65.From Reflection to Formation: How to Start the New Year with God

Send us Fan MailThe start of a new year often makes us want a clean slate—new plans, new habits, new energy. But before rushing forward, this episode invites you to pause.In this conversation, Ginger Harrington and Larissa Traquair explore a meaningful Habit of Hope: reflecting on what God has already been teaching you and intentionally carrying those lessons forward. This episode is about moving from looking back to living forward—not with pressure or self-improvement, but with wisdom, grace, and trust in God’s faithfulness.You’ll hear practical ways to reflect with God at the start of a new year, along with personal lessons we’re carrying from 2025 into 2026—about preparation, consistency, creativity, grief, joy, and holding plans loosely.🔑 Key TakeawaysWhy reflection isn’t nostalgia—it’s the beginning of wisdomHow to move from looking back to living forward with intention and trustWhy preparation can be an act of grace, not strivingHow small, consistent practices shape long-term spiritual growthWhat it looks like to plan well while holding dreams looselyWhy joy isn’t denial—and how it can coexist with hard seasons✨ Habit of HopePause at the start of a new year to reflect on what God has been teaching you—then carry those lessons forward so they shape how you live, choose, and grow.🔥 Invitation for the WeekTake a few unrushed moments to ask:What did I learn this past year?What is God inviting me to carry forward?Write it down. Don’t overthink it. Let reflection move you from looking back to living forward.Read the full article.Mentioned in this Episode10 Benefits of Reviewing What We Learn from GodRelated EpisodesWhat We Learned in 2024 — Habits of Hope PodcastSimple Habits to Nurture a Balanced Life This New Year10 Life-Changing Bible Verses to Inspire Hope This Year*Sign up for Ginger's Newsletter and get her most popular resource free.Support the showSign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.