A Holistic Guide to Reflection for Families

By Ha Trinh

As this year comes to an end, I reflect on how our family has evolved—not only over the past year but through our broader journey living abroad. Moving to a new house, watching Amelie lose her first teeth, and celebrating her first dance performance were special moments. But this year was about much more. I embraced my ADHD diagnosis and started my entrepreneurial journey, which has been both liberating and empowering. My husband thrived in his Web3 leadership role, and Amelie discovered her love for Vietnamese, transitioning from dance to language with grace and excitement.

THE KEY TO OUR GROWTH

The foundation for much of our growth has been mindfulness. It has helped us grow stronger, more resilient, and closer. As a family, we’ve learned to trust the process, lean into change, and appreciate each other’s strengths. And in fact, mindfulness is not just a tool I use personally—it’s become a way of life that inspires me to guide others on their own journeys and encourage them to reflect as they prepare for new adventures ahead.

A GUIDE TO REFLECTION

1. The big picture

Ask: Where have we been as a family this year? What key moments have we had?

Reflect: Reflecting on big moments helps connect the dots between where your family started and how you’ve grown. How have your key moments shaped you and your journey?

For me, embracing my ADHD diagnosis opened doors to understanding myself better. This year, my entrepreneurial journey allowed me to build something that aligns with my values. These transitions defined my path and shaped our family’s growth.

Integrate: Create a “memory wall” at home where you display photos or mementos from key moments throughout the year. Use string or sticky notes to link memories to personal growth or lessons learned.

2. What have we given?

Ask: What did each of us contribute to our family and community? Did our focus or priorities shift during the year?

Reflect: What effect have your contributions had? 

This year, my husband’s contributions stood out. His work in the Web3 space brought people together, while his focus shifted toward self-fulfillment and health. By prioritizing personal growth, he became more intentional in both his work and our family life. This shift in attention helped shape the way we support each other and the community around us.

Integrate: Use a “family contribution tree” where each leaf represents a contribution made by a family member. This visual can help everyone recognize the value of their efforts, whether big or small.

3. What have we gained?

Ask: Who supported us this year? What actions did we take for ourselves?

Reflect: How has the support we’ve received helped us to grow? What opportunities did we create with our actions? 

Amelie’s journey from dance to Vietnamese language shows the balance between external support and her own initiative. Her teachers encouraged her, but it was her excitement and willingness to try something new that led her to this transition. For me, I found new opportunities by connecting with communities that appreciate my values and strengths. We’ve all learned that while support from others is important, taking steps toward what excites and motivates us is what truly opens doors.

Integrate: Create a “support map” with each family member’s name in the center. Use branches to show who supported them and how they created their own opportunities. This visual approach highlights how connections and self-initiative work together.

4. Gratitude for hardships

Ask: What challenges did we face? 

Reflect: What lessons did we learn from our challenges? How did we grow stronger through them?

This year, I learned to reframe my ADHD diagnosis from a limitation to a source of strength. Additionally, living abroad for over a decade has not been without its hardships—overcoming bullying and racism were some of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced. Yet through these experiences, I found resilience and self-worth, learning to trust in my abilities and to let go of the expectations imposed by others. These challenges shaped my strength as a person and helped me grow professionally and personally.

Integrate: Create a “gratitude jar” where each family member writes down challenges they’ve faced and what they learned from them. At the end of the year, read these as a family to reflect on how hardships led to growth.

5. Agree on the next moves

Ask: What are our individual goals for next year? 

Reflect: As we look ahead, it’s important to support each other’s aspirations. How can we support each other in achieving our goals?

My husband’s goal for the coming year is to live a more balanced life, focusing on health and fitness. As a family, we’ll support him by encouraging healthy habits and creating space for his fitness routines. Knowing each other’s goals helps us stay aligned and allows us to offer the support needed for personal growth.

Integrate: Create a “goal board” for each family member. Assign sections for short-term and long-term goals, and add stickers or notes of encouragement as progress is made. This visual reminder keeps everyone engaged in their personal journey while fostering a sense of support within the family.

6. Prepare for new goals

Ask: What strengths and resources do we have going into the new year? 

Reflect: As a family, it’s important to acknowledge the strengths we’ve built. Do these strengths point to any opportunities on the horizon?

My husband’s leadership and consistency earned him trust and recognition in his professional community. We have each cultivated resilience and resourcefulness, allowing us to face the challenges of the new year with confidence. Taking stock of what we’ve gained reminds us of our capacity to handle what’s ahead.

Integrate: Have a “family inventory night” to write down your collective strengths, opportunities, and resources. Display these in a shared space so everyone can see what the family has to draw upon as they face new goals.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As we enter the new year, know that mindfulness and your family’s strength will continue to guide you. Looking back on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the courage I found in embracing my ADHD diagnosis and starting my entrepreneurial journey. My husband’s dedication to leadership and Amelie’s transition to learning Vietnamese reflect the growth we’ve experienced. We’ve learned the importance of trusting the process, supporting each other, and celebrating every step of the journey. And we feel ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

About the Author

Ha is a Vietnamese entrepreneur, educator, and mindfulness advocate who has been living and working abroad for over 11 years. She uses her personal journey, including overcoming ADHD, bullying, and racism, to inspire others. Ha is passionate about empowering women and families to thrive through mindfulness and self-discovery.