Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
29. The One Where We Look Back Before Moving Forward
0 Playsin 11 hours
As we come to one of the final episodes of 2025, today’s conversation is intentionally slower, softer, and deeply reflective.
This time of year can feel chaotic — school events, winding down work, juggling social plans and trying to think ahead to the new year. But amongst the noise, there’s an opportunity to pause long enough to recognise just how much has happened, shifted, expanded and unfolded.
In this episode, we look back on the year through gentle guided reflection. I walk you through thoughtful prompts exploring:
- A word to capture the essence of your year
- Moments that shaped you
- Highlights, lessons, mistakes and growth
- How you expanded past your comfort zone
- What you want to leave behind — and what you want more of
- The memories, people and experiences that stood out
- The areas of your life that felt balanced… and the ones that didn’t
- The version of you that is walking confidently into 2026
It’s an invitation to pause — with curiosity, not criticism.
To acknowledge the hard, the beautiful, the unexpected.
To see how far you’ve come before rushing into what’s next.
You can do this reflection solo with a journal, or use it as a beautiful family conversation ritual. Grab a pen, a cup of something warm, and give yourself the space to breathe, remember and honour the year that was.
📣 A Few Updates Before We Wrap for the Year
✨ Revive Your Spark Round Two enrolments are now open!
Round two begins February 2026, and the BIRTHDAY2025 discount code is extended until December 31st.
This will be the only discount offered.
✨ 1:1 coaching is now closed for the year, and will reopen in February.
✨ One more episode is coming next week — and it’s a good one.
Then I’ll be taking a refreshing break over Christmas and the school holidays to soak up family time and reset for the year ahead.
💛 Stay Connected
I always love hearing from listeners — your reflections, intentions, or even guest suggestions for 2026.
Come say hello:
📧 Email: hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 Instagram: @the.victoria.r
🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au
✨ Whether this year felt expansive, messy, magical, heavy, surprising, or all of the above — you made it.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for listening.
And thank you for being part of The Mindful Educator community.
Wishing you a beautiful December, a restful break, and a hopeful start to the new year.
See you in 2026. 💛
Recommended
Transcript
End-of-Year Announcements
00:00:37
Victoria R
Hello everyone, welcome back to the Mindful Educated podcast. So this is actually going to be the second last episode for the year. I will be taking a little bit of a break over Christmas and New Year just to really enjoy having that time with the family while the kids are on holidays, which I'm really looking forward to So yeah this, this episode is kind of going to be wrapping up the year and getting you guys, um, kind of ready and excited for 2026, which actually feels a little bit crazy to say, I can't believe that we're in December that we're, yeah. What is it today? Today? oh yeah. Like the 10th of December. It's, it's actually just blowing my mind how fast this year has gone. um
00:01:21
Victoria R
And when I look back on it, I'm like there's actually so much that has happened this year.
Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Positivity
00:01:26
Victoria R
And I think it's really good if we just take step opportunity just kind of stop and pause and reflect and actually look back at how far we've come. And I love doing this at the end of each year because there's so many things that happen that we actually forget or things that happen, you know, maybe back in January or February and like, oh no, that was like, that was ages ago. That was last year or whatever it might be. And then you're like, oh wait, no, that was actually this year. I did that this year. And so it's a really good opportunity to
00:01:55
Victoria R
kind of see how far you've come in different areas of your life, to see the progress, if there's been like any really good achievements, anything like that to focus on. And as I always like to say, it's always great to focus on um the positives in our life as well. Once we start seeing the good and focusing on the good,
00:02:14
Victoria R
and we start seeing more of it you know it's like yes the universe is saying that we're sensing this we're seeing the positive it's like yep here's more here's more here's more and i mean amongst that as well we are going to also have a little bit of a look at maybe things that could have been done a little bit differently because you know it's always good to go back and go ah actually maybe i could have done that a little bit differently or dealt with that situation in a in a bit of a different way um So, yeah, thought this is this is what this episode can be. It can be a short, sweet one where we kind of reflect on the year that was.
00:02:44
Victoria R
And i did do this last year and have a free download and I'm going to put it back out again for this year too. And then... When it comes to early next year, we'll have a bit of a look at our intentions as well. So if you're wanting to go along and do this with me, then grab yourself a pen and a paper and I'm going to go through a few different things that you can spend some time reflecting on.
