You could say that I’m a natural “thinker” – an ideas person. I love to reflect, contemplate, analyze, discuss. This can be a wonderful trait in many ways – and a challenging one. Having a multitude of thoughts randomly and quickly zipping around in one’s head is generally not of much use; in fact, it can be overwhelming. What I’ve found time and time again is that putting my thoughts down in writing gives me so much perspective and clarity. The formless, scattered clouds of thought begin to take on some shape, some meaning, some purpose. And so, I now have three journals: one for my personal life, one for my work life, and one to reflect on books I’m reading or courses I’m taking. Journaling is so incredibly simple; you don’t have to go anywhere, buy anything, or master anything. You just sit and write. The only challenge, really, is making the time to do it.
Transition times – like the beginning of a New Year – are a prime time to sit and reflect. Here’s what I’m planning to do before the New Year, and what you can do too:
1/ Set aside (i.e. schedule) some “me-time” for reflection and journaling.
2/ Prepare your space: Have water or your beverage of choice at hand to keep you comfortable and hydrated. (I recommend mint or honey-lemon tea, or even better honey-lemon-mint tea, for that soothing yet energizing effect.) Find a notebook and pen, and get settled in a quiet, comfortable, relatively private spot where you’re not likely to be disturbed or distracted. Turn phone notifications off. If you’re sharing your space with others, tell them you’ll be otherwise occupied for the next 45 minutes or so.
3/ Get in the right frame of mind: Take a few deep, conscious breaths. Review your intention (to create a sense of closure, perspective, clarity, direction, inspiration), and take out your list of these Questions for Clarity and Direction:
- What were my biggest challenges and successes of 2021?
- What did I learn from these challenges and successes?
- What will I take with me into the New Year?
- What will I let go, or leave behind?
- What do I want to learn or develop in the New Year?
- What can I do for my own health, well-being?
- An intention/affirmation/priority for 2022
4/ Contemplate each question, one at a time: Read the question, and then begin writing – free form or point form, no need for full sentences or punctuation. Just let the thoughts flow through the mind onto the paper. Don’t censor. Be completely honest. Allow yourself to write down what you might not allow yourself to say aloud. This is only for YOU. If you have limited time, you can use a timer to set 3 to 5 minutes per question.
5/ Step back: Put your pen down. You could, if so inclined, read over what you’ve written right away. Then set your journal aside, both physically and mentally. Be prepared for further insights and inspirations to come along freely and randomly in the coming hours and even days.
6/ Then come back: Make a point of returning to your journal, writing down any additional insights or inspirations, and reviewing your thoughts.
7/ Finally, choose one “ah-ha” statement from your journal (or up to three at most), write it out on a fresh sheet of paper, and post it somewhere in your room where you will be reminded of your vision/intention/inspiration for 2022…
I’ve done Step #1 already! I’ve scheduled my journaling time! And if you’ve read this far, you might be interested in joining me on Wednesday, December 29th, at 7:30-8:30pm. I’ll be hosting an online guided journaling workshop based on the steps and questions I’ve shared above. To register, simply click here:
Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year! Namaste.