Tag: journaling

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heart and soul Journaling

Writing Goodbye Letters: The Unexpected Power of Saying Farewell.

writing goodbye letters

Letting Go of Falsehoods

To me, goodbye letters are a special kind of writing. They let us release the falsities, those delicate illusions we spin around our hearts to survive. They are the imagined versions of our lives that quietly steal from the real ones we’re living.

They’re the marriages that never materialised, the families that only exist in our fantasies, the career that feels better in our dreams than in our day calendars, or the fulfillment we thought we’d feel when we bought that long desired purchase. 

In writing goodbye, we gently loosen our grip on the stories we’ve told ourselves. Stories that made life seem more romantic, or heroic, or fair. Stories that were beautiful, but untrue. 

Farewell: A Word with Weight

The word farewell traces back to the old English phrase “fare thee well,” a blessing for when parting. It’s a sending off with warmth, a hope that the road ahead is kind, even as it leads away from us.

To farewell something well is to bless it as it leaves. It’s not about bitterness or regret. It’s about releasing what no longer serves us with clarity and compassion. 

When we say farewell with open hands, something softens in us. There’s no need to punish the parts of ourselves that hoped, that were too naive to see or understand, that believed things would be better. Farewell becomes a way of saying: It was what it was and now I see that I release it with clarity and gratitude.

The Village That Never Was

Recently, I wrote a goodbye letter of my own. It was addressed to something tender, something not quite tangible, a village I had carried in my heart for a long time.  A felt-sense of belonging, depth, and mutual care. A community I believed in, hoped for, and at times, glimpsed in fragments.

Over the years, I’d quietly built this village in my mind, a place where everyone showed up with presence and honesty, where loyalty was mutual, where I could root down and raise my children. It was comforting to imagine something wide, warm, and unwavering, a place where I could rest without question, where belonging wasn’t earned but simply offered.

But eventually, I had to admit something quietly painful: the village I longed for and the one I experienced didn’t fully match. That doesn’t mean there was no kindness, or that people failed me. It just means I had placed a deep yearning into a space that couldn’t hold it all.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding. About noticing where I had layered imagination over reality, and gently peeling it back, not to expose something cold or cruel, but simply something different than I’d hoped.

The goodbye I wrote wasn’t bitter. It was full of affection and gratitude for what had been real. And also a soft release of what hadn’t. There’s something freeing in naming that, without shame, without judgment. Just truth, spoken with an open heart.

Letting go of the imagined village allowed me to see what actually was, both its beauty and its limits.

Words That Worked

I ended the letter with these words:

“I release you, imaginary village. Thank you for all that you gave me. I let go of needing you to be real.”

Saying goodbye like this allowed me to honour both my imagination and my reality. Both are important. One helps me dream; the other helps me live.

The letter gave me closure I hadn’t known I needed. By naming what was real and what was imagined, I no longer had to carry the confusion. I could love what I had once believed in, even as I made peace with what it never became.

If you find yourself stuck in a loop of disappointment, consider this: maybe you don’t need to “fix” anything. Maybe you just need to say goodbye to a version of the story that never really happened.

What Fantasy Needs Farewelling?

So friends, what fantasy is still clinging to the edges of your life? What idealised version of a relationship, a dream, a place, or a version of yourself are you still waiting to show up?

What goodbye letter could you write that would usher you back into the present, into what is, rather than what isn’t?

Saying farewell doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re awake to what’s true. It means you’ve found the quiet courage to meet life as it is. 

Write the letter. Let the truth in. Break up with the fantasy, and make space for what is beautifully, quietly, enough.

books by lauren Lott
Categories
heart and soul

My Brave List: 3 Things I Found Hard to Admit (But Wrote Anyway)

brave list

There are alot of benefits of journaling, how it clears your mind, lowers stress, helps you make decisions, track patterns, and grow. 

But none of that can happen  unless we’re willing to be honest on the page.

I mean deep honesty, the kind that catches in your throat. The kind that makes your pen pause. The kind that makes you look over your shoulder even though no one else is reading.

That kind of honesty, the brave kind, is where the real breakthroughs happen.

