17 Birthday Reflection Questions To Wrap Up Your Year

There is one way I know my sister’s birthday is coming: She becomes an unrecognizable bundle of stress, nerves, and apathy – all at the same time.

And then there is the story of my cousin who cried her eyes out two winters ago on her 30th birthday. She wasn’t happy with her place in life and didn’t know how to change it.

I ignore my birthday until three days before the date and try to avoid people as much as possible.

How do you deal with your upcoming birthday?

What is it that makes us so cranky, moody, and restless on our birthdays?

I suspect it’s the birthday depression that visits most of us year after year. And my birthday reflection questions can help you focus on those past 12 months and squeeze the most value out of them as possible.

In this post:

• 17 Birthday reflection questions
• Free Printable Journal with the questions + A Letter To Myself Template (included)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you sign up or make a purchase I might get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my business. See full disclosure.

Life’s Regrets

A hospice worker Bronnie Ware wrote a book in 2012 that reflects on the top five things you and I will likely regret the most one day.

I read it almost immediately after its publication because a friend recommended it to add to my home library.

It was depressing. And hopeful. And eye-opening. And nothing new. But a fresh reminder. All those at the same time. It was like knowing that whatever I was going to do with that information, I would most likely still regret at least two of those five things.

The author points out that most of us regret the same things: too much work, not enough time with the family, not staying true to ourselves, and so on…

But here’s the thing…

Life isn’t about avoiding regrets. That would mean we should strive to avoid mistakes, and mistakes are what make us grow and evolve.

And I can guarantee you that, one day, we will regret at least another five things. It’s just the way it’s supposed to be.

Birthday Reflection Questions

Reflecting on your past year can make things slightly better, though.

It can highlight the great moments, keeping them bright and alive in your memories. It could spark new ideas and goals for your next year. It could keep you focused and determined to get where you want.

Reflection is like giving that last proofread of your school paperwork.

Reasons to reflect:

• You have many “Oh, yeah! That happened! So cool!” moments.
• You will have more clarity than ever before.
• You will take notes (mental or on paper) of what you did right and what needs to change in the new year.
• At the end of your reflection, you will most likely have every other feeling but depression because you know you’ve done something good and productive.

Ready for your birthday reflection questions? Don’t forget to download your free Reflection Questions Journal by clicking here.

1. Imagine the past 12 months of your life were a movie. What would the title of that movie be?

This is a fun way to start with an overall summary of the year. Don’t spend too much time on this one. Make it sarcastic and witty.

2. What was the best thing that happened to you in the past year?

Make sure you always highlight the good in life. We have enough reasons and opportunities to be self-criticizing later on.

3. Imagine the past year as a vision board with space for ten images and quotes. Which moments would make it to the board?

In fact, you could make a tiny vision board in a journal. Cut out images that reflect whatever happened (if you’ve got your own photos, that’s even better). Write the quotes, even if you have to come up with them. Keep it as a memory board and notice how fun and eye-opening such a simple exercise could be.

4. What were the lessons you learned?

Think about 2-3 life lessons or even only one, if no more are coming into your mind. Don’t go down the self-criticizing path. That is not the point of this.

5. What were the lessons you thought you learned, but they repeated over and over again?

We all have those life lessons that we believe we learned, but we end up in the same situation over and over again. Do you have a repeating pattern in your life, year after year? What is it that you are missing?

6. If you had to change one thing about the past year, what would it be?

And if you are talking about a mistake of yours, reflect on how making that mistake changed you.

7. Could you/Should you do better in the next year of your life?

We are all fighting on that “be better-be, more” wheel of life, and it’s really hard to get off it. But every once in a while, we must stop and evaluate if the race is worth it. If you constantly chase “more”, when will you enjoy what’s already “enough?”

8. Name the people who supported you the most in the past 12 months.

Did you show enough gratitude and appreciation to them? Can you think of at least a few ways to show them you care and value them for being next to you?

9. How did you look after yourself in the past year of your life?

Most of us confidently walk on the path of ignoring our own needs. Step out of that path. Asking yourself a few simple questions once in a while will help you do that.

10. Family-wise: Is there anything you would wish to improve in the next 12 months?

Your personal relationships are probably the most important thing after the relationship with yourself and God (or any other higher power you believe in). Make sure you are aware of where you stand with those relationships.

Examine if they have any cracks or need repairs.

11. Career-wise: Is there anything you wish to change/improve in the next 12 months?

Reflection on your year at work is a good way to see if you want to climb the ladder more, change your career path, or stay just where you are because you are happy.

12. Who entered your life in the past year? Are you happy about it?

People come and go. We cross paths with them, walk together and go our separate ways. It’s normal. Who walks by your side right now? How do you feel about it?

13. Revise the 5 closest people around you. Are you happy with your choice? Would you add someone?

You know the saying that we are the five people around us, right? Are you happy with your circle of people? Do they help you evolve and thrive?

14. What was the most profound realization of the last year?

Something about the past 12 months must have felt like a billboard hit you in the head. What was it? A life lesson? An event that opened your eyes to new truths?

15. Write a kind letter to your future self and read it on your next birthday.

You can roll your eyes on this one as much as you wish, but you will be part of the cliche a year from now when your eyes get watery reading your thoughts today. Do it at least once.

16. Dream about the best possible year ahead.

What are the top 3 things you wish to achieve? Keep in mind that you should pick things that are within your control.

17. Pick a word of the past year and another one for the year ahead.

Regardless of your dreams and hopes, your past 12 months were a whirl of events and emotions that could be summarized into one word. What is it? Are you happy with it? Pick a word for the next year of your life too.