As a new year begins, there’s often a rush to set goals, make plans, and decide how this year will be different.

But before we move forward, I wanted to pause.

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m reflecting on the year just gone — not through the lens of achievement or failure, but through the lens of reality. What did this year actually ask of us? What didn’t happen, and why does that make sense now? What quiet work did we do that no one else saw?

This conversation came from my own need to slow down and acknowledge a year that asked a lot — particularly in motherhood, personal growth, and capacity. Instead of jumping straight into planning, I’m sharing four reflective questions that helped me see the year more clearly and with more compassion.

I talk honestly about:

• A year that was heavier in motherhood than I realised at the time
• The business plans that didn’t unfold — and why that doesn’t mean failure
• The unseen internal work of asking for help, setting boundaries, and changing how I show up
• What I’m ready to loosen my grip on as I move forward
• Why my word last year was progress, and why this year it’s intentional

This episode isn’t about fixing or reinventing yourself. It’s about giving the year you’ve just lived the respect it deserves — before asking more of yourself in the year ahead.

I’ve also created a free reflection guide to go with this episode, so you can sit with these questions in your own time. You’re welcome to write along as you listen, come back to it later, or simply let the conversation settle.

If all you do today is listen and recognise yourself in parts of this story, that’s enough too.

Download the free reflection guide here.

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

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