Your Personal Harvest: Reflecting on Wins This Year

Your Personal Harvest: Reflecting on Wins This Year

As we near the end of November, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on our personal “harvest” this year. While the concept of a harvest often brings to mind golden fields and autumnal feasts, it’s also a beautiful metaphor for our lives. Every goal we’ve worked toward, every challenge we’ve faced, every moment we’ve grown—these are the fruits of our labor. And they’re worth celebrating.

Let’s start with a little gratitude practice. (Don’t worry, this isn’t about being overly sentimental—it’s about acknowledging your effort and progress.) Whether you’re in the U.S. embracing the Thanksgiving vibe or elsewhere, this is a universal exercise in self-reflection and growth.

My 2024 Harvest: A Personal Reflection

This year has been a whirlwind in so many ways. One of my biggest wins has been training for my first half marathon. When I signed up with my girlfriends, I was excited but unsure if I’d stick with the plan. And, even with all the training and the race getting cancelled, completing the Superhalf’s is now my goal. Running isn’t something I’d always loved, but I wanted to challenge myself and find joy in the process. And wow, has it been a journey. From the early-morning runs where I questioned my sanity to the euphoric feeling of crossing longer distances or difficult speed training, every step has taught me resilience and patience.

But here’s the thing—this year hasn’t just been about running. Living in Spain has added its own layer of challenges, and my “harvest” has included a lot of personal growth in navigating life as an expat.

Madrid is a beautiful city, vibrant and full of opportunities, but let’s be real—building a life here hasn’t always been easy. For starters, there’s the language. Even though I speak Spanish, it’s not my first language, and I’ve had my fair share of hilarious (and awkward) misunderstandings. Like the moments I realized the idioms I’d memorized didn’t always land the same way they would in English. Little missteps remind me to laugh at myself and not take life too seriously.

Then there’s dating in Spain, which has been an adventure in its own right. Navigating cultural differences and dating norms has been both exciting and, let’s say, character-building. I’ve learned to approach it with an open mind and not get discouraged when things don’t work out. Every new connection, even the fleeting ones, has taught me something about myself and what I’m looking for in relationships in Spain.

And, perhaps most importantly, building a solid community here has been one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of my journey. When I first arrived, I didn’t have that built-in network of lifelong friends or family nearby. Making friends as an adult is no small feat, especially in a new country. But slowly, through pilates classes, running club, and saying “yes” to as many coffee meetups and dinners as possible, I’ve found my people. It’s still a work in progress, but every meaningful connection I’ve made this year feels like a win worth celebrating.

These challenges—balancing life abroad, language hurdles, building a social circle, and embracing cultural differences—have shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. Just like with my marathon training, the process has reminded me that growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Now, it’s your turn to reflect. What challenges have helped you grow this year? Maybe you faced something unexpected at work, started over in a new city, or embraced a part of yourself you’d been holding back. Wins don’t have to be perfect—they just need to reflect your effort and evolution.

3 Prompts to Reflect on Your Wins:

Here are some prompts to help you uncover and celebrate your personal harvest this year:

1. What’s one challenge you overcame, and how did it help you grow?
   Think about something that felt impossible at first. How did you tackle it? What did it teach you?

2. What’s one habit or practice you started this year that made a difference?
   Maybe it was as simple as drinking more water, meditating for five minutes a day, or walking after lunch. Small habits can have a big impact.

3. What’s one moment this year that brought you pure joy?
   Relive that moment. Was it a shared laugh with a friend, a solo adventure, or a quiet moment of contentment?

When you take time to reflect, you’ll start to see the patterns of growth and gratitude that might have gone unnoticed in the busyness of daily life.

The Power of Small Wins

Sometimes, we get caught up in chasing the big achievements and overlook the small victories that truly shape us. For me, one of those small wins was finding consistency in my skincare routine. It’s such a simple thing, but the act of taking ten minutes each morning and night to care for my skin became a grounding ritual. Those moments reminded me to slow down and prioritize myself, even on chaotic days.

What’s one small win for you? Maybe it’s something you started doing almost accidentally, but it stuck and made your life just a little better.

Let’s Celebrate Together 🌟

As we reflect on this year, let’s shift away from self-criticism and focus on celebration. Every step forward matters, and acknowledging your growth—no matter how small—sets a positive tone for what’s next.

Take a moment today to jot down your wins in a journal or on your Notes app or notion.

Prompt:
“What’s one thing you’re proud of this year? 🌟 Big or small, let’s celebrate the wins we’ve harvested.

I’ll kick things off: I’m proud of building the courage to sign up for races and the consistency to see it through. Now it’s your turn—what’s your harvest for 2024?

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