The holiday season is here, and I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by! Thanksgiving just wrapped up, and I had an amazing time reconnecting with my extended family, indulging in delicious food, and taking a well-deserved break with my hubby. Fun fact: Thanksgiving weekend also happens to be my wedding anniversary! So, we took a little trip together—just the two of us, no computers, no work, just quality time and deep conversations. It was refreshing!

But now, as we move toward the end of the year, I’m shifting my focus to planning and preparing for the New Year. I want to take you behind the scenes and share what I’m doing to set myself up for success in the coming year. This is part one of a two-part series, and today, I’ll be walking you through the first thing I’m doing to prepare for the New Year. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!

1. Reflecting and Seeking God’s Will in Prayer and Solitude

One of the most important things I do at the end of each year is take time to reflect. This isn’t just about making a list of what went well and what didn’t—it’s deeper than that. I’m looking back at my year with gratitude, acknowledging my wins, lessons learned, and even the moments that felt challenging.

My husband and I did an exercise on our anniversary trip where we each shared ten things we were grateful for about each other. It was such a powerful way to reflect on our journey together over the past year. It made me realize how much we’ve grown as individuals and as a couple.

But beyond personal relationships, I extend this reflection to every area of my life—my business, my personal growth, my family, my faith, and my purpose. I take time to journal about the things I’ve accomplished, the prayers that have been answered, the unexpected blessings, and even the setbacks that ultimately led to growth.

During this season, I also change my daily routine slightly. Normally, when I go for a morning walk or run, I listen to a podcast, sermon, or audiobook. But as I prepare for the New Year, I practice solitude instead. I use this quiet time to let God speak to my heart. I listen, reflect, and simply allow space for clarity and divine direction.

I don’t want to enter a new year running on autopilot. I don’t want to be led by trends, societal pressures, or my own emotions. I want to be led by God. So, I spend extra time in prayer, asking Him for guidance.

Here are some of the questions I’m asking in prayer:

• What do You want me to become in 2024?
• What is in my divine blueprint for this coming year?
• How should I grow in my business, my marriage, my parenting, and my service in church?
• What habits or mindsets do I need to release?
• What areas do I need to focus on more intentionally?

One of my favorite scriptures during this time is Jeremiah 33:3 (AMP): “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you and even show you great and mighty things, things which have been confined and hidden, which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.”

I don’t want to step into 2024 blindly. I want to know what God has in store for me and walk confidently in His plans. That’s why I take time to listen.

My Word for the Year

Another thing I do during this reflection period is seek my word for the year. I started this practice in 2016, and it has truly transformed how I approach each year. Instead of making endless resolutions, I ask God for a single word that will define my year and serve as my anchor.

For example, my word for 2023 was transformation. And let me tell you, it has been a year of transformation in every area of my life—personally, spiritually, and professionally.

So, as I prepare for 2024, I’m asking God, “What is my word for the year?” Once I receive clarity, I’ll share it with you. But if you’ve never done this before, I encourage you to try it! Ask God to reveal a word that will guide you through the year. It might surprise you how impactful this simple practice can be.

The Power of Gratitude in Reflection

Reflection isn’t just about reviewing what happened—it’s also about gratitude. And I mean deep, heartfelt gratitude. I take time to thank God for everything. Not just the big wins, but the small moments too. The prayers He answered and even the ones He didn’t because, looking back, I now see why some doors needed to remain closed.

I go through the months in my journal, looking at what I wrote earlier in the year, and I’m always amazed by how much I’ve grown. Some things I prayed for seemed impossible at the time, but now they’re my reality. Some struggles that felt overwhelming in the moment have now turned into testimonies. This is why reflection is so powerful—it shifts your perspective and fills your heart with gratitude.

I also count my blessings in my family life, my marriage, my friendships, and my business. Sometimes, we get so caught up in chasing the next goal that we forget how much we’ve already accomplished. Reflection allows us to pause and celebrate those victories.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s the first thing I’m doing to prepare for the New Year: Reflecting and Seeking God’s Will in Prayer and Solitude.

It’s about quieting the noise, looking back with gratitude, and looking forward with purpose. It’s about asking the right questions and listening for the answers. And most importantly, it’s about making sure that my plans align with God’s divine plan for my life.

I encourage you to take some time to reflect this season. Grab a journal, find a quiet place, and ask yourself:

• What have I learned this year?
• What am I grateful for?
• What do I need to release before stepping into the new year?
• What direction is God leading me in?

I’ll be back with Part 2, where I’ll share the second thing I’m doing to prepare for the New Year. But until then, take some time to reflect, pray, and seek God’s will. Trust me, it will make a world of difference in how you enter 2024.

Wishing you a season filled with clarity, peace, and purpose!