And yet, many of us filter, even when we are alone. We edit ourselves, even in private. We write what sounds right. What feels palatable. What we think we should think. We stick to the version of ourselves we’ve grown used to presenting to the world, because it’s safer that way.

But here’s the truth: pretending doesn’t heal us, politeness won’t bring clarity, and self-censorship keeps us stuck.

The page is meant to be a place of freedom. A space where nothing has to be resolved. Nothing has to be polished. A space where the real story can exist.That’s where ‘The Brave List’ comes in.

It’s a journaling practice created to help unblock us and or uncover the things we may be avoiding.

The Brave List is exactly what it sounds like: A list of things we are scared to admit. Things we’ve never said out loud. Things that would’ve shocked a former version of us. Things we need to write down before we can move forward.

Although I rarely reveal what’s in my journal, I’m doing it today because sharing personal truth makes it easier for others to share theirs, and that’s the path to freedom. So here is my current ‘Brave List’.

As you read, I hope it stirs something honest in you too. Maybe even enough to start your own.

1. I was too good for my own good.

As a child, I was taught to be good. Programmed, really. To be helpful, polite, well-behaved, and agreeable as most of us are, as I have also taught my children to be. And I lived like that, believing that being good was the goal. 

But my goodness came from fear, not love. Fear of rejection. Fear of being misunderstood. Fear of being too much or not enough. 

Being “good” became a kind of cage. And while I still value morals, I no longer hold them up for morality’s sake. I believe in love. Here’s what I mean: real goodness is alive and generous, but there’s a counterfeit that only wants a show. It swaps presence for performance and honesty for whatever sounds pleasing. That isn’t love. It’s fear disguised as virtue.

2. I Used to Think I Was Free… But I Feel Freer Outside the System.

Having been taught that true freedom comes through faith. I thought that anyone who didn’t believe what I believed was bound in some way. 

But now, standing outside the religious system I once belonged to, I can see just how caged I really was. I used to sing about freedom, but the truth is, parts of me were never free at all.

Looking back, I see that I didn’t need to walk away from people or even unravel my faith, because that’s not really what happened. What I needed was to step away from a system that had started to feel more like a machine than a place of grace. More like a business than a true belonging. More like an obligation than an honour. More like control than calling.

Since stepping outside of it, I breathe easier. I feel closer to the Divine. I am less judgmental. I’m less certain now, which really just means I’m more open, embracing the mystery of life rather than rules. This helps me to be more empathetic towards others. 

There’s a lot I miss, and still grieve, about being ‘on the inside,’ part of the system, as it were. But what I had wasn’t really home. It was a belonging that came with conditions, an inclusion built more on what my family contributed than on connection. It was comfort disguised as freedom.

3. I Used to Think Obedience was devotion…Now I believe honesty is.

For a long time, I measured my faithfulness by how well I followed the rules. I believed that obedience, quiet, consistent, unquestioning, was the truest sign of love. But over time, that version of devotion began to feel hollow.

Honesty is sometimes disruptive. It doesn’t always look spiritual. It sometimes means saying things that are misunderstood. But when I started admitting what I really feel and think, that’s when I began to cultivate a deeper sense of  truth, love and faith, not further.

Honesty made room for healing. Obedience had me doing things out of habit, rather than from genuine relationships. I started to realise, if what I want is real connection, I can’t keep trying totick boxes just to keep people happy. And I definitely didn’t want to become the kind of person who expects others to do that for me. I didn’t want to be someone who measured closeness by compliance. 

Now it’s your turn.

What’s on your Brave List?

Maybe it’s something small. Maybe it’s something that would shake the ground beneath the version of you that others know. Write it anyway.

Try this journaling prompt to begin:
“I don’t want to write this, but…”

And follow that sentence wherever it takes you. No censoring. No apologising. Just you and the page and the truth that’s ready to be seen.

Because the real work, the healing work, doesn’t begin with answers. It begins with honesty.


books by lauren Lott
Categories
heart and soul Therapeutic Writing Prompts

You Already Know: 5 Questions to Reveal What You Know Deep Down

inner knowing

Being raised in the church shaped me in ways I’m still discovering.

