journaling…
“our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be but to find out who we already are and become it.”
~ Steven Pressfield
For me, writing - and specifically, journaling is my safe space to explore whatever is living in my head, heart, and soul. My journals are a special place where the only intention I have is to satisfy my creative’s craving to express myself. And then - well - there are those moments I get stuck. I can’t seem to find anything interesting - or I get too much into the idea of what I should be writing, and letting those self-created expectations get in the way of something I love. I long ago accepted that this was a part of the creative process.
While I own the journey into the rut… I also know that I’m the only one able to get myself out of it. Oftentimes, I find that nudging my creative self with prompts helps me get my mojo back. And… there have been times when I’ve used prompts intentionally to focus my heart on one idea until I’ve completely exhausted myself with it. Other times, I’ve moved quickly through a set of prompts, allowing my ideas to land on the page and then I move on. It’s a great practice in letting go. So… whether you’ve found yourself in a rut - or - are looking for a new twist on your journaling, here are some ideas to help you live your creative self!
Here are some questions, quotes, and words to support your prompted journaling effort. I don’t like to create too many rules around how to approach this - it’s a creative process - so grab your journal and listen to your heart and see what serves you best.
Quotes
… how do the gifts of others’ thoughts inspire yours?
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arther Ashe
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
“If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering.” ― Viktor Frankl
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ― Rumi
Questions
…how does random curiosity spark your imagination?
What's something that's surprised you about your life or life in general?
Who was someone who believed in you even when you had a hard time believing in yourself? How did they impact your life?
What's something that's surprised you about your life or life in general?
Describe an act of kindness that was extended to you that you never forget?
What is the hardest thing you have ever done? Why was it hard for you? What did you learn?
What is one gift or talent that I have and that the world needs right now?
What is something that I’ve wanted to express/share but haven’t for fear of rejection or judgment?
Words
…how many trails does a single word invite you to wander?
Appreciate
Artist
Commitment
Creative
Escape
Elevate
Forgive
Grateful
Guilt
Invent
Inspire
Love
Opportunity
Patience
Release
Resist
Serene
Struggle
Success
Thrilled
Vision
Wistful
Wonky