2025, december 11

for our annual x-mas party for solo-freelancers, i made a set of year-in-review questions. we spent the whole evening picking questions and asking them around the table.

it was a ton of fun. people who had never met started sharing meaningful or wonderfully odd moments from their year. it sparked this quick sense of connection that felt alive in the room.

i’m sharing the questions here with you. you can use them at your x-mas gatherings or new year’s eve parties, or simply as a reflection game — in a group, in pairs, or on your own.

here’s how: download the questions below, cut them into small slips (one question per slip), drop them into a bowl, and let someone draw a question and pass it on. have fun with it!

and i’d love to hear how it landed for you — feel free to reach out and share.

• which tiny moment this year was so subtle it almost slipped past you — and still somehow touched you?

• which absurd little thing ended up carrying surprising meaning this year? (like a spoon, a door sound, a sentence out of nowhere.)

• which curious, funny, or comforting habit quietly snuck into your life this year?

• which embarrassing-sweet moment turned out to be a plot twist in your favor?

• which sentence — spoken by you or to you — stuck in your mind this year like confetti in your hair?

• which day from this year smells like happiness in your memory?

• where in your daily life did something feel a little magical this year, even though nothing “special” was happening?

• which decision looked tiny from the outside but felt like a tectonic shift inside?

• which encounter this year felt like a brief cameo in the film of your life?

• which bit of mess this year was basically a quiet piece of art?

• which moment this year was so strange you’d love to frame it?

• which sound calmed your inner world the most this year?

• which spontaneous decision this year was a little cheekier than you usually are?

• when were you delightfully unapologetic this year — in a way that still makes you proud?

• which door did you open this year without even touching the handle?

• your life as a film — which scene from this year had wildly saturated colours?

• what did you learn this year that you genuinely couldn’t do before?

• one happy moment from your year.

• what did you declutter with pleasure this year?

• what did you do this year for the very first time?

• which plan did you joyfully abandon this year?

• what became easier for you this year?

• a moment from this year when you were pleasantly surprised.

• which body posture did you especially enjoy this year?

• which place did you discover or rediscover this year — even if it was just a corner?

• which movement did your body love making this year?

• which resistance did you overcome this year?

• when did you have a beautifully lazy day or moment this year?

• a small or big adventure you experienced this year?

• one insight from this year you want to carry into the next.

• one experience from this year you’d like to remember at the end of your life.

• something from this year you’d love to experience again and again.

• a moment when your energy level was high in the nicest way this year.

• a place where you could recharge this year.

• three things you did this year that you can feel truly good about.

• a task or responsibility you happily said goodbye to this year.

• a permission you gave yourself this year.

• a tool that made your creating/working/doing easier this year.

• an insight that made your life more vivid this year.

• looking back at this year — how many phases do you see, and what titles would you give them?

• a moment when your life turned upward this year.

• an object you brought into your life this year that now feels indispensable.

• what did you happily let become “less” this year?

• a ritual or routine you especially enjoyed this year.

• which film scene, lyric, or line from a book helped you this year?

• how did you amaze yourself this year?

• which small things made your life more beautiful this year?

• what was more fun this year than it used to be?

• a happy morning you had this year?

• a lovely evening mood you experienced this year?

• a moment of delicious, intense working energy this year?

• three highlights from this year?

• three small milestones from this year?

• one ridiculous thing from this year that you’re grateful for in hindsight.

• one development from this year you’re grateful for.

• what did this year pave the way for?

• a confrontation you’re proud of this year?

• a conversation that changed your opinion this year.

• an encounter that lifted your mood this year.

• the best insult you received this year.

• a thought that sweetened your days this year.

• a moment when your mood flipped from awful to fantastic this year.

• how did you manage to come out stronger from a difficult moment or theme this year?

• what skill did you pick up this year that you didn’t quite have before?

• looking back: what motto would you give your year?

• which chapter titles would you give the seasons of your life this year?

• a moment when you could truly relax this year?

• what did you let go of this year?

• what did you accept this year?

• where did you become braver this year?

• one small thing you did differently this year compared to the years before?

• one spectacular moment from your life this year?

