Tamad (Lazy) to read? I speak the article (and ramble 😜) on the audio version. Or click here to skip to the year-end reflection questions.

Not feeling the ‘Life Design for New Year’ vibe? I have new podcast episodes you can check out instead!🙌🏻

For the majority of my conscious life, my sense of direction came, not from specific objectives, but from an ideal self. What kind of person do I want to be? What values do I want to live by? From these ideals and values, I made decisions and lived my life.

Tattoos as Reminders

My few tattoos serve as reminders of values and lessons learned.

* An equal sign because I believe that we should work towards equality. Each human and each being should be equal in dignity.

* A question mark reminds me to be curious and, should I live to be a wise abuela, that I should listen to other people’s stories and ideas because there's always something to learn or a new perspective to see through.

* A tattoo with arrows that point towards me reminds me to focus on the only thing I can control: myself. Everything else should be breathed out and let go. Woosahhh.

* A heart on my finger reminds me of important friendships and relationships that need care.

* Bonus tat? That of my doggie: Guylian. Just because.♥️

Entering the Chapter of Life Design

Having my personal values as my north star has been a pretty good guide. In terms of personal life goals and my professional career, it gave me the freedom to be agile and roll with the opportunities that came my way; learning about my strengths and passions with every project and experience.

But now, quite possibly for the first time in my life, I feel like I have more control in actively designing the life I want. Perhaps I've reached a point where I'm at peace with who I am? Is it because I’ve figured out what to live by? Maybe I’m more empowered now to act and take a leap? Or is it because I’ve found a home that’s right for me?

I’m not quite sure of the whys but I sense it's time to extend outward and design the world around me as best I can; set goals and just go for it!

Agur, 2023! Kaixo 2024.💪🏻

My sister Patoots sent me these exercises of reflection that, I think, are quite helpful. It's been an insightful exercise and a much-needed one considering I’m feeling lost (professionally)!😅 Here are a few of my main reflections:

* 2023 was the year... I ventured out of my comfort zone with enthusiasm. I let go of perfectionism and embraced the messiness of creation!

* Evolution of my Life in 2023:

* Shy No More: I now know I do not suck at small talk!🤣

* Feeling at Home: I feel at home in Donosti and am actively building my support systems.

* Amazing Connections: I have lovely friends, both old and new!

* What I'm Most Thankful for in 2023: New friendships that push me forward.

* My Theme for 2024: Purposeful Life Design

Have you taken a moment to check in with yourself and reflect on your 2023 highlights, achievements, and the lessons learned? What framework did you use? The self-help geek in me wants to know!😆 Share your process and thoughts pretty please.🥺

In return, I’m sharing the guide questions I answered!👇🏻 (Below ze photo.)

Year-end Reflection Questions

Before diving into the planning of the future, consider closing the year off with gratitude. Here are some guide questions and prompts taken from Lavendaire’s New Year Planning video.

* 2023 was the year in which...

* What is the highlight of this year? How would you describe it?

* Achievements and Highlights of the Year

* List them!

* What Worked this Year

* Describe your victories and successes.

* What Didn't Work this Year

* Recognize errors and failures. They are part of a successful life.

* Lessons Learned this Year

* What have you learned from the victories and failures?

* Evolution of My Life in 2023

* What has changed in your life this year?

* What I'm Most Grateful for in 2023

* Did you know that gratitude is one of the secrets to a happy life? ♥️

New Year Prep: Questions and Prompts

Now comes the more difficult part, setting our intentions for the next year. I find this particularly scary because… What if I fail? ARGH! What is it with failure!? I keep fearing it knowing full well that it’s the greatest teacher.

Here are the guide questions from Lavendaire’s goal setting video.

* My Theme for 2024

* What do you want your year to be about? What gift do you want to give yourself in this new year? The example from the video was "NOURISH." It could be happiness, balance, courage—whatever you want!

* How Can I Personify My Theme?

* What can I do, what changes can I make to make this theme real? Turn it into concrete actions and changes!

* How Do I Want to Evolve in 2023?

* In what aspects of yourself do you want to grow this year?

* What Do I Want to Let Go of in 2023?

* What things do you want to leave behind and consign to the past? What isn't serving you? Is it thinking too much about what others think? Negative thoughts?

* What Are My Main Goals and Why Do I Want These Goals?

* You won't want to overwhelm yourself and disperse your energy. Focus on 3-5 and make sure the WHY is clear.

* In What Area of My Life Do I Want to Focus on FIRST this Year?

* Think about all the different aspects of your life. In which one (just one) do you want to focus on FIRST? Maybe it's what you want to develop, or perhaps it's something you haven't paid enough attention to and needs your love.

* How Do I Want to Transform Myself in This Area?

* How would you like this area of your life to be in 1 year?

TLDR Version

No time? Here’s a quick exercise to help you figure out your direction. It’s from Kax Uson, an advocate and coach for women in tech, and who I had the privilege of interviewing to gain insights about imposter syndrome for pinoys and minorities.

* What do you want to do more of?

* What do you want to do less of?

* What do you want to learn?

* What can you stop doing? Want to stop doing?

I’m well-aware that these exercises won’t make my dreams a reality. I also know that new year is a sham and you can reset your life any day of the year… But I hope it brings me closer to figuring out what I wanttt.😵‍💫 If you’re lost (like me!😅) or if you think you have a way forward or if you just miss me 🤗, send me a messageee!💌

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janinayramirez.substack.com

Designing Life & Tattoos, 2023 Reflections