For some, there seems to be a love/hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions. While it’s true that setting unattainable goals may doom you to a deflated and defeated February, I believe there is value in intentionally setting out to create and define your future.
The month of December signals the end of one trip of the earth around the sun. Many things in the natural world run in cycles, and for us, this is the end of a cycle of time. And the beginning of a new one.
I enjoy reflecting on the year that has passed. I find there to be a lot of meaning in spending time contemplating my life path and it’s adventures over the last 12 months.
There are always many things to appreciate, to laugh about and to cherish. There are also inevitably parts I feel frustrated about or things I need to better understand and work through.
This is where I find journaling to be an extremely valuable tool. With a whole year of memories and emotions to consider, getting your thoughts down onto paper helps to organize the mind.
It’s often an amazingly cathartic experience to ‘see’ your feelings in front of you. Not only does it do a world of good to express regret, anger or other emotions in the safe space of your journal, you’ll be able to see the experiences of the past in a new light. And that new light can bring clarity and healing and new perspective to move forward with.
You’ll feel free and excited to start journaling about the year ahead. Using meaningful journal prompts and questions, you’ll stay focused on creating goals that actually matter to you.
Forget New Year’s resolutions that have no relevance to the life you are building or the path that you’re on. I’ve created a list of intentional journal prompts that will help you
- Reflect
- Be inspired
- Think creatively
- Clarify your ‘why’
- Create goals
Choose prompts that resonate with you. Find a quiet space, light a candle, brew your favorite tea. Get out your pen and journal or your trusty laptop and get started on these 30 journal prompts to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year.
Journal Prompts To Reflect on the Past Year
- What 3 words best describe your experience of this year and why?
- What were the 3 most common emotions you experienced and why?
- What were your major challenges?
- Write down one thing you learned from each of the challenges you experienced.
- What 3 things do you need to forgive yourself for?
- What feelings, memories, decisions, regrets, experiences do you need to let go of or move on from?
- What did you waste time or energy on?
- What were your successes?
- What are your 3 favorite memories of the past year?
- How did your relationships fare over the past year?
- What aspects of personal growth did you excel in?
- If you could time travel to the beginning of the year, what advice would you give yourself?
- Thank yourself for …
- Congratulate yourself for…
Questions To Look Forward Into The New Year
- What 3 things are you excited for?
- What things make you feel anxious about the new year?
- What is your primary intention for the new year?
- What do you want to create in the new year?
- If money or time weren’t a factor, what would you do in the year to come?
- What will you do when things don’t always go as planned?
- How do you plan to nurture yourself?
- Which 3 personal qualities would you like to develop and how will you go about it?
- How do you plan to create happiness in your life?
- How will you nurture your sense of meaning in life?
- What areas of your life will you simplify? (If you need help creating a minimalist home, feel free to download my free resources that’ll help you do just that.)
- How would you like to organize your day/week?
- What changes would you like to make in your routine?
- What areas of your life will you declutter? (I’ve created a Decluttering Guide to help you minimise your possessions and reclaim your life)
- What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself going into the new year.
- What is your personal mantra or positive affirmation/s for the year ahead?
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