Chapter 1: The Importance of Self-Reflection

The Archangels emphasize that this time of year is ideal for introspection. It’s an opportunity to assess our lives, identify what’s working, what isn’t, and determine necessary changes. Each year, I engage in this reflection, which helps me prepare for the new year with clear goals and intentions. I'm sharing my method with you, so you can utilize it as a framework for your own self-assessment. Feel free to adapt it to suit your unique needs, especially if this process is new to you.

The initial step I undertake is to evaluate various dimensions of health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For those who enjoy visual aids, consider folding a sheet of paper into quadrants, labeling each section for a different health area, and then rating yourself on a scale from 1 to 3—1 being excellent, 2 moderate, and 3 poor.

Physical Health Assessment:

• Blood Pressure: ___
• Cholesterol: ___
• Weight: ___
• Sleep Quality: ___
• Activity Level: ___
• Dietary Habits: ___
• Energy Levels: ___
• Frequency of Pain Medication Use: ___
• Illness Incidence: ___
• Regular Health Checkups: ___

Mental Health Assessment:

• Stress Levels: ___
• Depression Levels: ___
• Anxiety Levels: ___
• Fulfillment Levels: ___
• Peace of Mind: ___
• Job Satisfaction: ___
• Overall Life Satisfaction: ___
• Personal Growth: ___
• Past Trauma Impact: ___
• Awareness of Strengths and Weaknesses: ___

Emotional Health Assessment:

• Anger Levels: ___
• Fear Levels: ___
• Happiness Levels: ___
• Peace of Mind: ___
• Future Hope: ___
• Non-judgmental Attitude: ___
• Grudge Holding: ___
• Self-Regulation: ___
• Support System Quality: ___
• Emotional Reactivity: ___

Spiritual Health Assessment:

• Comfort with Beliefs: ___
• Sense of Purpose: ___
• Self-Acceptance: ___
• Self-Contentment: ___
• Self-Identity: ___
• Personal Happiness: ___
• Sense of Empowerment: ___
• Kindness Towards Others: ___
• Connection with Others: ___

After completing this evaluation, identify where you scored the most 1s, 2s, and 3s. Are there areas where you excel or struggle? A predominance of 1s indicates a healthy state, but if you still feel unwell despite a good score, it may be time to delve deeper into your self-understanding. Conversely, an abundance of 3s suggests a significant disconnect from your inner self, indicating areas requiring attention.

If you find yourself uncertain about what to record, take a moment to reflect. For instance, if you lack knowledge about your blood pressure or cholesterol levels, it’s crucial to gather this information. Improvement isn’t possible without awareness of what needs attention. I had an aunt who avoided medical checkups, fearing bad news; however, ignoring health issues doesn’t change their existence. It's better to confront reality head-on.

There is considerable overlap across these health categories; they are interconnected. Stress, for example, can impact all facets of health, which is why I included stress-related questions in each section. Regardless of where you believe a question fits best, engaging with these prompts will yield insights.

A poor physical state can adversely affect mental and emotional well-being, while a lack of spiritual fulfillment may hinder your ability to face challenges. Remember, spirituality isn’t confined to religious beliefs; even those who don’t subscribe to a faith can experience spiritual growth. If you’re unsure about your beliefs, consider what you don’t believe; this can serve as a starting point.

There was a time when I resisted self-evaluation due to my chaotic state, but avoidance doesn’t resolve anything. We often neglect our own needs as we navigate life, yet understanding your current position is essential for determining your desired future and the steps necessary to get there.

Ultimately, I hope this guide aids you in gaining clarity about your strengths and weaknesses. In the next chapter, we will reflect on past choices and their effectiveness in your life. If your current path is working for you, that’s wonderful! If not, perhaps it’s time to contemplate some changes.

Enjoy the process of self-discovery, and remember, even if the results aren’t what you hoped for, there’s no cause for concern. You can adjust, change, or maintain the status quo—whatever suits you best. I’ll be here to support you through this journey.

Blessings to all.

Chapter 2: Taking Action After Self-Assessment