Every January, Amar and I uphold a tradition that’s meaningful and introspective – we do the YearCompass together. It’s a great booklet (free to download!) that helps you reflect on the past year and plan for the one ahead. We set aside a whole day to this – each working on our own booklet – and then discussing each section as we complete it.

Reflecting on the Year That Was
The first part of the YearCompass is all about looking back. We celebrate wins, reminding each other of small and big victories. We also examine challenges and lessons learned. It’s honest, vulnerable, and cathartic. We remind each other of moments we may have overlooked – and reminisce about shared experiences.

Dreaming Up the Year Ahead
Next, we dream. The YearCompass encourages you to visualise your ideal year ahead – personal goals, professional aspirations, and everything in between. It’s also a chance to align our goals as a couple, whether it’s planning travel adventures or mapping out big steps for our professional lives. We reflect on how we want to grow as individuals and as a team. Do we want to be more patient? More daring? More present? More soulful?

Why We Keep Coming Back
Doing the YearCompass together deepens our connection. It’s not just about individual growth but also about aligning our vision as partners. It’s a moment of pause in the whirlwind of life, a chance to reflect and dream side by side. Every year, without fail, we walk away feeling lighter, clearer, and more purposeful. It’s one of the best ways we’ve found to kick off the new year with purpose, love, and a sense of togetherness.

Tips for Making It Your Own
If you’re thinking about trying the YearCompass (and I highly recommend you do!), here are a few tips to make the most of it:
1) Create a Ritual: Set aside dedicated time and make it special. I always use coloured pens. We do some breathwork beforehand to get calm and centred.
2) Be Honest: This isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about being real with yourself. Celebrate your wins and acknowledge the bumps in the road.
3) Take Your Time: Don’t rush through it. Reflecting on a whole year and planning the next one takes time, so give yourself the space to really dive deep. We usually take a whole day – stopping for cups of coffee and lunch and sometimes a quick walk around the garden to clear our minds.
4) Share If You’re Comfortable: Whether you do this with a partner, a friend, or solo, consider sharing parts of your reflection or goals. You’d be surprised how much inspiration and connection can come from these conversations.

If you’ve got a pen, a booklet, and a willing heart, you’re already halfway there. Here’s to reflection, dreaming, and doing it all with the people who matter most!

Until next time, stay inspired!

Shalini

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