December is the perfect time to reflect on how the past year measured up to hopes and goals. In January, I created a 2025 Bingo card that reflected various priorities I have. It proved useful and motivating as I checked in throughout the year. In November, I created a second Bingo card for the holidays that featured more self-care items, and it added a lot of value to my life. I didn’t complete every item on either of the Bingo cards, but I did a lot more of them than I think I would have without them.
Things I accomplished this year:
- Dry January – 30 Days no alcohol
- Read three books - this one I exceeded greatly with the help of my local library
- Virtual painting party & complete a paint-by-numbers: This was a really fun project. I had a paint-by-numbers created from a photograph of my sisters and me. I gifted it to each of them for Christmas last year, and the plan was to have a virtual painting party, complete with berets and a photo op. It was a lot of fun, and now I have a really cool painting of us!
- Strength training 12 times in 30 days – this one took until November-December to finish. While I did strength training all year, I usually did it twice a week. Having the Bingo card motivated me to add some extra sessions.
- Bake something – I made a lemon meringue pie for a friend and cookies. It was fun to brush up on some old skills and enjoy the results.
- Visit a new place in my state & celebrate my birthday with a weekend getaway – this combined two Bingo tasks, and I smile just thinking about the incredible scenery and hiking I experienced at Mount Rainier National Park.
- Set up a home office – This one was intended to help me have more flexibility and be prepared when things don’t go as planned. I’m glad to have a space and setup that is ready to use.
- Travel outside my state – I accomplished this one twice this year, and it was fulfilling to visit with friends and family.
- Write 10 blog posts – I’ve done 11 so far, and this one will be the 12th of the year. When I started blogging in 2013, my goal was to write ten posts annually. I’ve met or exceeded that number each year, and this post is #173.
- Bike ten miles – I thought I’d do this one outside, but it didn’t happen. I did bike inside on my stationary bike for more than ten miles in a workout, and I’m counting it. Just because it didn’t go as originally envisioned doesn’t mean it wasn’t worthy!
- Make a quilt – I’ve done quite a few over the years, and this one was really special.
- Reconnect with an old friend – a dear friend invited me to a community event recently, and it was a joy to catch up! I didn’t initiate it, but we made it happen!
There are more squares with tasks that are yet to be done, but I did get three Bingos in each of my cards so far. I also have time and might finish some more before year end. 
My key takeaways from this project are:
- Setting some broad goals without explicit requirements allowed me to be creative.
- I intentionally chose items that would support overall well-being. They captured physical and mental health, creativity, travel, connection, and professional development.
- Looking at the Bingo card monthly kept me focused, and it motivated me to put extra effort in certain areas throughout the year.
- Without this, I don’t think I would have accomplished as much as I did.
- This project has been one way for me to celebrate wins and see where I have more difficulty. I don’t feel bad about what didn’t get done when I see them next to what I did accomplish.
- The items that didn’t get done might have been partially done or have some good reasons for not getting completed. If they’re important to me, I can put them on my 2026 Bingo card.
Whether you create your own Bingo card or just list items that appeal to you, checking in throughout the year can help you decide what really matters to you. Some goals may change or drop off, and some may prove to be tremendous sources of joy. As this year ends and 2026 begins, I hope you have all you need to find joy and fulfillment. Cheers!
