2020 Reflection: Journal Prompts
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2020. Ooft. Am I right, *|FNAME|*?
This was a year of great discomfort, unlearning, learning, and gratitude for all that we do have. I won't recap 2020 as a whole here. I think we all have that engrained at a cellular level at this point. I do want to say that while 2020 was (and continues to be) a trying time, as difficult as it may be you can still find support by reflecting back on the year.
Have you seen all of the "new year, new you" claims floating around? The push for your identity, actions, and entire being to change in the blink of an eye overnight? I sure have and it's been driving me mad! There are two things that stand out to me with this statement:
1) It implies that there is something wrong with you, as you are right now. This is complete bull sh*t. Sure, there are adjustments that we can all make to our habits in an effort to support the best version of ourselves. But, there is nothing inherently wrong with you and you do not need to be a new person by the end of January. I quite like who you are!
2) It feels like this line of thinking simply intends to sweep 2020 under the rug and forget that it ever happened. Have we learned nothing from the past 10 months of lockdowns, protests, injustices, the politicization of a global crisis, ~1.8 million deaths worldwide, and deep loneliness? Let's be honest with ourselves so that we can move forward in a mindful, community-focused manner. We are still in this. This does not magically disappear in 2021.
Now, you might be thinking, "isn't she a coach? Isn't she supposed to cheer us on?!!!" Yes, I am a coach. Yes, I am meant to bring out inspiration AND I'm also meant to encourage self-reflection and accountability. Let's take a moment to check-in and hold ourselves accountable.
To support you in this process, I offer a few journaling prompts to reflect on 2020. Take 15 minutes or 2 hours (whatever works for you) to sit down and get truly honest with yourself about the past year, where you are at today, and how you want to show up for yourself and others moving forward.
Make a cup of tea, grab your journal, light a candle, get cozy, and reflect.
Short Version (~20 minutes)
In response to the following prompts, list out the first things that come to mind. Do this in a free flow manner without the need for complete sentences. If it comes into your consciousness, allow it to land on your paper.
List all that you have lost this year (persons, places, things, hopes, etc.)
How do these losses make you feel (physically and emotionally)?
List all that the greater collective has lost this year (local and global communities)
How do these losses make you feel (physically and emotionally?)
List all that you have gained this year (persons, places, things, hopes, etc.)
List all that has been gained as a collective community this year.
What have you learned from all of this grief and gain?
As a result, how do you want to move forward in 2021?
Extended Version (1 - 2 hours)
If you have a good couple of hours to dedicate, look back on the entire year. Literally, reflect on each month from January 2020 until now. Use calendars, photos, and/or social media to help guide this process. For each month, list:
What happened that month? For yourself, immediate circles, local community, greater community
Where you were in space and time? Travel?
What did you feel that month? What emotions come up for you while reflecting back on that period of time? This can also include physical sensations.
Did that month shape who you are today in any way? How?
After going through every month of 2020, reflect on the whole year and ask yourself:
What am I proud of?
What did I learn?
Who or what am I ready to let go of?
How do I want to continue to grow moving forward?
Who or what do I want to invest in?
How can I best support myself?
How can I best support my community?
