The space in between...

The space in between, the strange, in-between days after Christmas and before the New Year, is more than just an awkward gap in the calendar.

Some call it Twixmas, and we have even done that ourselves; however, it's not doing it for us this year, so this year, we are calling it the space in between because it is not just about Christmas.

It's an odd time for many when there is a forced break, and whatever your take on it, a considerable part of the Western world is sucked into the Christmas vortex!

The space in between is liminal (great word, isn't it liminal). It's a space, a pause that offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and set intentions for the year ahead.

It’s a chance to step out of the relentless pace of life and reconnect with what truly matters.

This period is not without its challenges.

External pressures, societal expectations, and even our own ingrained habits can make this time feel unproductive or aimless.

But what if we approached this in between space differently?

A previous blog we wrote, "Oh, What a Year That Was" (www.rlc-global.com/blog/oh-what-a-year-that-was), explored similar themes, capturing the importance of reflection and growth. While we’ve evolved since then, the core value of honouring our journey remains.

The space in between is perfect for slowing down and taking stock. Unlearning old habits or learning to reflect and review in ways that make sense for you can be deeply impactful.

Reflection is personal, and discovering what resonates for you is key.

Here are some ideas we’ve tested over the years:

• Diary: Revisit the entries you made throughout the year. What stories did you tell yourself? What moments stood out?
• Photos: Scroll through your camera roll. Each picture has a story, a memory. Which ones spark joy and pride, annoy, make you laugh or create blooming 'eck moments of reflection?
• Notes: Whether it’s sticky notes, scribbled reminders, or a dedicated journal, your notes capture moments, that stuff you forgot you'd recorded or jotted down. They boost your memory, and those "oh my god" moments of recollection are always fun.
• Emails: Sometimes, the digital clutter holds hidden gems—kind words from a colleague, milestones, or achievements.
• WhatsApp or messages: Conversations with loved ones can reveal unexpected patterns of connection, support, and shared joy. Also, remember to check the links and media stuff you've sent in whats app always rather revelatory!
• Gratitude jar: This is an oldie from Brene Brown. If you’ve been filling a jar with moments of gratitude throughout the year, now’s the time to open it. Relive the small but significant joys.
• Visions and desires jar: Create a jar to hold slips of paper with your visions, desires, and goals for the coming year. It’s a tangible way to honour your dreams.
• Predictions jar: Our eldest daughter shared this with us, and we have used it for four years. Jotting down your predictions for the coming year is a bit of fun. Next time, revisit them in the space between them and see what comes to pass.

Or go more creative and have even more fun with it.

• Soundtrack of the year: Create a playlist of songs that define your year. Each track represents a memory, mood, or milestone. Listen and let the emotions surface. Plus, dance to it as you go, hugely rewarding and burns a few calories, too!
• Scent memories: Gather scents (candles, perfumes, or essential oils) that remind you of specific events or places from the year. Reflect on what those moments meant to you.
• Doodle or sketch timeline: Draw your year as a timeline with symbols, doodles, or small sketches that represent key moments. Love doing this. Its so cathartic when you see a linear timeline.
• Collage reflection: Create a collage from old magazines, photos, or printouts to capture the vibe of your year visually.
• Poetry recap: Write a poem that encapsulates the highs, lows, and everything in between.
• Walk your year: Take a long walk and assign each segment of the journey to a specific part of the year. As you walk, reflect on what happened during that time.
• Object collection: Choose objects from your home representing important events or feelings from the year. Arrange them into a physical timeline.
• Meditation on moments: Set aside time to meditate on specific memories, focusing on the sensations and emotions they evoke.
• Reflection deck: Write key events or themes on small cards. Shuffle them and pick one at random to reflect on each day.
• Shared stories night: Gather with family or friends to share a favourite memory from the year. Listening to others’ perspectives can illuminate your own journey.
• Gratitude circle: Virtually or in person, share three things you’re grateful for with a group of trusted friends.
• Social media scrapbook: Scroll through your posts or stories from the past year to relive moments you might have forgotten.
• Email audit: Search your inbox for the word “thank you” to see the connections and gratitude shared throughout the year.
• Burn and release: Write down challenges or negative experiences from the year on paper. Safely burn them as a symbolic act of letting go.
• Dream mapping: Use a large piece of paper to create a mind map of dreams and goals for the upcoming year inspired by your reflections.
• Legacy letter: Write a letter to yourself about what you want to remember from this year and what you hope to carry forward.
• App check: See what apps you started and didn’t finish. Ask why. What benefited you? What didn’t? How can you help yourself this coming 12 months, and what if you looked at things differently?

Please share with us what you do.

Tell us what you do in this in-between time        

How do you make this time work for you?

All this space in between matters is because we don't get time back. Ever.

This time is a chance to step back from the rush of life and reconnect with what truly matters, and remember you can BS yourself in this time, too. Lean in, be truthful to yourself first.

It’s not about setting resolutions it is about recognising yourself and what has happened.

Connecting the dots with what comes next and sitting in the moment.

Recognising you did that; you failed, you won, you missed it, you succeeded, you achieved, you learned, you recognise it, you saw, you heard whatever it was you have done another 365 days.

So, how will you spend this in-between time?

Ask: “What if I did?” and “What if I didn’t?”

Reflect, review, and create space for the possibilities ahead.