In my early years, I felt cared for. I was encouraged to be polite, helpful, and gentle. I learned to listen, to respect authority, and to trust those who were seen as spiritually wiser. Somewhere along the way, though, I picked up the belief that other people, pastors, leaders, mentors, knew more about life and faith than I did.

So I learned to defer. To seek permission. To wait for a green light before taking a step. It made me cautious, hesitant, and out of tune with myself. I second-guessed everything, even the smallest decisions.

Now that I’m older, I can see how that pattern formed. How my resistance to taking full ownership of my choices wasn’t a flaw, it was a habit. A habit of passing off my responsibility to someone I believed knew better.

But the truth is: I have my own knowing. And it’s taken time, mistakes, and lived experience to recognise it.

When I say “knowing,” I’m not talking about facts or intellect. I’m talking about that quiet inner sense, a kind of recognition. The word itself comes from the Old English cnawan, meaning to perceive directly, to be familiar with.

Knowing doesn’t mean we think we’ve got all the answers. It’s not arrogance. It’s not stubbornness or certainty. In fact it doesn’t feel anything like certainty to me. Inner knowing is quieter than that. It’s not about being right, it’s about being honest. 

The best word I can think of to describe inner knowing is alignment. When I have it, there’s a sense of ease, even if things are hard. When I don’t, something feels off. I might not be able to name it, but I feel the disconnect. 

Inner knowing nudges us toward choices that feel true, even if they don’t make sense to anyone else. It’s not about being absolute, it’s about being integral. We might not be able to explain why we know something, but we still do. And learning to trust that voice, especially after years of outsourcing decisions to others, can be one of the most powerful shifts in a person’s life.

So how do we begin to reconnect with that quiet, inner wisdom?
Sometimes, the best place to start is with a few good questions…

1. What do you keep circling back to, despite distractions, doubts, or other people’s opinions?

Some truths don’t just knock once. They come back, again and again. They won’t leave us alone until we listen. What’s been repeating itself in your life, asking to be heard?

Maybe it’s a decision you keep avoiding. A dream that won’t stay quiet. A truth you’ve tried to bury. Whatever it is, it keeps returning, not to haunt you, but to help you come home to yourself.

2. What brings you peace when you imagine choosing it?

Not excitement. Not applause. Peace. The quiet kind. The kind that lets your shoulders drop and your breath come easier. It might not look impressive to anyone else, but something in you knows, it feels right. What choice brings that kind of calm? What direction feels like relief, even if it’s hard?

3. What decisions have you made in the past that turned out to be right, and what helped me make them?

Looking back, how did you arrive at the truths you’ve come to trust? What guided you? Intuition, stillness, reflection, prayer, experience? And what might those same guides be leading you toward today?

Maybe you didn’t even realise it at the time, but something was already leading. Those moments of clarity, however small, were proof that you do have a knowing. That you do know. And maybe, just maybe, those same quiet guides are still speaking, nudging you toward something true today.

4. What feels true in your body, even if your mind tries to argue with it?

This isn’t about following every impulse or craving. It’s not about indulging in what might harm you or others. It’s about paying attention to the deeper signals your body gives when something aligns, or doesn’t. The calm, the tightness, the heaviness, the lightness. What brings tension? What brings ease? What feels like a quiet, steady yes beneath the noise?

5. What are you pretending not to know?

Sometimes we bury what we know because it feels inconvenient, uncomfortable, or risky. Naming it might mean change. It might mean disappointing someone, setting a boundary, or stepping into unknown territory. So we push it down, cover it with distractions, or convince ourselves we’re unsure. But the truth doesn’t vanish. It waits under the surface, ready to rise the moment we’re willing to face it.

What I Knew

I knew I needed time and space for deep healing. I knew what felt fake, performative, and out of alignment, even if I couldn’t fully explain why.  I knew the narrative being told didn’t hold, I was living a totally different story. I knew my life had its own unique rhythm, one that made space for meaningful work, creativity, following curiosity, stillness, caring for my kids with intention, and nurturing deep, connected relationships.

That knowing didn’t always come with a plan or proof, it just came. And when I started listening to it, really listening, my life began to shift.