• one moment of liberation from this year?

• a wish that came true this year?

• what’s a question you secretly hoped would be in this jar? answer that question.

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2024, may 26

when i’m facing a busy work marathon, i start my day with an intention-setting walk. during this walk, i ask myself a series of questions to help ease the pressure and make my day lighter while still making progress on what’s important.

i usually do this intention-setting via voice messaging with my best friend. but of course, there are many ways to do it: by journaling, talking to a colleague, talking to chatgpt, or simply doing it in your head.

questions for intention-setting

• what motto or mantra can guide me today?

  this could be something like:

  — ‘i’m done when it’s good enough’ (not perfect)

  — ‘focus on one step at a time’ (rather than the whole mountain to climb)

  — ‘any doubts are staying outside today, and i can check in with them tomorrow morning’

• what’s one thing that will help me stay focused today?

  this could be something like:

  — check my phone only in the breaks

• what’s one thing that can make my work more enjoyable and effortless today?

  this could be something like:

  — work in bed, snuggled up in a blanket

  — for the mini-essay, write down just your main thought (rather than ten thoughts)

• what can i declutter from my day today?

  this could be something like:

  — no need to squeeze in the gym today. put the gym on my not-to-do list.

  — the dishes can wait today. put the dishes on my not-to-do list.

• what permission do i want to give myself today to make the day even easier?

  this could be something like:

  — order food instead of cooking

  — allow myself to be hurting and complaining (rather than trying to be delighted only because i chose this work and it’s my passion)

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2024, may 18

i recently attended a global conference for solution-focused practitioners, and it was mind-blowing and spectacular. one of the many things i loved about the conference was how much people engaged in positive gossip about their colleagues, mentors, and others. i realized this had three effects on me: first, i got to learn fascinating things about others. second, it strengthened my trust in this community, knowing that people speak appreciatively behind each other's backs. and third, it inspired me to notice qualities in others that i might otherwise take for granted.

positive gossip can be a powerful tool to nurture a culture of kindness, appreciation, and curiosity. you can do it as a proper team exercise, but also just casually get in the habit of it in your daily work or personal life. by asking these questions to others or even just to yourself, you can shift your focus to the things you appreciate in others, enhancing relationships and community spirit.

questions to inspire positive gossip

1. what do you appreciate about \[person's name]?

2. what is something you admire about \[person's name] that they might not know?

3. share a moment when \[person's name] made a positive difference in your life or work.

4. what unique perspective, talent, or vibe does \[person's name] bring to the team or to your friendship?

5. what is one thing you appreciate about \[person's name]'s approach to challenges?

6. how does \[person's name] contribute to a pleasant atmosphere in the workplace or social gatherings?

7. what is a small act of kindness that \[person's name] has done for you or others?

8. in what ways does \[person's name] show dedication and commitment to their work or to your relationship?

9. what is something \[person's name] does that often goes unnoticed but would be sorely missed if it weren't done?

team exercise: positive gossip triads

1. divide the group into triads (groups of three).

2. two people talk pleasantly about the third person, sharing things they appreciate or find impressive.

3. they take turns speaking, responding with "yes, and…" to add more appreciative comments.

4. the person being discussed listens quietly.

5. rotate roles so each person gets a turn to be the focus of pleasant gossip.

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2024, may 9

creative writing for mental health

almost every night just before sleeping, i write down a few good moments and visual snapshots of the day in my bedtime diary. this practice helps me take something pleasant into my sleep and gives me something joyful to think about when i wake up. i developed this routine when i was struggling emotionally and i desperately needed something to shift my mind at night (for the night is dark and full of terrors). over time, i've noticed that not only does this practice nourish my mental health, but it also enriches my creative writing. many of the snippets i create at bedtime find their way into my other texts. though it is very important for me not to aim for producing valuable snippets of writing because that shifts away from the original purpose: to capture and create a pleasant good night feeling.

prompt 1: good moments of the day

• write down 1-4 moments that were good (enough) today.

