18. Journaling

Hello friends! Long time no blog. I am a busy human much like all of you and I lack the discipline to complete tasks when no one is giving me a deadline. I know I know I know. EXCUSES! So no more of that and let's get into this post.

Over the last six months I have been drastically shaking up my life. Well, drastic for me at least. One addition to my life has been the practice of journaling. Now, if you are anything like me you hoard beautiful empty journals and never write in them because you don't want to ruin the journal. Yes I am aware that a journal is to be written in, but personally I value their blankness. There is probably a very deep thought behind that choice, but I don't want to get carried away here.

The point is, I made the decision to journal more. I dragged myself to the store and spent an afternoon journal shopping. (even though I have a shelf of empty journals) Making a trip out of the decision felt momentous and dramatic and yes was probably pointless. LOL. Just let me have this one, okay?

After selecting my beloved journal I sat down to write the first entry and stopped short. I had about a hundred things I could write about, and exactly zero clue where to start. I hit the internet, I hit up Instagram, and I got some lovely journaling prompts from professional writers and friends! I found that the prompts gave me a place to start writing. Once I got going, I felt focused and able to write about other things. The prompts served as the perfect kickstart to my journaling.

I decided I wanted to make the goal of writing in my journal Every. Single. Day. CRAZY TOWN, I know. But I would love it if you joined me! Even CRAZIER, I know. But here me out, this is how it would work. For the month of December, I will provide a journal prompt to write about each day. Some are as quick as a minute to complete and some may take a little more time and consideration. The goal is not to write a novel, but just simply to write. Maybe you've tried journaling and hated it, or maybe you've never even thought about trying. Whatever your situation is, I think this is the challenge for you. During the Holidays, we all experience various levels of disconnection. It is no secret that December is a crazy month full of parties, family, and seasonal depression. There are a lot of things going on in our lives. Journaling is just a way of slowing down and focusing.

I am not gonna lie, I see myself falling short of this challenge. There will surely be days where I realize I forgot to write. My plan is to take it one day at a time. Write two prompts in one day if you fall behind. If a prompt isn't speaking to you then skip it! Write whatever you want. I am sharing this challenge as public accountability for myself, and maybe something helpful for you too.

Here are the list of journal prompts. I will also have them on an Instagram post that you can screen shot @its_raining_somewhere_blog . Maybe if I am feeling ambitious I will share each prompt on the day of! But let's be real, it probably won't happen. We are trying to keep it casual here. Be sure to tag your social media posts with #itsrainingsomewherejournals so that I can see how you are doing!

December 1: Is there something I have been wanting to do lately, but haven't?

December 2: Is there a decision that is making me anxious? Is there something I can do to resolve it today?

December3: Who are the 5 people who know me best?

December 4: What is a hobby that I have always wanted to pick up?

December 5: What's the most exciting improvement I have been seeing in myself lately?

December 6: What's the best gift I can give myself in this chapter of my life?

December 8: What was a great day from my childhood? What made it great?

December 9:What do I need help with currently? Who can help me? How can I help myself?

December 10: What is my favorite meal? Pick a day in the next week that I can make it for myself.

December 11: List 10 things I like about myself

December 12: List 10 things other people compliment me on.

December 13: What feels impossible today that would shock me to accomplish in a year?(date this entry)

December 14: Who do I miss most today?

December 15:Where would I like to travel to? Why?

December 16: What is the nicest thing anyone has done for me?

December 17: What have I been obsessing over in my mind today?

December 18:Who is someone I want to get to know more? Why?

December 19:What is one of my biggest regrets?

December 20:What is my current or all-time favorite song? Write out the lyrics. play it.

December 21: What am I putting off that feels important? Why am I avoiding it?

December 22: Is there someone in my life I am struggling to forgive?

December 23:What is a trait of mine hurting my relationships?

December 24:What insecurity has been holding me back the most?

December 25:What made me most happy today? Most sad?

December 26: Who is someone I need to apologize to.

December 27:Who intimidates me? Why do they intimidate me?

December 28:Describe my most memorable birthday.

December 29:How can you treat yourself and one other person today? Why that person?

December 30: Leave yourself a voice memo. what did you say? write it down.

December 31: What is something you are proud of yourself for doing this year?

Thank you to everyone who contributed prompts to this list. You know who you are, and I am grateful for you!

I am so excited to see where this journal challenge takes us. I hope we all learn something about ourselves and find a little oasis from all the craziness of this season. So go spend some time picking out a journal,and get excited! You are great. Journals are great. We love a challenge. And if maybe today you aren't feeling so great,(journal about it ;) ) Take heart! It's Raining Somewhere!

-Hannah