January Journal Prompt: Self Awareness Week 1 — Friday
This weekend's journal prompts focus on introspection skills that lead to a strong sense of self-awareness. Remember, your journal is for you alone, so no one else needs to see what you write. To get the most out of the process, be honest and open with yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable. Over time, your journal will become a safe space for your thoughts, and the words will flow more freely. In the beginning, be kind and gentle with yourself. Don’t judge what you write or how much you write – the goal is simply to write with an open heart and mind. This practice should empower you, not diminish you.
There are no rules about when or how long you must write. This morning, I wasn’t interested in writing full sentences, so I made three lists instead. Feeling out of sorts with the blank page, I spent 30 minutes decorating it with stickers and washi tape, which I really enjoyed. I’ll keep this in mind for days when words come in a trickle instead of a gush. I might also use images to explore prompts when I’m not in the right headspace for writing.
Another discovery is that I like starting the morning with gratitude. I have a separate gratitude journal that I’ve used off and on for a couple of years, but I prefer to include gratitude in my primary journal. I usually write them on post-it notes at the top of my page. (I’m a post-it note addict and always have a couple of sizes at my fingertips, jotting little notes to myself throughout the day.) These notes will also go into my journal, meaning I’ll spend time with my book in the morning and evening, likely right before bed. I’ll let you know how this plays out over the next several weeks.
Here are the journal prompts for the weekend:
What are three moments in my life that have significantly shaped who I am today?
What are my biggest strengths, and how can I use them more effectively?
How do I spend my free time, and what does this say about my priorities?
Happy journaling!