Movin' right along

There are so many reasons why I love journaling,
But the one I love the most is that

It helps move my life forward.

Usually, it’s in small ways -

Like getting organized
Setting intentions each morning
Connecting with my feelings so I can take action

But sometimes big lessons come as I journal.
Sometimes, when I least expect it, I find the answers I’ve been seeking.

Last week I had one of these sessions.

I sat down to reflect with some journal prompts,
And I knew right away magic was going to happen.

THIS is part of an entry from that journaling session:

---

The story that needs to end now in order for me to break through and shine is the story of not being good enough.

That's what keeps me small.
The fear of being insignificant.

Of doing my best and falling short.
Of not being chosen.

And the best way to avoid not being chosen
Is to refuse to play the game.

Or to play the imitation version:

"Look at me! I'm so brave riding this scary amusement park ride!
(In kiddie land.)"

I can be a really big fish in my little pond.

But I'm limiting my growth
By not venturing into bigger waters.

I'm letting my fear of being eaten -
Or worse, not being noticed at all -
Keep me from even trying.

What if I end that story about not being enough now?
What if I write a new story -

Of purpose
Of bravery

Of abundance -
Of connection
Of money and resources
Of opportunities
Of love.

Am I ready?
I want to be.

But small is safe.
Small is limiting.

I think of the Death card from The Guardian of the Night Tarot -
A rat is clutched in the talons of a great owl,

Plucked from the thorny thicket that looked like safety,
But was really a trap.

Fear is keeping me from truly living my Ikigai.
Fear is keeping me from growth.

Fear is keeping me from expressing the fullness of my
Curiosity, creativity, communication, and connection.

I'm ready to admit the story of me being insignificant needs to end.
Part of me may not yet be ready to let that go.

I'm thanking that part of me that truly believed
That playing small was a way to keep me safe,

For that old belief that it's better to fail by not trying
Than to try and fail anyway,
That did what it needed to do to protect me.

I'm a big girl now.
I'm resilient and strong.

And I know that no matter what happens,
I'm going to be okay.

It's time for me to try something new.
It's time for me to take off my training wheels,
Hop into the ocean,
Whatever the appropriate metaphor is here.

The story that needs to end now in order for me
To break through and shine is that I'm insignificant.
That no matter how much I am, it won't be enough.

I'm closing that story.
The end.

Releasing that belief, ending that story,
Opens up room for a new belief that better serves me.

A belief that I am significant.
And that I am exactly the right amount for the right people.
And that by living my Ikigai, I will find my people.

Thank you to that old story for keeping me safe.
I release you with love, gratitude, and compassion. 💛

Amanda’s journal open to that transformational journal entry. On the left page sits the tarot card referenced in the entry - The Death card from The Guardian of the Night Tarot deck by MJ Cullinane.

How has this journal entry helped me move my life forward?

It’s helped me take a hard look at the journaling programs I’ve created
And, without judgement, helped me identify what changes I need to make.

You’ll be seeing those changes soon,
And I think you’ll like them.

It’s helped me reevaluate how I’m spending my time
And make plans to shift some responsibilities off my calendar.

And it’s helped me to have honest conversations with some trusted advisors
Who’ve given me guidance I’ve needed to make both of these happen.

I journal every day.

I do it because I love it,
And because it helps me show up as my best me,
It helps me move my life forward in the best ways.

By showing up every day, the Universe knows where to find me
When I’m ready to hear the answers.

By showing up every day, I am ready when the magic appears.

Not every journal entry will be magical.
But it’s worth putting in the effort so I can have the ones that are.

This is how I move my life forward.

---

Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!

• What is your relationship with journaling?

• How have you used it to move your life forward?

• How CAN you use journaling to move your life forward?

• What story do you need to stop telling yourself so that you can be the brightest version of you?

• What action will you take to make it happen?

---

One Journaling Idea I Love:

The Health Journal

There are so many beautiful ways to keep a health journal. Consider the following:

• Keep track of the amount and quality of your sleep

• Track your food intake

• Maintain a log of illness symptoms

• Record details about your menstrual cycle

• Rate your mood

It’s hard to remember details like this, so by writing them down, you have all the information at your fingertips! And if you need to see a doctor, you’ll be able to share a comprehensive history with them.

---

More Good Stuff

• My friend Emily Griffith is joining me on this week’s livestream show! Join us on Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern to be part of our conversation about Healing through Writing! Tune in on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook.

---

Happy Journaling!