• this can be a moment when

  you felt a connection

  you experienced flow

  you accomplished something

  something made you smile or laugh

  you felt like life is doing you a favor

  you felt relieved

  you felt joy

prompt 2: sensual details of my favourite vibe today

• write down a kind of delicious vibe or mood from today that you‘d like to carry with you into your sleep

• capture the sensory details associated with that mood:

  visual details

  sounds

  scents

  flavours

  tactile feel

  bodily sensations

prompt 3: visual snapshots of the day

• capture 5 visual snapshots of the day. they can be very small, as long as they feel beautiful to you.

  example: ……jacaranda flowers float on puddles, some final leftovers from spring in november. at home, my sunnies cast a coca-cola-colored shadow on the wall, and i let myself fall into bed where dark blue siesta sleep starts creeping into my tired muscles. later, a waiter sets a sizzling plate on our table, and its steam fills the air, blending with the light of red lanterns… (excerpt from my bedtime diary)

prompt 4: first thoughts when waking up

• complete the sentence:

  »tomorrow when i wake up, the first thing i want to think of to buoy my mood:…«

  what else?

  what else?

  what else?

  example: »i want to think of my new running shoes, remember that i cleaned the kitchen, and look forward to the global conference on friday…«

note: it can be pretty mundane. this might be the least poetic prompt — but who knows. a lot of times i only see the poetic aspects in hindsight when i scroll through all my diary entries.

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2024, may 3

self-coaching: my 3 go-to-questions for emotional first-aid

i'm very experienced with tough days. i'm an expert in having emotional rollercoasters, hardcore pms-ing, feeling like my heart was ripped on some barbed wire, thinking that i’m a monster and the world is ending — over the past years i’ve put together an emotional first-aid kit of self-coaching techniques that help me be kind to myself and feel okay-ish enough to get through the day.

question 1: what is the next thing i can do to make my situation even worse

• this question prompts me to identify the usual actions that would make me feel even worse — and then not take them.

• this is a counter-intuitive question and might sound surprising because i’m usually all for solution-focused questions. but somehow, this paradoxical intervention has been extremely helpful for me on tough days.

• it often makes me laugh and reminds me of the choices i can control.

• after identifying potential pitfalls, i choose to do something else instead.

question 2: what would my inner old lady do to comfort me now?

• my inner old lady is a cool subversive korean woman with a rough voice and the looks of hannah arendt. she has a fireplace, a well-equipped house bar, and excels at distinguishing what‘s worth worrying about and what isn‘t.

• i can’t remember deliberately creating my inner old lady; i guess she just emerged when i wondered what kind of comforting words i would need right now and how i imagine the wise person who would say those words to me.

• last time i turned to my inner old lady on a shitty day, she sat me down by her fireplace, handed me a hot chocolate with rum, acknowledged the shittiness of my day and then said, ‘this crap of a day belongs in the flames, not in your album of life.’

• do you have an inner carer? they don‘t necessarily have to be an old lady like mine. the inner carer is a wise and kind figure that validates and comforts you. they can be real-person inspired or completely fictional.

• if you want to imagine one up, you might want to ask yourself:

• what kind words do i need to hear right now?

• how do i imagine the wise person who would say those words to me?

• if you like my fireplace lady though, i‘m sure she will be warm and welcoming to you. she has an open house.

question 3: what are 1-3 things i can be pleased with that i managed to do despite the day‘s challenges?

• this might be as simple as taking out the trash, making the bed, or eating a tangerine.

• they feel like real accomplishments when everything else feels overwhelming.

• acknowledging these little victories anchors me.

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2024, april 25

last year, i hit a point where it felt like my focus on future planning and goal-setting started taking a toll on my mental health. it pushed me into some kind of neoliberal grindset. i realized, i needed to refocus on the here and now—on what was good or good enough in my current life, rather than what i wanted to achieve in the future. so, i put together a list of 21 questions to help me shift my view. during my morning walks, i would reflect on one of these questions. i’m sharing these questions here in case they might help you too.

sometimes, these questions are exactly what i need, but of course, they don’t work for every situation for everyone. sometimes, they even add pressure or nourish a toxic positivity mindset. for me, though, they’ve been a real help in letting myself lean back into the present.

