Looking Back to Move Forward: Reflecting on a 9-Year Cycle

Every nine years, you complete a full energetic cycle of growth. Even if you didn’t know it at the time, the themes of your life have been unfolding in chapters—each year building on the last.

A 9-year cycle reflection invites you to zoom out.
Instead of asking, What happened this year?
You ask, Who have I become over time?

This is deep, soul-level reflection. And it’s incredibly empowering.

Think back to where you were nine years ago. You don’t need exact dates or perfect memory. Just tune into the version of you that existed then. The dreams you held. The fears you carried. The life you were living.

You may notice how much has shifted—externally and internally. Some things you worked hard for. Others changed without effort. Some dreams dissolved, while new ones quietly took their place.

This reflection helps you harvest wisdom from the entire cycle before stepping into the next one with intention.

9-Year Cycle Reflection Journal Prompts

1. Who were you nine years ago, and what was your life like then?

2. What major themes have repeated throughout this cycle?

3. What patterns—emotional, relational, or energetic—have you noticed?

4. What lessons seemed to come up again and again?

5. How has your relationship with yourself changed?

6. How have your values evolved over these nine years?

7. What dreams did you pursue—and which ones fell away?

8. What challenges shaped you the most?

9. Where were you asked to let go, surrender, or trust?

10. How did your definition of success change?

11. What roles or identities did you outgrow?

12. What strengths did you develop through experience?

13. What relationships played a key role in your growth?

14. Where did you learn boundaries—or self-honoring?

15. What fears did you move through?

16. What are you most proud of across this entire cycle?

17. What did this cycle teach you about resilience?

18. What did it teach you about joy?

19. What parts of yourself are ready to be retired?

20. What wisdom are you carrying forward into the next cycle?

When you complete this reflection, notice what feels finished. Not with regret—but with completion.

Every cycle prepares you for the next expression of who you’re becoming. By honoring what’s ending, you create space for what’s ready to begin.

You are not starting over.
You are starting from experience.

And that is a powerful place to stand.