One Word for 2025: Did It Hold True?
00:03:12
Victoria R
So firstly, i just want you to have a bit of a think about maybe one word that could describe the year that was. So what was 2025 for you? And maybe you had a ah word at the start of the year.
00:03:25
Victoria R
And if you did, did that word actually kind of continue throughout the year or did it change a little bit? So for me personally, my word for this year was bloom. and it has been accurate in so many areas of my life. And for me, I would definitely use that word again in my reflection as well. So bloom would definitely be my word that I would use to describe the year that was. um And I'd also like you to have a bit of a think about firstly, what actually went well for you this year?
00:03:57
Victoria R
And you can kind of break this down into different areas of your life. So, you know, what went well for you maybe in your family life? What went well for you in your intimate relationships, what went well for you in your career or your work and any other areas of your life.
Celebrating Accomplishments Across Life
00:04:13
Victoria R
Maybe it could be your finances, it could be your friendships, um anything like that, any areas of your life that you're like, yeah, things went really well.
00:04:20
Victoria R
And then also start having a bit of a think about, okay, well, what were the biggest accomplishments for you this year? And they may be work accomplishments, might be personal accomplishments, Again, kind of look at each of these areas and there might be like a big standout one as well.
00:04:37
Victoria R
And then another question to ask yourself is what are you most proud of? So if you could say one thing that you're most proud of this year, what would that be? and just really think on that.
00:04:49
Victoria R
What has made you feel that sense of pride within yourself? And it could be something maybe related to children. If you have children in your life, it could be something that maybe you kind of,
00:05:02
Victoria R
put on your your big adult pants and did something that you weren't really sure about doing at the start of the year, but you've managed to do it and it's almost like second nature now. Who knows? All right, so all these questions are such a good way just to really stop and reflect.
00:05:19
Victoria R
And then what about things that maybe could have been done a little bit better? There's always things that we go, oh, yeah, I could have probably handled that situation a bit better.
00:05:30
Victoria R
Maybe I could have said this in a bit of a different way, whatever it might be. Just think about any situation that perhaps could have been handled a little bit better than what it was, right? Big or small, right? Just going through and reflecting on that.
Pushing Boundaries in 2025
00:05:48
Victoria R
Another one that is really good is how did you push the boundaries of your comfort zone this year?
00:05:56
Victoria R
So many of us just end up staying in our comfort zone, in our safe little box. How did you step out of that box? Did you smash it to pieces? Did you just kind of, oh, we're just going to push one side down and venture out this way, right? How did you push these boundaries? You know, what felt really edgy for you? And this is such a personal thing because what you may found may have found really edgy, someone else is like, oh, that's like second nature to me. So this is where when we do our reflections, it's important that you focus just on you during this time. All right. So where did you push the boundaries?
00:06:34
Victoria R
I think for me, definitely doing this podcast was a huge one in pushing my boundaries. ah that was That was a big one. It still is a big one because even just knowing that these episodes go out and that anyone can listen to them,
00:06:51
Victoria R
I'm like, oh, that's a bit weird for me still. ah And I think another one for pushing my boundaries this year. Oh, what would the other one be? There's been quite a few, actually. This year, I have actually pushed a lot of my boundaries, which I previously hadn't. I think things like running the group program that I did, that was pushing my boundaries.
00:07:13
Victoria R
And I think, yeah, even um like embodiment practices. I did one at mine school a few weeks ago. That was so out of my comfort zone. Oh, my gosh.
00:07:28
Victoria R
i I don't think I am as comfortable as others at doing things like that, but I think I did pretty well considering how I have done previously with embodiment practices. i was actually talking to um one of my friends about it the other day and I'm like, oh, yeah. few few little tears and for me that was like that was success for me and so where have you pushed yourself out of your boundary in your comfort zone all right another one let's go through and list like your top 10 memories or moments from 2025 so what would you say are your top 10 highlights for this year or if you want to be really creative you could do 12 and do one for each month because you know why not uh
00:08:14
Victoria R
What did you feel passionate about this year? You know, what kind of lit that fire in your belly? What made you kind of get really like, oh, yes, let's do this. I love you to think about that because the things that kind of fire us up, more please, how can we bring more of that into our lives going into 2026? How can we bring that passion across with us?
