I’m so excited for such a fresh start in 2020. I have so much hope that next year will bring so many good things. There’s a lot of exciting change happening next year that I’m looking forward to: political elections, a new apartment, a new position at my research lab, a new job, and so much more.
Lately I’ve been working on writing in my journals a lot more. I currently have the Ban.Do Feel Your Best journal which I love so so much. This one is colorful and fun with questions covering so many areas of life. There’s also a place in the back for a guided daily reflection that touches on 5 areas of life. This one is amazing because it has questions that push me to be positive but also a lot that allow me to reflect on growth and improvements. I just got the Michelle Obama Becoming journal because the book was one of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read. This journal has questions and quotes that help the writer discover and tell their story with quotes for inspiration. Finally, I have a totally blank journal where I can draw, write down quotes, and come up with my own questions to ask myself.
Here, I’m going to give you some of my favorite questions from all of my journals to help you end 2019 with some introspection and reflection so you can start off 2020 strong.
What is coming with me into the new decade?
This question hit me so hard when I saw it on Instagram. A new decade is an opportunity to let go of any habits, attitudes, people, or ideas that are bringing you down and holding you back. If you choose to write about 1 question out of these, make it be this one.
What do I feel drawn to?
I was thinking about this when I read about “pings” in the context of the Law of Attraction. A ping is a little feeling, a sudden realization, a recurring thought or anything that makes you think that someone, something is important in your life that you didn’t think about before. What are your pings? How do they come to you?
What is nourishment to me? How can I get more of it?
This question I found on Krista from Almost 30’s Instagram and it really clicked with me. Thinking about what nourishment is and applying it to my own life helped me find some hobbies and activities that I want to bring back into my life in 2020.
Where did your story take a sudden turn and how have you learned to embrace it?
This one is from the incredible Michelle Obama. This question in particular made me think a lot and had me feeling a little emotional when I finished writing a response. I think it’s a good exercise to reflect on where things didn’t go according to plan and think about your responses to those situations.
What is your top goal for next year? Next 2 years? Next 5 years?
This is one I was reflecting on this morning while writing in my Ban.Do journal and I thought there was no better time to think about this. Think about where you’ll be in 2 years, what does 2022 look like for you? What do you want for 2025? It can be general or specific. Mine were super general: in 5 years, I want to have created a life I love and continue to create a life I love.
What tools, skills, or resources do you need to make progress?
This one is also from Ban.Do. Think about your excuses why you can’t complete a certain goal, why you can’t do something you’ve been wanting to. How can you overcome those excuses and clear your path?
What wellness or self-care routines would make improvements in your life?
This is similar to what you are drawn to but focused on what you feel would improve your life. It’s something you have full control over. Maybe it’s starting a supplement routine, an exercise routine, going more plant-based or making a good sleep schedule.
What is a challenge you faced this year and how did you overcome it?
What is a work in progress in your life right now?
Identify Your Boundaries
I hope you enjoyed this post and are finding some introspection to end this year ready for change and an amazing 2020. I’ve found writing in my journal so helpful and although I put it off for years, I’m so glad that I finally started. I find it so refreshing and helpful to prepare for a new year by thinking about your previous year and what you want more of. What are some questions you feel connected to? How are you hoping to transform this year?
Wishing you all a happy, healthy new year full of growth.