Why Not...

Ah, 2025, the year of hope and possibilities. It is tradition for us to sit and reflect on the past year—to understand and to Recapture Yourself, or so I say. Naturally, I reflected.

What does reflect mean? What reflects? A mirror, correct. Which brings us to the question: what does reflection really mean? When I stand before the mirror, what is really behind it? When you stand before the mirror, what is really behind it? You? You…

I have always been one to wonder—and, boy, did I wander! So, it didn’t come as a surprise when I found myself on this bittersweet journey of transformation and metamorphosis, as they call it. Whatever that means.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that change is confusing, and change is rough—but change is beautiful. It is a transformation. But it’s personal, it’s intimate, it’s harsh—and nothing is harsher than the truth about yourself.

"As within, so without"—a Hermetic principle that highlights how the external world reflects one's inner state. Transforming your reality begins with transforming yourself. And that, my friends, is what it means to be responsible.

This goes to show that change is, ultimately, a personal decision

But where do I start?

Self-reflection is dirty work! It’s messy, and it’s exhausting. Let’s be real—it really can be exhausting. But what isn’t? Everything requires effort. Think about it: how beautiful is a butterfly, yet nobody talks about the process it took for her to have the audacity to emerge and be beautiful.

How dare she? Dare to be beautiful.

You know what is beautiful? A whole lot of audacity to show up, take up space, and be unapologetically you. And it all starts with you.

"What tools do I have to help me look inward?"

Some good old-fashioned journaling! Truly, all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. Boom! Just like that, you can take control of your life by familiarizing yourself with the power of the pen.

All you have to do is set aside 15 minutes. I recommend giving yourself a whole hour, but 15 minutes is a great start. Sit with yourself. Understand who you are. Familiarize yourself with that person.

So often, we seek to be understood, but let me ask you this: do you actually understand yourself?

Nature—a luxury that is free, yet so many of us forget to connect with something that is inherently a part of us.

Go outside. Let your feet feel every grain of soil, and let your face bask in the warmth of the glistening sun.

Self-reflection is personal, and let nobody tell you otherwise. Tools? You’ve got to find what works best for you.

That’s why it’s so important to always go back and reflect—a curve, a continuous curve of lessons.

Life is a continuous curve of lessons

It feels like I’m standing at the dock, watching the birds soar high and enjoying the melody of the sea, while the scorching sun kisses my face. I find myself reflecting on all that 2024 had to offer—the lessons I’ve gathered from the thorny-rose journey of this beautiful life.

But I’m not here to share the usual “24 lessons I’ve learned.” Instead, I ask: Why not self-reflection?

Make it a habit! Stick to what works for you and turn it into a routine. The secret to self-discipline lies in consistency.

So, don’t forget those 15-minute journaling sessions right before bed—they can make all the difference.

Nobody told me just how messy self-reflection could get. You’ll explore the deepest, most hidden parts of your emotions—parts you probably thought didn’t even exist. But guess what? All emotions deserve to be explored. A rather liberating experience, if you ask me.

Questions to ask

• How often do I say No?
• What should I pay attention to?
• What is currently making me feel angry?
• What is my addiction?
• What do I focus on the most?
• Am I kind to myself?
• Am I patient with myself?
• Do I allow myself to make mistakes?
• What currently makes me feel happy?
• What makes me feel excited?
• What am I looking forward to?
• What is beyond how I am feeling?
• Where am I feeling this emotion?
• Why am I feeling how I am feeling?
• How often do I ask questions?
• How often do I say "Yes"?
• How often do I say "No"?
• Where do I want to be in this moment?
• How often do I cry?
• How often do I treat myself with respect?
• Do I like myself?
• Am I friends with myself?
• When was the first time I ever felt this emotion?
• Who shows up for me the most?
• How often do I show up for others?

Befriend your Emotions

The trick is to become comfortable with the discomfort. Think about how gold is purified—it has to be melted at incredibly high temperatures.

Now, let’s bring out the big guns: the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise. It may sound simple, but trust me, it’s one of the most life-changing tools you could ever count on!

As someone who’s always wondering and wandering, mindfulness is my very good friend.

Take 10 minutes every 2 hours. Stretch, sit somewhere, and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Stay present. Sip on some water. Look at the sky, the trees, and the birds soaring high.

Isn’t it nice to just breathe?

Change is a Choice

That which you do not change is a choice. This can be a bitter pill to swallow because, in reality, the ball is in your court. Nobody is responsible for you but you—and you alone.

What we refuse to change is, in fact, what we are choosing. Victimization is a silent killer in our lives, one that doesn't allow room for reflection.

So, what did I learn? That I need to keep learning.

Zahra N.