With 2021 coming to a close, let’s take some time to reflect on this past year! There are many different ways to reflect on 2021, but doing so through photographs can be a special way to help us remember the past.
Focus on the positive aspects of the year and think about your fondest memories, people, places and experiences. You can ask yourself: When was I happiest this year? Or What were some of my most favorite experiences? Once you have reflected, jot five of your favorite memories from 2021 on a piece of paper and find a real time picture of that memory, or an image online that encapsulates that memory if you don’t have a photo!
Why pictures you might ask? Well, why do we put up pictures in our homes or offices? To remember positive memories and experiences. Doing this, but focusing on the past year can be a fun and creative way to reflect on 2021, and remember the positive things that happened, for we can easily forget the positive and focus on the negative.
Once you have all your photos, print them out, look at each photo individually and write a sentence about how you felt in that very moment or any emotions that come up when looking at it. After doing this for each photo, look all of your photos as a whole and take 10-20 minutes to journal what they mean to you, the feelings that come up looking at them and how those memories impacted your year. Doing this can help refocus on the positive and happy memories of 2021, and not only be a fun and fulfilling activity, but you are also left with a photo diary to look back at whenever you are feeling down, or want to reminisce on your favorite 2021 experiences. Pictures have always been a special way to capture a pure and happy moments, and looking at a picture of a happy time can be a helpful memory prompt.
“This is what I like about photographs. They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.” - Jodi Picoult
By: Michelle Zak
Mental Health Counseling Intern
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