40 questions to ask yourself every year.
A couple years ago I came across Steph Ango's blogpost on reflecting your actions each year through questions.
So this year I gave myself the challenge to sit down and consciously think about the events that might have made a mark on me.
1. What did you do this year that you’d never done before?
Learning coding fundamentals; trying out new cooking recipes.
2.Did you keep your new year’s resolutions?
I'm guessing I tried to keep them but not sure as I didn't right them down last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope.
5. What cities/states/countries did you visit?
Amersfoort in the Netherlands, totally loved it as it has the same vibe has Ghent.
6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year?
Experiment with creative code to create my own visuals, try to obtain financial independence, and caring about others.
7. What date(s) from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
1 sept 2025; my son's first day of high school.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Asking people for help.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not taking enough time to rest mentally.
10. What other hardships did you face?
None.
11. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I accidentally cut deep into my left thumb muscles trying to protect my face while cutting a carpet when the cutter jolted back to me.
After sanitising the wound , blood was still gushing out. I wrapped my hand in a dishcloth and sped to the icu on foot. After waiting for like 15 minutes, doctors sedated my left hand and started stitching the wound. Sadly I could feel the needle and thread going through my skin even though my hand was sedated.
To this day I can still feel the pain of stiching.
12. What was the best thing you bought?
Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chilli in Oil, one of the best condiments I bought this year; it's not as hot as sambal oelek or Indian lemon pickles but it adds huge amounts of flavour to any type of dish.
13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My son, despite his development coordination disorder he is an awesome happy kid who tries his best every day. I am so proud of him.
14. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Should be obvious to every sane human-being on this planet who this vile person might be.
15. Where did most of your money go?
Taxes, ergo keyboards, graphic novels, books, a Riese & Müller cargo-bike, MacBook Pro.
16. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The diversity of birds and insects in my garden.
17. What song will always remind you of this year?
Kendrick Lamar - Body For Body
18. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? Richer or poorer? Healthier or unhealthier?
I am much healthier than last year; frequently attending the gym does do wonders.
Not so much richer though but thank goodness I did set aside some savings for 2026.
Was I happier this year? Am not sure; but I am not angrier than last year so that's a big plus.
19. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Creative coding, blogging, journaling, creating stuff, cooking, baking, and worrying less.
20. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about the future.
21. How are you spending the holidays?
A bit stressful at first but hoping to ease down later on.
22. Did you fall in love this year?
Fell in and out of love and back in.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Can't think of anyone.
24. What was your favorite show(s)?
The Bear.
Solar Opposites
Murderbot
25. What was the best book graphic novels you read?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy illustrated by Manu Larcenet
Something Is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, Fred Bernard, and illustrated by Benjamin Flao
26. What was your greatest musical discovery of the year?
Rosalia with La Combi Versace and Berghain.
27. What was your favourite film(s)?
Mickey 17
28. What was your favorite meal?
Gyoza Soup
29. What did you want and get?
A red Riese & Müller Packster 2 after owning a Bicicapace Just Long for more than 7 years.
30. What did you want and not get?
A Svalboard lightly
31. What did you do on your birthday?
Enjoyed dinner with my son and girlfriend at a little cosy restaurant near the beach.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Working less hours and going to the gym.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion this year?
Baggy and comfortable! Thanking H&M for the most comfy pants I have owned.
34. What kept you sane?
Trying to let go of negative feelings.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you admire the most?
None; I learnt a harsh lesson when I was younger to never admire your heros.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
War in Ukraine, Gaza, ...
37. Who did you miss?
Mum, she's somewhere out there.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Still have to meet this person.
39. What valuable life lesson did you learn this year?
Don't compare yourself to others.
Rather compare your present self with your past self from a week ago.
40. What is a quote that sums up your year?
Everything Will Pass!