Understanding Life in Reverse, Living It Forward: New Year Reflections

As we welcome a new year, many of us are filled with hope, resolutions, and the desire to create change in our lives. We often reflect on the past—what we did right, what we wish we could have done differently—and we try to project into the future, imagining the life we hope to build. Yet, as philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wisely noted, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

This quote is a reminder that while we can learn from our past, we cannot live there. We cannot undo mistakes, fix what’s already happened, or predict the future with certainty. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of analysing the past or stressing over what’s to come. But in doing so, we often miss the beauty of the present moment—the one we’re actually living.

The Futility of Control

The truth is, life isn’t something to control or perfect—it’s something to experience. And we can only do that by living forward, day by day, without the burden of constantly trying to rewrite history or predict an outcome.

Understanding our Past

Moments we spend in reflection are valuable, to accept what has been and to move forward with a sense of openness.

Living Forward

As we move into the new year, consider what it might look like to embrace the unknown. Instead of letting the weight of your past define you, or the fear of the future overwhelm you, allow yourself the freedom to simply experience life as it comes.

Finding Peace in the Process

In 2025, let’s focus on the process—not the perfection. Embrace the unfolding, knowing that our lives are constantly evolving, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Here’s to a new year of being present, accepting what is, and trusting that everything we need will reveal itself as we move forward.