 Want Support Bringing This to Life? 

If you’d like personalized support 💝 in aligning your goals, healing old patterns, or creating a more intentional and fulfilling 2026, I’d love to work with you! I offer individual sessions designed to support emotional healing, clarity, and soul-aligned growth. 

Click here to learn how we can work together! 👉🏼 Work With Kristi