You don’t have all the answers, but you do have access to a deep, steady truth inside you. It may show up as a nudge, a pause, a pull. But it’s there, quiet, true, and waiting to be trusted.

books by lauren Lott
Categories
heart and soul Journaling Therapeutic Writing Prompts

The Quiet Ways We Shortchange Our Potential (And How to Stop)

lauren Lott
lauren lott

Recently, I came across a question that made me pause mid-scroll: “In what ways are you shortchanging your potential?”


I didn’t breeze past it. I couldn’t. This wasn’t the kind of question that asks for a surface-level answer. It was an invitation to go inward, to get honest, to look beyond the usual excuses I give myself.


So I did something I’ve learned to do when the big questions come: I turned to my journal.


No answers arrived right away. But three prompts slowly surfaced. Three gentle exercises that helped me to explore the hidden places where I might be holding back. What followed was uncomfortable, clarifying, and surprisingly freeing.


I’m sharing them with you in case you’re ready to do the same.

1. The Unwritten Permission Slip

I closed my eyes and imagined a blank permission slip in my hand. No rules. No waiting. Just full access to everything I’m capable of, without having to earn it first.


Then I wrote: You have permission to create without worrying if it’s good enough. You have permission to take up space, to speak your ideas, to show up before you feel “ready.” You have permission to begin. Now. As you are. You have permission to be yourself around your kids. You have permission to rest, to be disliked, to be misunderstood, to not have to explain. You have permission to be cringy, to do things badly, to be unimpressive, to fail, and to go at your own pace.


And then came the harder questions: ‘Who have I been waiting for permission from?’ ‘What have I been putting off because I still don’t feel “qualified”?’


I wrote a list, one I’ll keep just for me, but let me tell you, there’s something about physically writing yourself a permission slip that shifts things. It’s subtle, but it’s powerful. Something softens. Something awakens.

The Half-Filled Jar

Next, I sketched a tall, glass jar, my potential, visualised on paper. I wanted to see it, not just imagine it. So I gave it shape with pencil, then began to fill it in with colour. I used different shades to represent what was already there: green for the ways I’ve grown, yellow for the risks I’ve taken, blue for the moments I stretched beyond what felt comfortable.


As I looked at it, I realised, this jar wasn’t empty. But it wasn’t full either. There was still space. Still more it could hold.


Seeing it drawn out in front of me made it real. So I asked: ‘What’s missing? What would it take to fill this completely?’


And here’s what surprised me: It wasn’t more talent. It wasn’t more time or experience. It was trust. It was the willingness to act before I felt completely safe. To stop waiting for the perfect moment and take the next step now.

I wrote down one small thing I could do that day. Nothing grand. Just a tiny shift that moved me forward. And then I did it.

The Unlived Parallel Life

This was the one that hit deepest. I imagined her, the version of me who had fully stepped into her potential. The one who didn’t shrink, didn’t second-guess, didn’t hold back. She sat across from me, confident, calm, and whole.


I asked her: ‘How did you become who you are?’

And I wrote down what she said: I am you who didn’t give up. The one who kept choosing her heart, even when it was hard. I am the you who stayed close to what felt true. Who kept creating, kept expressing, kept showing up with honesty, even when you doubted.


After working through these prompts, the answer to that original question became clear: I shortchange my potential every time I wait for permission instead of giving it to myself. Every time I believe I’m not ready, instead of remembering that growth happens through action. Every time I ignore my inner voice in favour of outside approval.


If this stirred something in you, I invite you to sit with the same question. Use the prompts. Go gently. Be honest. And most importantly, do something with the answers.


It’s too important to leave unlived.

Categories
Journaling Therapeutic Writing Prompts

Write Your Way Into 2025: Journal Prompts in preparation for a New Beginning.

I love this time of year. It’s not just Christmas season; it’s a season of completion, a time to let go, drop, declutter, reorganize, rethink, reflect, and dream.

As I move closer to a new year, whether I’m setting goals, reflecting on the months, or simply seeking clarity, journaling helps me to navigate this transition with intention and focus. Here are journal prompts designed to inspire and guide us into 2025.

Reflection: Looking Back at 2024

Before starting the new year, take a moment to reflect on the one that has passed.

