Examen Your Year Before Moving Forward

CONFIDENT LIFT | 1.5.26

Sis,

Let me ask you a real question, one I had to sit with myself:

Have you examened last year… or did you just survive it and keep moving?

Yes, you read that right, EXAMEN.

So many of us rush into a new year ready for what’s next without honoring what God already did, healed, revealed, or protected us from. But reflection isn’t backward, it’s wise. And both faith and psychology agree: clarity comes when we pause.

What Is the Examen (and Why It Matters)

The Examen Prayer is a sacred practice shaped in the 16th century by Ignatius of Loyola, rooted in the belief that God is present in our everyday lives. Through intentional reflection, we learn to notice consolation (what draws us closer to God), and desolation (what quietly pulls us away). Practiced through five gentle movements of gratitude, awareness, reflection, response, and hope, the Examen isn’t about striving for perfection, but about growing in discernment, honesty, and deeper alignment with God.

It is a reflective practice that invites us to look back with God, not to judge ourselves, but to notice.
Notice where we felt closest to Him.
Notice where we felt drained, anxious, resistant, or alive.

From a psychological lens, this builds self-awareness and emotional regulation.
From a faith lens, it builds discernment.

When we reflect with God, patterns surface, and patterns tell the truth.

This weekend at Crowned in Grace Retreat, something beautiful happened.

Twelve women gathered, not to hustle for vision, but to honor the journey. With a powerful Examen workshop led by my dear friend and Productivity Coach JJ, we reflected on last year, celebrated real wins (even the quiet ones), named the hard parts, and allowed gratitude and grief to sit in the same room.

Only after that did we build vision boards.

Because vision flows differently when your heart is aligned.

There was laughter. Tears. Release. And a deep sense of “I’m not behind, I’m becoming.”

3 Simple Ways to Examen Your Year

If you haven’t done this yet, here’s a gentle place to start:

1. Ask Two Honest Questions

Where did I feel most alive last year?
Where did I feel most depleted?
Your body and emotions are data—listen.

2. Name the Wins (Yes, All of Them)

Big breakthroughs and quiet obedience count. Psychology tells us celebration rewires confidence. Faith reminds us that gratitude invites more grace. Check out my Top 12 wins from 2025.

3. Invite God Into the Patterns

Instead of asking, “What should I do this year?” ask,
“God, what were You teaching me, and how do You want me to respond now?”