Journalling for Clarity

Try this journaling exercise only if you’re willing to get honest with yourself, in order to determine what’s in your control that’s keeping you stuck. It’s important to not skip over the positives, as it shows you that your actions can create change, which will motivate you to keep moving forward with the areas that are currently causing you pain.

First, set the mood, with a special drink (herbal tea, glass of wine, etc.), light a candle or some incense, turn your phone off, and grab a pen and paper.

Next, spend five minutes reflecting on what’s going well in your life, and in this past year (or more). Where did you excel, what goodness came your way, and where did you take action to get the things or life experiences that you wanted?

Then, spend five minutes reflecting on what didn’t go your way, what you wanted but didn’t get, and what you’re still feeling far away from. Let yourself go deep into you heart and really feel what you’re aching for. This is an important part of goal and vision setting, as our heart’s desires can be different than logic, and show us where we should put our focus in the next chapter.

Finally, spend five minutes reflecting on how you can take action to create your desired change. Let the actions be big and small, and work towards narrowing them to get specific. For example, don’t just write “be bolder”, reflect on actual situations where you can create that changed behaviour, like asking a server to correct your order after you’re brought the wrong food, telling your friends you disagree when having a discussion, or wearing the dress that’s been hidden in the back of your closet for fear that you’re being “too much.”