Increasing Self Awareness!
If you know me, you know I am a BIG fan of journaling. I’ve filled up countless journals over the years and recommend journaling to all my clients, family and friends. Journaling can help us increase our joy, insight, gratitude, emotional awareness and so much more. This all leads to greater self awareness and therefore a greater opportunity to grow! Through reflecting on our day, lives and entire selves, we can transform our understanding and see great results. I’ve found that often people don’t know where to start so I wanted to give you some ideas. Keep reading for various journal prompts to increase self awareness!
If you want to experience more joy:
Journal 1-5 things each day that you are grateful for
Try to choose different things each day
I suggest 1-5 depending on how intentional you have been with gratitude in the past. If you find this practice difficult, start with 1 and work your way to more when you can. If you find this very easy, start with 5 or even more!
Research shows a direct correlation between those who practice gratitude intentionally & the amount of joy those individuals experience.
If you want improved personal emotional understanding:
Name a top emotion of your day
If you need help identifying emotions, click HERE for a great list of emotions for your reference
Journal about what contributed to this emotion. Was there a certain person or situation that led you to feeling this way? Can you identify any thoughts or actions that contributed?
Journal about what your response to this emotion was. Did you turn to comfort food or alcohol when you felt sad? Did you start singing when you felt joy? Did you yell at someone you love when you felt tired?
If you want increased self awareness:
Journal about your highs and lows of the day. What were the best and worst moments? When were you your best and when were you your worst?
Journal about how you gave & received love that day. Who did you show love to & how did you show them love? Who made you feel loved today? How did you most appreciate being loved?
Journal about where God was moving in your day. Where did you see/feel/hear God that day? How did He show up for you? What prayers did He answer? What is He trying to tell you?
Journal about lessons and growth that came out of the day. What did you learn today? What did you do that you are proud of? What happened that you wish you could do differently? How can you be better tomorrow?
If you spend even just a few minutes each day journaling & reflecting on some of these questions, I have no doubt that you will increase your self awareness and be on your way to becoming a better version of yourself! Awareness is the first essential step toward any significant growth. May we be intentional and make the choice to become more self aware, improve our relationships & live a better life! Happy journaling & happy growing!