1. What were the three most important lessons I learned in 2024?

2. What was my greatest achievement last year, and why am I proud of it?

3. What challenges did I overcome in 2024, and how did they shape me?

4. What relationships brought me the most joy in 2024, and why?

5. If I could relive one day from 2024, which would it be, and what made it special?

Vision: Envisioning 2025

Now, look ahead to the possibilities of the new year.

6. What is one word I want to define 2025 for me?

7. What do I want to create, experience, or accomplish in 2025?8. How do I want to feel at the end of this year?

9. What areas of my life need the most attention or change in 2025?

10. If 2025 were a story, what would the title be?

Intention: Setting the Tone for the Year

Define your focus and set your intentions with clarity.

11. What habits or routines will support my goals this year?

12. What am I ready to let go of as I enter 2025?

13. What does “success” look like for me in the coming year?

14. How can I nurture my mental, emotional, and physical well-being in 2025?

15. What is one thing I will prioritize for myself this year?

Gratitude: Starting the Year with Positivity

Ground yourself in gratitude.

16. What am I grateful for as I step into 2025?

17. Who are the people I want to thank or acknowledge in my life?

18. What small things bring me joy that I want to savor more in 2025?

19. What opportunities or blessings from 2024 am I carrying forward into this year?

20. How can I practice gratitude daily in 2025?Action: Making 2025 Count

Turn your reflections and intentions into actionable steps.

21. What is the first step I can take toward my biggest goal in 2025?

22. What is one new skill or hobby I want to explore this year?

23. How can I actively contribute to the well-being of others in 2025?

24. What obstacles might I face this year, and how can I prepare for them?

25. What is one thing I can do each day to stay aligned with my 2025 vision?

As you work through these prompts, remember that new beginnings are about progress, not perfection. Allow yourself the grace to start where you are, with what you have. Here’s to writing a beautiful story in 2025, one filled with growth, joy, and light.

Categories
heart and soul Therapeutic Writing Prompts

Navigating the Loss of Your Former Self: Tips for Healing

grieving your former self

This week marks five years since I made the decision to step away from church and end my involvement in church ministry. While the reasons for this are complex and not the focus of this post, I want to say that leaving my denomination was a crucial step for preserving my mental and emotional health. In the process I lost a part of myself, laid my way of life to rest and began the course of grieving my former self.

Recognizing the Grief of Self-Loss

Grieving who you used to be is a unique and often overlooked form of grief. This can be just as painful and confusing as any other type of loss. When I left the church, I left behind a significant part of my identity. That version of me was deeply entwined with my faith community, my roles, and my routines. Losing that meant I had to redefine who I am and what I believe. 

When we lose a part of ourselves, the impact often ripples through various areas of our lives. We face not only a shift in our self-perception but also changes in relationships and our envisioned future. This loss can affect your finances and social life, among other aspects.

Allowing Yourself to Feel

The first step in navigating this kind of grief is allowing yourself to feel it fully. Don’t rush the process or try to ignore your feelings. Give yourself permission to mourn the person you used to be.  For me, this began after I had grieved a significant relationship in my life. It was the grief that came after grief.

It’s okay to miss a former version of yourself and to feel a sense of loss. Acknowledge the impact that past self had on your life and understand that it’s natural to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to anger to confusion.

My past self was more trusting. She had an exuberance based on naivety. I often miss having her perspective.

Journaling Your Experience with a Therapeutic Tool

One effective way to aid in healing is through journaling. Using resources like my book, ‘The Remains of Burning: Therapeutic Journal,’ can provide structured prompts and exercises that guide you in expressing and processing these complex feelings.

Consider writing a letter to your former self as part of this practice. This method allows you to confront feelings directly, provide closure, and articulate your emotions, facilitating deep emotional healing.

Seeking Support

Just because this grief is personal doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Seek out support from friends, family, or a professional who can provide a listening ear and a safe space to express your feelings. 

It’s important to note, not everyone will understand how and why you have changed. And to be honest, most will not even care. But finding one safe person who seeks to understand can be incredibly healing.

They don’t need to have all the answers; they just need to be there for you. I am fortunate enough to have a handful of hearts that acknowledge what I’ve been through and how it has changed me.

Reflecting on Your Changes

Write about what you’ve learned, how you’ve changed, and the positive aspects of your former self and what you’ve gained from that part of your life. This can help you appreciate the growth that has come from your loss.