1. 5 visual details you will enjoy remembering from your current life.

2. 3 traits of your current personality that you’re pleased with.

3. what is simply good in your life right now?

4. 5 experiences or memories that you have with loved ones or friends that you cherish, but that you might not think to appreciate on a daily basis.

5. if you had seen scenes from your current life in a film trailer ten years ago, what would have excited you about your future life?

6. 3 quirks about yourself that would make you endearing to an audience if you were a character in a book or movie.

7. 5 small pleasures that you’ve experienced lately, but that might get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

8. 3 flavours that capture the good parts of your life.

9. 3 things you want to celebrate about the progress you’ve made this season of the year.

10. 5 moments when you felt truly present and fully engaged.

11. 3 scents that remind you of the good parts of your life.

12. a couple of years from now, what aspects of your current life will you look back on with envy for your past self? (envy in a kind and enjoyable way)

13. 3 small acts of kindness that you’ve witnessed or experienced recently.

14. 3 accomplishments or experiences from recent years that once seemed impossible.

15. 3 words that describe the good parts of your life as a texture.

16. 3 scenes from your current life that feel cinematic to you, as if you were a character in a movie.

17. 3 moments in your recent life when you felt connected to something greater than yourself.

18. 3 things you’ve done recently that first scared you, but turned out to be good.

19. if you saw your life from the outside, what would spark envy (in a kind way)?

20. one favor that life has done for you recently?

21. 3 things you would say in a love song to your current life.

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2024, april 16

journaling session | \~60 min

on my birthday i love doing this journaling session to envision the delicious beauty of the new year i‘m entering today. you can do these prompts even when it‘s not your birthday. or in other words, it might be your birthday every day.

warm up | 5 min

• jot down moments from the past few days you wish to capture in a mental snapshot.

takeaways | 5 min

• what do you want to bring from your ending year into the new one?

• insights, relationships, people, habits, developments, ….etc.

goodbye ! | 5 min

• list 3 things, areas, habits you’re leaving behind in your past life and not taking into your new year. thanks and goodbye!

your deliciously beautiful year | 15 min

• imagine in ten years from now, a friend asks you about the best year of your life. alongside your other favourite years, you‘ll mention the age you are entering today. “xx was a highlight year, i love diving back into its memories.”

• what made this year stand out deliciously beautifully?

hidden desires | 10 min

• suppose there’s a part inside you whose longings you’ve been ignoring without knowing any better. a part that wants to be heard.

• what does this part seek from life? what does this part wish for you in life?

• envision your new year fulfilling these hidden desires in the most pleasant way. what do you see? what difference might that make?

what‘s good right now | 5 min

• back to the present: what elements make your life good (enough) as it is right now?

dream slices into reality | 5 min

• imagine incorporating a slice of the dream life from your deliciously beautiful year or hidden desires in the upcoming weeks.

• what small aspect of this dream do you want to weave into your everyday life?

• this could be a habit, a moment of joy, a perspective shift, ...etc.

permission | 3 min

• what permission do you want to give yourself for your birthday today?

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2024, april 9

one of my coachee couples inspired me to design debrief questions for after their conflict conversations. i’m sharing these debrief questions here. you can also use these questions for other relationships—friends, siblings, other family members, or colleagues—to reconnect after difficult conversations. the questions are designed to focus on the relationship’s strengths, resources, and hopes.

here’s how it works: both individuals first take a moment to reflect on the questions, and then take some time (about 5-10 minutes each) to share their answers.

1. one thing i appreciate about the difficult conversation we had.

2. a moment when i felt understood, heard, or seen by you during the difficult conversation.

3. one aspect where i feel i understand or hear you, or empathize with you better than before—or more than i might have expressed during the difficult parts of that conversation.

4. one learning i’m taking away that will help us co-create our preferred future together, help us move towards the change/improvement we’re both wishing for.

5. one thing i might need from you the next time we have a difficult conversation, or one way you could make the next conversation a bit easier for me at the start.

6. one thing that makes me (even more) confident that we can move towards our preferred future — that we can move towards the change/improvement we’re both hoping for.

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