Journaling and goal setting and new beginnings, oh my!
As we settle into this new year (how are we already five days in?!?), perhaps your thoughts are on new beginnings, changes, or self-improvement.
I used to love setting big, audacious goals -
You know, the kind that make me feel so brave and ambitious when I share them with others. There was the year I took on both my Master Gardener certification and a nonprofit management certification in the first half of the year.
Or the goals that let other people know I’ve got my act together - like the year I took on a big fitness program while I also managed to write (and remember to mail) a letter a week to someone I care about - with bonus points for addressing the envelope in calligraphy.
But at the end of 2023, as I sat down with my journal to do my year end reflection, the goals for 2024 didn’t come. I figured I’d give them time and space and they’d find me.
Instead, I found myself finishing last year without having defined some big, overarching goals. And I was all the better for it. I got to spend the year really taking care of myself, doing what I needed for me, instead of giving any energy to what anyone else might think of the goals I set.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent lots of time journaling and thinking about the goals I’ll set for myself this year, and how to do it from a place of love. I’m not entirely finished yet. But I like the direction I’m headed.
What I know without a doubt, though, is that the way I journal will change.
You’ve heard me share a lot about how I journal over the last few years:
My daily stream of consciousness journaling in my journal
My daily one-pager I complete each morning, the one that lives on a clipboard above my desk so my intentions stay top of mind throughout my day
My Sunday accountability journaling which keeps me tracking my progress toward the goals I set so I keep moving forward
My evening one-pager which gives me the opportunity to reflect on the events of the day, decide what’s important to remember, and complete my habit tracker so I know how well I’ve taken care of myself that day
My tarot-based self-coaching practice that helps me tap into my intuition
The love letters I write to myself
And while all of those are wonderful ways to journal that I plan to keep, I’m feeling called to move in a different direction for a while.
I’m not sure yet what that will look like, but I’m grateful to know that my journaling practice doesn’t have to look the same every day. What works for me today doesn’t have to look like what I did yesterday or will do tomorrow.
I love that my journaling practice gives me the space and opportunity to to look inward, reflect, and pay attention to what’s happening in my head, my heart, and my body.
It helps me get better at recognizing and naming my emotions, identifying what I need, and asking for and receiving from others the help that I both want and need.
It supports me in showing up - each day in all the places - as the version of me I know I want to be.
And I will be forever grateful that the more I write, the more I become the truest, most me possible.
If you’re thinking about journaling in 2025, but you’re not sure yet exactly how you want to go about it,
Or if you feel like your journaling practice needs a little adjusting so that it really meets your needs,
I invite you to join me on Thursday, January 16 at 2pm Eastern for a special Journaling with Ease in 2025 Masterclass.
In this 90-minute session, I’ll share the secret to creating a journaling practice that meets your needs and give you lots of ideas for custom tailoring your practice.
Your investment is just $20 and includes a recording of the Masterclass.
How do you want your journaling to support you this year?
Are you in need of support with your journaling practice? Here are three ways I can help:
Want a little support?
Upgrade to a paid subscription of Good Things Come to Those Who Journal. You’ll receive daily journal prompts, each centered around a monthly theme to help you stay motivated, engaged, and accountable to yourself as you build or grow your practice. You’ll always have something new to journal about AND help you get to know yourself like never before!
Want a little more support?
Consider joining our Journaling for Growth Community. While everyone can and should have their own solo journaling practice, journaling in community is something different. When you join us, not only will you receive prompts and tools to help you grow your solo journaling practice, you’ll receive access to our weekly magical group journaling sessions, designed to give you support, encouragement, and accountability in your practice as you learn about yourself and learn to love yourself. Learn more and register with the button below.
Want a even more support?
Let’s hop on a call and talk about what that would look like.
I can’t wait to support you as you give yourself the gift of journaling in 2025! 💛