Honour who you were, recognising that that person didn’t have what it takes to survive what they experienced. They did not know what you know now. They needed to morph into ‘you’ to cope with the current terrain. The new version of yourself is the one that will carry you into your future.

Embracing the New You

This process includes discovering new interests, forging new relationships, and establishing new goals.  If this feels overwhelming, know that I understand. For a considerable time, after losing my former self, everything seemed underwhelming. Healing became my day job. I had to actively seek beauty just to experience emotion that counteracted my jadedness.

With time, I begin to recognise the small but significant opportunities that come with embracing the person I have become.

Finding Purpose

One of the most healing actions you can take is to find new purpose and meaning in your life. Craft a new vision, write it down, run with it.

This doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out right away, but start exploring what brings you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s a new hobby, a new career path, or a new community, finding something that gives you a sense of purpose can be incredibly empowering.

I’m the Same but Different.

Here’s a writing exercise that has been particularly helpful for me: In your journal, create two columns. In the first column, list all the traits you miss about your former self. In the second column, describe how these qualities manifest in your life today, perhaps in different forms but still providing value.

For instance, I used to cherish my sheer passion for life and my unshakeable belief in a bright future. After completing this exercise, I realised these traits now appear as gratitude and a strong sense of being present in my current life. Essentially, I’ve traded the intoxication of future-based pipe dreams for a profound appreciation of my current circumstances and what I have now.

Final Words

No matter how you have changed, the best thing about losing a version of yourself is the opportunity it creates for growth and reinvention. It’s a chance to shed limitations and explore new possibilities that align with who you are now.

There’s no question that the person I am today is braver, less judgmental, less controlling, and more empathetic. True, I may have lost a bit of vigor, and certain places, spaces, and faces don’t resonate as they once did. However, it’s growth, not grievances, that drives these changes—and I think that’s a truly beautiful thing.

Categories
Journaling Therapeutic Writing Prompts

Why My New Journaling Method Could Be a Game Changer for You

A Fresh Perspective on Journalling

Journaling has always been a cornerstone of my personal development, and I’m thrilled to share a new method that I believe could revolutionize how we approach this powerful tool. This strategy is not just about reflection; it’s about transforming those reflections into actionable steps that lead to real, tangible change in our lives.

Understanding the Basics of My Journaling Approach

At the heart of my journaling technique is the transition from thought to action. This approach doesn’t just encourage introspection but pushes you to act on the insights you gain. It’s about turning your journal from a repository of thoughts into a catalyst for real-world action, whether that’s in improving relationships, personal growth, or career advancement.

Why This Could Be Your Journaling Breakthrough

Traditional journaling often ends with the reflection itself, but my method breaks that mold by urging you to set actionable goals based on your journal entries. This shift can dramatically increase your engagement with your personal goals and make each journaling session a proactive step towards achieving them.

Real-Life Benefits of Applying My Method

Those who have adopted my journaling method often tell me how it has not only changed the way they write but the way they live. They feel more in control and directed, turning everyday insights into steps towards personal success. It’s not just about writing better; it’s about living better.

Explore at Your Own Pace

I’m passionate about this method and genuinely believe in its potential to positively impact lives. However, the best way to see its value is to try it yourself. Incorporate it into your routine at your own pace and see what changes it brings to both your journaling and your overall well-being.

Your Next Steps

Are you ready to elevate your journaling into a more effective tool for self-improvement? If you’re looking for a way to not only understand your thoughts but also act on them, my new journaling method might just be what you need. 

Pop your name and email in to download the journaling steps that will move you from insight to action.

Categories
heart and soul Journaling

Finding Freedom through Surrender Journaling

surrender journalling

Surrender journaling is a path offering a unique blend of introspection, release, and transformation.

Unlike traditional journaling, which might focus on the day’s events or future aspirations, surrender journaling invites us to let go, to release what we cannot control, and to find freedom in acceptance.

Today I want to talk to you about my experience with the liberating practice of surrender journaling and outline practical steps to integrate this method into your daily life.

What is Surrender Journaling?

Surrender journaling is a reflective practice that focuses on the art of letting go. 