00:08:38
Victoria R
And also, did you use your time wisely this year? Did you do all the things that you wanted to do? Did you spend way too much time doom scrolling? Did you do whatever it is that you're like, oh, perhaps I could have done less of that and more of that.
00:08:54
Victoria R
And I should preface all of this by saying, please don't judge yourself as you're doing this. This is just, we I love saying that we approach things with curiosity because when we do, it means that we're we're leaving the judgment at the door be like, hmm, okay, maybe I did actually spend a little bit too much time on
Time Management Reflections
00:09:13
Victoria R
my phone this year. Why was that?
00:09:15
Victoria R
What was going on that perhaps I was trying to avoid or what was happening at that time where I felt that that was the escape that I needed or whatever it else that it might've been that you perhaps spent your time doing that you weren't so happy that you did spend the time on. so you know, have have a bit of a think about that as well. I know um there's definitely times throughout the year where probably I didn't spend my time wisely. And I know um some of that was due to grief. Some of it was ah due to just feeling different things at the time, but it's like, okay,
00:09:48
Victoria R
So how perhaps could I have handled that a little bit better or what could I have done next time? So it's always kind of approaching it with that, oh, you know, this is what's happened. Interesting. Okay. um wonder I wonder what could happen next time.
00:10:01
Victoria R
So on that same note, is there anything that perhaps you wish you had done less of this year? You know, perhaps you put a lot of time and effort into something that you didn't really feel fulfilled by, or perhaps you gave a lot of your energy to someone that and it wasn't reciprocated or respected or returned.
00:10:22
Victoria R
And just kind of thinking about these things that perhaps haven't really served you this year and wondering, okay, I did spend a lot of time on that person and didn't really get much back. Am I wanting to take that same energy into the new year? Am I wanting to bring that that person along in the new year? And again, this is such a personal thing. It's totally up to you.
00:10:46
Victoria R
It might be something that you can't really avoid at the moment and that's fine. All right, whatever it is, just kind of giving giving that attention. All right, where have I spent my time or my energy this year that perhaps I don't want to be spending my time or energy there next year? And for me, I've definitely decided on a few things that I won't be doing again next year. and others that I am really looking forward to doing the next year. So yeah at the same time, like you've got the, yep, let's put our boundaries there, but yes, let's bring more of that in.
00:11:18
Victoria R
Another question, do you feel as though you have lived a balanced life this year? Perhaps were there some areas of your life that were lacking?
00:11:29
Victoria R
oh Were there areas of your life that were more abundant than others? And this is really good to look at in terms of like your physical health, your relationships with your family, relationships with your friends, relationships with your significant other if you have one, even your relationship with yourself as well.
Balancing Life: Health, Relationships, Growth
00:11:47
Victoria R
Your finances, your career, your self-care, personal growth, learning, fun. I think for me, I probably have been lacking a little bit of the fun this year. So that is something I'm wanting to bring back a lot more of next year. There's a few things that I've loved doing and I just haven't done them for the last few months. And I know things like um Jungle Body. So Jungle Body is like a dance class. i've oh I've missed it so much. And I'm like, right, that is going to be more of a priority for me next year because it's something that I love and it
00:12:20
Victoria R
like I said, it's fun. I enjoy it So this is where the reflection can be really good because sometimes you get so caught up in the day-to-day of life that we actually just forget these things that we really do enjoy doing.
00:12:34
Victoria R
Another question to ask, which is similar to another one, but also slightly different, but what were your biggest or most memorable accomplishments? Okay. So looking back over the year again, write down all the accomplishments. And I'm talking about the big ones and also the small ones because these small ones, oh, they are sometimes where the absolute treasure lies. And they're the ones that, what does say? The small things can sometimes really be the big things. So i know for me, just some things that my children have done. oh yeah, just ah getting all emotional thinking about it, but they are definitely some of my biggest accomplishments. in what they have done. And I'm so proud of my children and what they have achieved themselves this year.
00:13:20
Victoria R
Which lessons, insights, perspectives or new behaviours would you like to carry forward into 2026? So having a bit of a think about that, what are some things that perhaps you've learnt this year?
