New Year's Reflections & Intentions: Journaling to reflect, celebrate, and honor your year
As the sun was setting on 2019, I sat down with my journal and some essential oils to reflect and meditate on the lessons I’ve learned over the last twelve months.
Whether you enjoy creating New Year’s resolutions or not, taking time to honor the past 365 days of experiences, losses, and lessons can reveal how much you’ve grown, and what habits stand in the way of your goals.
Journaling is a wonderful way to reflect on the year. If you’re new to journaling here are a few of my favorite ways to get started:
Create a calm space. Creating a clear and calm space can help you relax and tap into your intuition. I like to create a comfy spot with a warm tea and create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting some sage, and a few candles. I also love to apply copaiba, and lemon essential oils to my temples and third eye before journaling to help promote clarity and focus.
Get intentional. I have a tendency to feel rushed and get distracted when I’m journaling. Deciding how long I want to journal, and setting a timer helps me stay focused and encourages me to dive a little deeper into each journal prompt. Remove all distractions, and allow yourself to sit down with your thoughts for the designated time.
Release judgments. Allow yourself to just write. No need to have complete sentences or perfect grammar. This journal is for your eyes only. Write, doodle, and jot down whatever comes up.
Clear the mind. Take a few moments before you begin to connect with your breath and clear the mind. Sitting up nice and tall breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth with an audible sigh sound is a great way to begin, and help you along if you feel stuck. Join me here for a short Pranayama breathing practice.
Once you’re ready to journal, get comfortable and start writing!
Here are a few of my favorite journal prompts to help you get started reflecting on the year:
What words or phrase describes this last year?
What was your biggest joy this year?
What was the biggest challenge this year?
What was the biggest lesson this year?
How have you changed since this time last year?
How much time did you waste this year, and how was it wasted?
How have you nurtured yourself - spiritually, physically, mentally, this past year?
How did you feel one year ago today?
What do you want to leave behind this year?
List 3 big wins you had this year
List all the things you love about your life as it is now
Write a letter to your past self
Here are a few prompts to help you create intentions for the new year:
How will you nurture yourself - spiritually, physically, mentally, next year?
How do you want to feel one year from today?
What do you want to invite into the New Year?
How will you celebrate wins this year?
What do you want to say yes to this year?
What do you want to say no to this year?
What words or phrases do you want to describe this year?
List 3 small 90-day goals
List your most important values
Write a letter from your future self
I hope this helps you reflect, celebrate, and honor your year, as well as create a few New Year’s intentions!
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2020!
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