Reflection
Thanks to Ellen Thompson-Jennings of Family History Hound, I have a tool for reflection on this year's work on my family history. You can get one too here.
Here we are on New Year's Eve in Brisbane, reflecting on our endeavors for the past year.
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| Story Bridge Brisbane taken 26 Dec 2025 from Admiralty Towers 2 |
Reflection & Awareness
What project—or idea—stayed with me the longest this year, even when I wasn’t actively working on it?
The need to get on with preserving my family history in a more organised fashion.
Which part of my family history or photo collection feels clearer now than it did a year ago?
I believe that writing and sharing biographies of my ancestors whenever I can is a useful task which is more holistic and productive, if that makes sense
What did I learn about myself through my genealogy or photo work this year?
Usually I am a starter, not a finisher, when it comes to projects. However this year I absolutely had to finish a project for my father's 90th birthday. By planning the task and breaking it down into bite-size chunks I got there. But boy, there was a lot of time spent at the desk forcing myself to write - even if I didn't like what I was writing - just get it down, move on, come back later and edit. And it worked.
Where did I make progress that I didn’t fully acknowledge at the time?
My use of AI I guess.
What felt surprisingly easier than I expected?
Doing a short course with Pharos and staying on task.
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| Grandson Frankie is figuring out the time at the local park |
Time, Energy & Pace
When during the day do I feel most focused or calm? What contributes to that?
Early morning. No one else is up!!
Which habits helped me return to my work—even after stepping away?
Pomodoro technique. Just spend 30 minutes on it. Usually gets me going.
What drained my energy more than it was worth?
Not much.
What did slowing down make possible for me?
A chance to notice details/make connections.
If I could protect just one small daily or weekly routine next year, what would it be?
Journalling
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| Alex and her trusty camera, aka mobile phone |
Photos & Memories
Which photo did I look at this year that stopped me in my tracks—and why?
Frank Reginald Weeks and Evelyn Beryl Daw marriage 1917 - photo courtesy of Helen V Smith
Thank you Helen for sharing this with me right at the start of the year. I don't have much photographic record of Thomas Daw, my husband's ancestor. This photo is of his daughter from his second wife, so not a direct descendant but sort of, if that makes sense. It's interesting for us to see what genetic traits pass down through the female line and if that is reflected in descendants of Thomas Daw today. I do think there is a bit of Julie, my sister-in-law, in this photo.
What story do I now understand better because of a photo, document, or record?
Oh this is so hard to answer. I absolutely could not have written the book for Dad without my mother's letters which provided such rich detail. But I also found a wonderful article in Trove about my uncle's toys that he made for DJs during for Christmas in 1946. Whilst I want to declutter, the book would not have been as rich without all the momentos kept over the years.
Which photos still feel “stuck,” and what’s one small step that might help?
All the ones in albums on the shelf.
How did working with photos change the way I think about my family’s story?
How important photos are to help illustrate and break up long tracts of text.
What memories do I want to be easier to access next year?
Probably more recent ones because at least I should know what they are for future generations.
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| Pt Leo Sculpture Park Mornington Peninsula - Caspar foreground |
Letting Go & Reframing
What expectations about “being organized” am I ready to release?
Perfection is not the goal
What no longer needs to be done right now?
Housework? Joke.
Where can I allow “good enough” to truly be enough?
Most places
What did I postpone this year—and was that okay?
Some voluntary work for QFHS - still doing quite a bit, but not too much.
What would it look like to trust the process a little more?
Different
Looking Ahead (Gently)
What does a realistic, sustainable pace look like for me next year?
Doing a little bit every day
What kind of support would make my work feel lighter?
Having a support group which I hope to find doing Sally Romano's course.
Which projects deserve patience instead of pressure?
Digitising photos.
What does “progress” mean to me now?
Better than yesterday or last week or last month.
How do I want my days to feel when I sit down with photos or genealogy?
Joyful - see I am listening Sally Romano ;)
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| Parliamentary Library Victoria, where one of my ancestors worked |
Legacy & Meaning
What do I hope someone understands about me through the things I’m preserving?
How much I love my family and how much I love history.
Which family stories feel most important to carry forward right now?
Stories of struggle, perseverance and triumph
What am I already doing that future generations will appreciate?
Blogging, building a presence on WeAre.xyz, recording, filing, scanning, digitizing, labelling, analyzing, researching aka digging.
What would I like to thank myself for this year?
Coaching myself kindly when times got tough.
What intention—one word or one sentence—do I want to carry into the new year?
One step/bite/day at a time
Thanks again Ellen Thompson-Jennings of Family History Hound, 2026 is already starting to look fabulous. What's in store for you? Can you take the time to reflect on 2025?
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