The Last Monday of the Year: Closing With Grace, Entering With Intention

The last Monday of the year carries a quiet weight.It’s not loud like New Year’s Eve or

celebratory like the holidays. Instead, it invites us to pause — to reflect on where we’ve been and consider how we want to move forward.

At Cheryl’s Courtesy Academy, we believe this moment matters. How we close one chapter often shapes how we begin the next.

A Time to Reflect, Not Rush

The final days of the year can tempt us to rush ahead — setting goals, making lists, planning resolutions. But before we move forward, it’s important to look back with honesty and grace.

Ask yourself:

• What did I learn this year?

• Where did I grow — even quietly?

• How did I show courtesy, patience, and kindness?

• Where can I extend myself more grace next year?

Reflection isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness. And awareness is the foundation of growth.

Grace for the Journey

This year may have brought wins, challenges, lessons, and moments you didn’t expect. Some goals may still be in progress. Some plans may have changed.

That’s okay.

Grace reminds us that progress is not always loud or visible. Sometimes it looks like resilience. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like choosing kindness when it would have been easier not to.

Give yourself credit for showing up.

Carrying Courtesy Into the New Year

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it’s worth remembering that success is not only measured by what we achieve, but by how we treat others along the way.

Courtesy strengthens relationships.Confidence grows through preparation and practice.Character is built in everyday choices.

When we lead with respect, patience, and integrity, we create spaces where growth feels possible — for ourselves and for those around us.

An Intentional Closing

The last Monday of the year is not about doing more.It’s about being more present.

Present with your thoughts.Present with your gratitude.Present with your intentions.

At Cheryl’s Courtesy Academy, we encourage closing the year with kindness — toward others and toward yourself. Let go of what no longer serves you. Carry forward what has helped you grow.

Looking Ahead

As the year comes to a close, may you enter the next one with clarity, confidence, and grace. May courtesy guide your interactions, and may intention shape your steps.

Here’s to ending the year thoughtfully and beginning the next one with purpose.

Because how we close matters — and how we begin matters even more.