As the year comes to an end, there is often pressure to immediately focus on new goals and resolutions. However, meaningful intention-setting begins with reflection, taking time to acknowledge what the past year has held and what we may need to release before moving forward.
This approach was at the core of Flow & Reflect, our most recent yoga and guided journaling session held at Mood Studios. In this session, which combined mindful movement with structured reflection, participants were given a space to reflect on the past year, let go of whatever might have held them back, and create the space to move forward.
Why Letting Go Comes First
From a psychological perspective, letting go is not about erasing past experiences, but about processing them. When we don’t take time to acknowledge what the past year has held. Letting go doesn’t mean dismissing or forgetting the past. Instead, it involves:
- Recognising patterns that no longer serve us
- Releasing unrealistic expectations or self-criticism
- Acknowledging what we did our best with, given the circumstances
This process helps reduce emotional overload and creates more mental clarity, making it easier to move forward with intention rather than reaction.
The Role of Reflection in Mental Well-Being
Reflection is an important part of emotional regulation. When paired with grounding practices, such as mindful movement, it becomes easier to access a calmer, more regulated state. This is why combining yoga with journaling can be particularly effective: the body is given space to release tension, while the mind is guided to organise thoughts and emotions.
Setting Intentions vs. Making Resolutions
Once space has been created through reflection and letting go, intention-setting becomes more meaningful. Unlike resolutions, which often focus on rigid outcomes, intentions are about direction and values.
Setting intentions may involve asking:
What do I want to prioritise emotionally this year?
How do I want to respond to challenges?
What habits or boundaries will support my well-being?
This approach allows for flexibility and self-compassion, recognising that growth is rarely linear.
Moving Into the New Year with Clarity
As the year comes to a close, taking time to slow down can be just as important as planning for what is ahead. At TASE, guided journaling sessions are designed to create this kind of reflective space, combining evidence-informed psychological concepts with practical tools participants can continue using independently. To everyone who joined us in our previous sessions, thank you for sharing your time and space with us. We’re truly grateful for each of you, and we hope to welcome you again soon. If you missed this session, stay tuned for upcoming guided journaling experiences, as there will be more to come in the following new year.