It is about acknowledging our fears, anxieties, and the facets of life we can’t control, then consciously deciding to release them through the written word.

This method contrasts with conventional journaling by its emphasis on emotional release rather than mere documentation or planning.

Surrender journaling serves as a gentle reminder that not all burdens are ours to carry and that there’s profound strength in vulnerability and acceptance.

The Power of Letting Go

The act of letting go can be transformative. Surrender journaling taps into this power, aiding in the alleviation of mental burdens and promoting a sense of peace. 

This practice encourages us to confront our inner turmoil, not with the intention to solve it on the spot, but to acknowledge its presence and then set it free. 

This process can lead to decreased stress levels, enhanced mental clarity, and a deeper connection with our inner selves.

Steps to Effective Surrender Journaling

Surrender journaling involves more than just pen and paper. Here are some steps to guide you:

  • Creating a Safe Space: Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable spot where you feel secure and undisturbed. This space should invite openness and reflection, setting the stage for honest introspection.
  • Setting Intentions: Before you start writing, take a moment to set your intentions. Ask yourself what you wish to release or understand better. This focused mindset primes you for a more purposeful journaling experience.
  • Embracing Honesty and Vulnerability: Write freely and without self-judgment. Let your fears, disappointments, and uncertainties flow onto the page. Remember, this journal is a private sanctuary for your thoughts; there’s no need for filters here.
  • Practicing Gratitude and Acceptance: Amidst acknowledging your struggles, make room to note what you’re grateful for. This balance fosters a healthier perspective, recognizing that even in chaos, there are glimmers of hope and joy.
  • Reflecting and Releasing: After writing, spend a few moments in reflection. Some find it helpful to read their entries aloud or to meditate on the words written. Consider closing each session with a small ritual, like taking a deep breath and imagining the weight of your worries lifting off

Surrender journaling is not a quick fix but a journey towards self-discovery and liberation. It requires commitment, patience, and an open heart.

As you continue to practice, you’ll likely find your relationship with surrender evolving, leading to deeper insights and greater emotional freedom.

Personally, surrender journaling offered me a path to unburden my soul and embrace life’s unpredictable tides with grace and resilience. By committing to this practice, I took significant steps towards emotional well-being.

Remember, the act of letting go first feels impossible. But in time as you commit to being consistent with this practice you will see and feel the benefits that surrender journaling in all aspects of your life.

For more posts about journalling click here.

The poem featured in the image of this blog post is from ‘A Strong and Fragile Thing’ musings in reflection of the wisdom and wonder found in the natural world.

Categories
Journaling Therapeutic Writing Prompts

23 Journalling Prompts to Uncover Your Hidden Strengths

poem

In the quest to unearth hidden strengths, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is reflection. If you are seeking to navigate the rich landscapes of your inner world, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post my aim is to inspire you to embark on a journey of self-exploration that promises to unveil the reservoirs of strength lying dormant within you.

At the end of this post you will find a link to twenty three prompts that will help you to tap into your deep knowing and discover the strengths you did not know you possessed.

Unlocking Your Hidden Strengths

“Your strengths are not just the things you’re good at, but also the obstacles you’ve overcome.”  – Oprah Winfrey.

This quote reminds us that our true power often emerges from the crucibles of challenge and adversity. It’s in the moments when we’re tested that we discover the full extent of our resilience, creativity, and tenacity.

However, the bustle of daily life can sometimes cloud our perception of these internal victories. It’s essential to pause, reflect, and engage in practices that bring these strengths to the forefront of our lives.

The Mirror to Your Soul

Journaling is not merely a practice of recording daily events but a profound exercise in introspection and self-dialogue. It’s a vessel that transports us through the layers of our consciousness, guiding us to revelations about our inherent capabilities. 

When we journal, we engage in a dialogue with our inner self, asking probing questions and uncovering answers that have always been a part of us, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

The Journey of Discovery

Embarking on this journey requires courage, honesty and an open heart, as it’s not just about celebrating our strengths but also confronting our vulnerabilities. It’s in acknowledging our fears, hopes, dreams, and challenges that we begin to see the outlines of our true potential. 

