Has this year seemed to rush by you? Is time’s pace picking up? Time seems to be going even faster than ever before. Maybe it’s true what I’ve heard many say. The older you get, the faster time goes. Why don’t we notice the time passing when we’re young? Maybe our childlikeness kept us a bit more carefree.

Even if time seems to be speeding by as you feel like you’re moving at a turtle’s pace through everyday struggles, I hope you will find that childlikeness coming back. I want to see that in me, too. No matter the pace we’ve been keeping this year, carefree is always within reach. And while time has seemed to fly by, I think it’s great to pause and reflect on what all has seemed to rush by us.

There are times when I feel like I’m going at a turtle’s pace, while other times I notice time flying past me, getting to the finish line so much faster than I. Time is such a mystery and a gift. So as I look back, wondering where this year has gone, I thank God for time. And I thank God for His perfect timing. I may not always understand it, and I may not always know where time went, but this I know to be true: God has been with me every step of the way.

This time of year holds memories, maybe more so than other seasons. As a year comes to a close, I think we naturally look back on all we have enjoyed and endured. This time of year holds memories of the loss of my father-in-law and a beloved furry friend within a couple of weeks two years ago. I thank God for the time I have with those here with me now, and I reflect on the joys and mishaps-turned-into-learning of another year.

I have been reflecting on a couple of questions lately. What should stay? And what should go? Inspired by a book I am reading, The Love Your Life Project, I have been jotting down my stay-and-go list.

What should stay?

What do you want to hold onto and embrace because you know it gives you life?

Looking back on this year, I am grateful for the book I self-published. While the process of putting all the pieces together seemed to go at a turtle’s pace, looking back, it seems time has flown since bringing a book into the world. That is one thing I want to stay in my life – to write. Processing, reflecting, and writing are life-giving to me. Promoting a book, on the other hand, has been a stretching and growing process for me. I am so grateful for all those who are reading my devotional book. Thank YOU!

Something I also want to stay is my to-do list. Maybe you’re thinking – what in the world?! Why a to-do list? Honestly, I don’t like bullet points or lists. Anyone else? But I also enjoy the freedom of when things come to completion. So here’s what I do to get around bullet-point lists while still keeping a list. I have a special journal that I call my dream & pursue journal. I list my personal goals for the season. These are things I really want to do. It’s not for my grocery list. A Post-it will do just fine for the groceries.

This journal holds meaning for me. I jot down things that spark creativity and things I want to do that will inspire me and help me grow into what brings me the most life. There is a ton of ordinary in our days, so adding the creative and the inspiration helps along the way.

Checking things off my to-do list, even if they’re in my mind and not written down, makes me feel so much better. When I get something done, I can feel the space. Space is so needed in today’s rushing world.

So, those are a few things that I want to see stay.

What should go?

What is taking up too much space or causing you to stay overwhelmed?

Is it possible to let go of it, and if it’s something you can’t, what can you do to make it not so overwhelming?

The first thing that comes to mind for me that could go is social media. I need less social media and more in-depth content. I hope to change up my social media this upcoming year. I’ve seen friends who only post their highlights at the end of the month. I think that is a fun idea that I am going to borrow.

Another thing that can go is commitments I have made in the past that no longer match my current rhythm of life. Saying no can be so tough, but it always gives us space when we say an honest no. It doesn’t mean it might circle back around later, but for now, it’s okay to make space for new endeavors.

Hasn’t this year gone by so fast? Despite the fastness of it all, God is always present with us. As you say goodbye to this year, I hope you’ll make time to reflect on what you’ve enjoyed and endured.