There’s more to journaling than recording the day’s events and how they made you feel. Try these journaling prompts each day for a week to unlock your personal secrets and find a path to undiscovered happiness.
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Journaling helps clear your mind and bring focus to your actions, almost like a window into your inner life. By asking yourself the right questions as you write, you can truly tap into your creative spark. Try these journal prompts below for seven days to uncover deep new perspectives on your life — and help you carve out a path to your destiny.
Sunday: Write down five beautiful things you saw today. Was it a drop of dew sparkling on a leaf, a shared encounter between two people, a radiant sunset? No moment is too small or insignificant. Describe what you loved about each item on your list.
Monday: List four alternate lives you could have led. Would you have been an astronaut, a dairy farmer, a prima ballerina? Which one appeals the most? Describe what you love about this imaginary life. Now, figure out how to incorporate the appealing aspects of that fantasy life into your reality. Sign up for a dance class, perhaps, or get an annual membership to the science center.
Tuesday: As long as there have been humans, there have been symbols; emblems are significant to the human spirit. Think of a symbol that has special meaning to you. Does it represent your faith? Someone, something, or somewhere you love? Something you admire in yourself? Your symbol gives you power, so write down how it’s helping you follow your own divine path. (For more symbolic inspiration, download our app, which includes the Inspiration Engine — you can view a digital version of our in-store symbol wall and take the personal blueprint quiz, which will reveal a number of symbols that are uniquely yours.)
Wednesday: Describe a moment in your life when you felt really, truly happy. What were you doing? Who were you with? Reflect on the elements of that moment. Then consider ways you could incorporate those things in some way — no matter how small — each week, to increase the fun, play, and happiness in your life.
Thursday: Some believe that there are no coincidences. Think about the moments of serendipity in your life lately — how do they play into the bigger picture? What steps have you taken, either consciously or unconsciously, that have helped you become the vibrant person you are today? (Check out the ALEX AND ANI Unexpected Miracles Charm Bangle, emblazoned with an acorn, which grows into the mighty oak tree. It symbolizes the serendipitous gifts the universe provides).
Friday: Put on your earphones and listen to a song that moves you. Close your eyes and really enjoy it, focusing on the lyrics, the melody, and how the tune makes you feel. Now write about a moment in your life where you felt those same emotions.
Saturday: Identify and jot down tiny actions you can take to celebrate the people, activities, and moments that bring you joy — friends, family, music, dance, poetry. Carve out time to handwrite a letter to an old friend. Surprise your significant other with their favorite breakfast. Treat yourself to 10 minutes of ecstatic dance before work. List a total of seven ideas and plan one a day for your coming week.
Did You Know? Our seasonal beaded collection for fall 2016 was inspired by the idea of writing your own script and following your destiny. Choose a piece that lets you celebrate your life and wear it as you journal each day.
Written by Shannon O’Donnell