00:13:33
Victoria R
Perhaps something that has come to your attention. Perhaps you've started thinking about things in a different way. Perhaps even your behaviours with yourself or with others around you have changed and they've changed for the the better. They're a positive change. So which ones of those would you like to actually take into the new year and bring that energy with you?
00:13:53
Victoria R
And then lastly, what are your final thoughts on this year and what are your what are you going to be taking away from 2025?
Lessons from 2025 for the New Year
00:14:04
Victoria R
when that ticks over into twenty twenty six know, are going to think back about on 2025? What's the year going to be for you?
00:14:15
Victoria R
right, what are your final thoughts? And the great thing about doing these reflections is we can actually do them with our children in our lives as well. It's really important for them to actually kind of learn this sort of practice too. that Sometimes you do need to look backwards in order to move forward.
00:14:32
Victoria R
and And you can sit down and you can do some of these questions with them and they don't have to necessarily write it down. You can just have a conversation about it and just go, oh, you know, tell me what's, what are you most proud of this year? Or even look back over the photos that you've taken throughout the year, just to kind of jog your memory, which is another thing that I like to do as well. I go through and look at my photos that I've taken throughout the year, because you do, like i said, you do forget things as usually our days are so full and so abundant that things are likely to slip our mind. So go ahead back and go, oh yeah, remember when we did this or whatever it might be. And You can have a really nice reflection with your children or children in your life as you do this too.
00:15:13
Victoria R
So just a few refresh but i can't even talk a few reflection questions for you just to kind of finish up the end of 2025. And like I said, early next year, I will ah bring out kind of our intentions for 2026, what we're wanting to focus on. And I've got a few different things in the works for next year as well.
00:15:37
Victoria R
Once I've had a little bit of a break, we'll be focusing more on them. In the meantime, though, I do have enrollments open for the second round of Revive Your Spark, which will be starting in February. Until the end of the year, I did have a birthday special because it was my birthday last week and I'm actually going to extend it until the end of the year just because I know.
00:15:59
Victoria R
I know for me personally, I have forgotten to even check out a lot of things at the moment. So I understand how everyone else is feeling. So I'm like, right, we'll extend it to the end of the year.
Revive Your Spark Program Enrollment
00:16:09
Victoria R
There is a um the code that you can use birthday 2025 to get a discount on it That's only discount you'll be able to get on the program. And then it will be full price as of next year. So if you are interested in joining the second round, please do. I would love to have you there. and Even now, just seeing the changes in the women that I've worked with in that program, oh, like, yeah, it's like a proud mom moment.
00:16:36
Victoria R
I love it. I love seeing it. I love hearing their stories and their reflections as well. So definitely worth it if you are kind of feeling that pressure, feeling like you, yeah, want to claim back that time and that energy for yourself and just slow everything down that little bit as well.
00:16:54
Victoria R
ah In the meantime, i am pretty much close the books for one-on-one coaching. That's it for this year. I will be opening that up again, probably February next year. I will take January off because I will be mum mode, which I am very excited for. And yeah, to keep an eye out. I do have an amazing interview coming out next week as well. So that will be the final episode for the year.
00:17:20
Victoria R
In the meantime, i am on social still. my emails are always open.
Future Podcast Plans and Listener Feedback
00:17:25
Victoria R
And like I said, if you have any feedback on the podcast, anyone you'd love to hear from, next year as well. If you know that there's someone that you'd love me to have a bit of a chat to, or even yourself, please just reach out and let me know. I'm always interested to to have a chat to people. And I love hearing people's perspectives on things as well.
00:17:42
Victoria R
Yeah, I just, I love it. I think it's one of my favorite things about the podcast actually is just being able to talk to such different people in different walks of life and and bringing them all here together and sharing their wisdom with you all. So i ah hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed bringing it to you. And I'm really excited for what's in store for 2026. And I can't wait to hear how you guys have gone with your reflections. And also if you have your intentions already for the new year. So like I said, please reach out. I love hearing from you guys. And in the meantime, have an amazing day. Enjoy the rest of December. ah
00:18:19
Victoria R
Have a great Christmas. Have a great New Year's. And I will speak to you all very, very soon. Thanks, everyone. See ya.