In this New Year's Eve episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, mental health counselors Lucy and Travis discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year, setting goals for the new year, all while learning to embrace the struggles and hopes that come with growth. Through metaphors, personal stories, and practical advice, they encourage you to approach the new year with realistic expectations, self-compassion for unmet goals of the past, and openness to God's presence.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Reflection: Lucy and Travis emphasize setting aside dedicated time for reflection, especially around the new year, to look back on the past year's events—both successes and difficulties—and to recognize areas of growth, blessings, and places where God was present.
2. Goal-Setting and Hope: Instead of strict resolutions, Lucy and Traivs encourage setting hopes, intentions, or areas of attention for the new year. They discuss the value of giving oneself permission to hope and to fail without shame, viewing growth as a gradual process.
3. Having Self-Compassion: Lucy and Travis discuss the importance of approaching reflection and intention-setting with gentleness and curiosity rather than urgency or perfectionism. They acknowledge the fear of failure and encourage listeners to accept their own journeys, recognizing the incremental nature of real change and the value of persistence.

Reflection Questions for 2025:

1. Where has the Lord walked with me this past year?
2. Where did I try to walk without the Lord?
3. How has my prayer life changed?
4. How has my trust in His plan changed?
5. What are three good things He brought into my life this past year?
6. How has He pursued my heart this past year?

Questions to Ponder for 2026:

1. What hopes do I have to share with the Lord?
2. How do I want to seek Him more fully?
3. How can I become more bold in my prayer?
4. Are there ways I want to put more effort into my prayer life?
5. Are there virtues I know I need to focus on pursuing?
6. How can I seek His mercy and love out more?

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:34 Practical Tips for Reflecting on the Past Year

07:06 Why Reflection Matters

14:18 Healthy vs Unhealthy Expectations for Change

16:03 A Balanced Approach to Making Resolutions

19:59 Dealing with the Fear of Failure

23:12 The Meaning of Hope and Responding to God's Love

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