When you write, I encourage you to look for the gold in your failure, mistakes and shortfalls. Rather than dwelling on missteps, look at depths of character, virtues and emotional intelligence and way of thinking. This perspective transforms every misstep into a chance for personal growth, highlighting the inherent strength and adaptability within you.

Your Companion on the Path

To aid you in this journey of self-discovery, I’ve created a special freebie: a guide filled with carefully crafted journaling prompts designed to gently peel back the layers of your consciousness and reveal the hidden strengths within.

A Gift for you

‘23 Journalling prompts to uncover your hidden strengths,’ is more than just a document; it’s a portal to a new understanding of yourself.  By engaging with these prompts, you’ll not only uncover strengths you were unaware of but also your passions and aversions will become clear.

The First Step to a deeper connection

“Every journey begins with a single step, and the path to discovering your hidden strengths starts with the willingness to explore.” – Lao Tzu.

These prompts are your first step towards a deeper connection with who you are. Don’t rush through them. Spend time reflecting on each one, allowing your thoughts and emotions to flow freely.

This mindful approach will enable you to uncover insights and understandings about yourself that may have been hidden just beneath the surface.

Let these prompts unlock you.  Download them now and discover that you are stronger than you know.

The poem featured in the image in this post if from ‘A Strong and Fragile Thing’, musings in reflection of the wisdom and wonder found in the natural world.

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heart and soul Journaling life lessons

Solo Steps: The Power of Personal Breakthrough

personal breakthrough
pic of a girl running freely

In life, every individual encounters moments that are pivotal to personal growth and transformation. These moments, or personal breakthroughs, are akin to reaching a new summit in one’s inner life.

Drawing inspiration from the poem “Because I Am Scaling an Inner Summit,” this blog post delves into the essence of personal breakthroughs and the role of journaling as a tool for personal growth.

Understanding Personal Breakthroughs

A personal breakthrough can be described as a moment of clarity, a sudden insight, or a profound realization that leads to significant personal development.

It’s like a lightbulb moment that illuminates a path previously shrouded in darkness, providing direction and purpose. These breakthroughs often occur during periods of adversity, reflecting the poem’s theme of overcoming internal struggles to reach new heights of self-awareness and understanding.

Journal Prompt:

Reflect on a time when you experienced a personal breakthrough. What were the circumstances leading up to it, and how did it change your perspective or approach to life?

The Role of Journaling in Personal Growth

Journaling is more than just a method of recording daily events; it’s a powerful tool for introspection, self-expression, and mental clarity.

Through the act of writing, we can untangle complex thoughts, explore emotions, and identify patterns in our behavior and thinking that may be hindering our growth.

Journal Prompt:

Write about a recurring thought or feeling you’ve noticed in your journal entries. How does it influence your actions, and what steps can you take to address it?

Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

Each breakthrough, whether big or small, is a step forward in understanding oneself and navigating the complexities of life.

Again, the poem “Because I Am Scaling an Inner Summit” encapsulates what the journey feels like for me.

I realized that my capacity had diminished. Simple tasks, such as washing my hair, now required a significant amount of energy. Despite my life appearing calm and manageable on the surface, internally, it felt like I was playing an intense game of “the floor is lava.” I had to spend a substantial portion of my energy navigating my emotions, in pursuit of a personal breakthrough.

Journal Prompt:

Imagine your life as a mountain you’re climbing. What does the summit represent for you, and what obstacles do you need to overcome to reach it?

Nurturing Resilience Through Reflection

Journaling not only facilitates personal growth but also fosters resilience. By documenting your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, you create a personal archive that can serve as a reminder of your strength and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Journal Prompt:

Look back on a difficult period in your life and write about how you navigated through it. What strengths did you discover about yourself, and how can they help you in future challenges?

The Summit Awaits

Personal breakthroughs mark our progress as we scale the inner summits of our minds and spirits. Journaling, as a companion on this journey, provides a space for reflection, learning, and preparation for the next climb. 

Take your solo steps with courage and conviction, knowing that some things can only be won by one. That’s you. You are the one that must climb to the summit.

Your breakthrough may be just around the corner.

The poem featured in this post id from the collection ‘The Remains of Burning’. Available from bookstores worldwide.

For more journal prompts click here