Journaling

Journaling is an excellent self-care activity that I encourage many of my clients to engage in. Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite journal prompts:

“What is the story I am telling myself right now?”

I love using this prompt when feeling stuck. It can help release intense emotions we feel about a situation by taking a step back and telling our inner dialogue as a story. It can be utilized to help see new perspective and understand distortions our emotions place on situations. If you want to expand further, ask “what is another way I can tell this story?”

“What do I love about myself?” (or “What are my favorite things about me?”)

We are our own worst critics. Time and time again, I have clients so easily able to tell me negative things about themselves but left speechless when prompted for positive things. Our inner narrative matters. We need to remind ourselves of our strengths and power.  If you want to expand further, What could I change in my life to better suit my individuality and strengths?

“The most important values to me are… “

Defining the values we want to embody and align our lives with creates a framework for living. It helps us weigh big decisions and live intentionally.  If you want to expand further, What can I do today that is in alignment with my values?

 “What thought patterns no longer serve me?” (and “How do I know?”)

Change is a process. Change takes effort and time. The first step in that process is awareness. Do you catch yourself having the same negative thoughts or experiencing cognitive distortions that create distress for you. Write about them.  If you want to expand further, do I want to change them? why and/or why not?

“What part of myself longs for more self-compassion?” (or  “What part of myself do I find unacceptable?”) “How do I know this?”

This question flows upon the previous, acknowledging that acceptance of our whole, authentic selves is a long process which begins with awareness and curiosity.  If you want to expand further, what would it take for me to accept this/these part(s)?