For over two decades Bobbo (my ex and best buddy), our kids, and I have reviewed the year with our personalized New Year’s Questionnaire.
Bobbo invented this ritual when the kids were little. It’s been an annual event ever since. Not only does it chronicle our histories, it gives us a chance to connect in important ways and stay in touch with our triumphs as well as trials. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?”
New Year’s Questionnaire
High Points
Low Points
People I Shall Miss
Favorite Movie
Favorite Song
Favorite Author/Book
Predictions
Hopes
Goals
Lessons Learned
What am I saying “Good-bye” to in 2017
What am I saying “Hello” to in 2018
If this sounds infinitely more compelling than making a resolution, feel free to use it. Adapt it to your family’s lifestyle. The questions may seem lightweight until you start reviewing in earnest. You don’t have to write complete sentences, spell correctly, or do a Hemingway tome, just write from the heart. You will be glad 10, 20 years from now when you read your life and that of your kin in review.
This could be a way of fulfilling that promise to yourself to be more mindful. And who knows, if you rise to fame, it could be a bestseller!
Favorites Count: 0