Dreams and Planning - they don't really go together, do they? Dreaming is such a spontaneous, no restrictions thing, and planning is all about order and boundaries. But they in fact go together perfectly. First you dream, and then you plan to make those dreams come true.
That's where your journal can help you. Record your dreams. Unabashedly. Freely. Be outrageous. Be true to yourself. Dream.
Then plan.
Decide. Brainstorm. How exactly are you going to make those dreams come true? Go...because the world is yours to take!
Showing posts with label Journal Writing Prompt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journal Writing Prompt. Show all posts
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Monday, 6 February 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 38 - Life On Your Terms
Today, a very simple but very profound question. Are you living your life on your terms? I am not at this moment, but I am conscious of it, and trying to move towards living my life on my terms.
What does that even mean?
It may mean different thing to different people. To me, first and foremost it means being in-charge of my own time. To work for things I believe in. To do things that nourish my soul. I don't think that's a lot to ask.
Some people might consider it selfish. You especially hear that from "traditionalists" who focus on what one "should" do rather than what one "wants" to do. But think about it - if you do things you love, you are more likely to do it well. You are more likely to contribute something significant to the world. That's a WIN - WIN.
So what do you think? Are you living your life on your terms? If not, what are you going to do about it?
What does that even mean?
It may mean different thing to different people. To me, first and foremost it means being in-charge of my own time. To work for things I believe in. To do things that nourish my soul. I don't think that's a lot to ask.
Some people might consider it selfish. You especially hear that from "traditionalists" who focus on what one "should" do rather than what one "wants" to do. But think about it - if you do things you love, you are more likely to do it well. You are more likely to contribute something significant to the world. That's a WIN - WIN.
So what do you think? Are you living your life on your terms? If not, what are you going to do about it?
Friday, 27 January 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 37 - Favourite TV
Journaling is not always about serious introspection. It can also be fun, silly, light-hearted. Today's topic is one of those.
If you are anything like most people, you watch TV, whether little or a lot. So what are your favourite TV shows? Why are they your favourite?
And for those of you interested in further introspection - think about how this taste relates to your taste in other things? For example, do you like similar type of books and movies too? Or do you like these shows because of their actors?
So go on, have fun. If you like bit of art and colour in your journal, you can draw/paste pictures from these shows, or write the names of these shows in funny pictures.
If you are anything like most people, you watch TV, whether little or a lot. So what are your favourite TV shows? Why are they your favourite?
And for those of you interested in further introspection - think about how this taste relates to your taste in other things? For example, do you like similar type of books and movies too? Or do you like these shows because of their actors?
So go on, have fun. If you like bit of art and colour in your journal, you can draw/paste pictures from these shows, or write the names of these shows in funny pictures.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 36 - Habits
Since it's the new year, and hopefully you haven't completely given up on resolutions, goals and plans. Habits go hand-in-hand with those topics.
The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
- Samuel Johnson
He was a clever man, that Johnson. Today, in your journal, write about your habits. Which habits are wrapped around you like chains? Which habits move you forward in life, and bring you happiness?
Are there new habits you would like to form? How will you go about achieving that?
What habits would you like to discard? How will you accomplish that?
The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
- Samuel Johnson
He was a clever man, that Johnson. Today, in your journal, write about your habits. Which habits are wrapped around you like chains? Which habits move you forward in life, and bring you happiness?
Are there new habits you would like to form? How will you go about achieving that?
What habits would you like to discard? How will you accomplish that?
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 35 - The Desert Island Scenario
We've all heard of this game, probably even tried it.
What would you take with you if you knew you would end up on a desert island, alone? Robinson Crusoe had the good deal. Not all of us are going to build a pretty house in the forest. So let's forget the essentials.
Let's stick to books.
Say you have to leave the rest of your life (however long that might be) with only 10 books at your side. (No e-readers - so none of that thousand books in one device kind of thing).
What books will you pick? Why? 10 precious books...if you are anything like me, the choice seems impossible. And of course we can't REALLY be sure until we are in that situation, but let's have a play at it. This might reveal what books are important to you. They would probably be the ones that shaped you, that made you smile or cry, that changed your world in some way, however little.
So go have fun....
What would you take with you if you knew you would end up on a desert island, alone? Robinson Crusoe had the good deal. Not all of us are going to build a pretty house in the forest. So let's forget the essentials.
Let's stick to books.
Say you have to leave the rest of your life (however long that might be) with only 10 books at your side. (No e-readers - so none of that thousand books in one device kind of thing).
What books will you pick? Why? 10 precious books...if you are anything like me, the choice seems impossible. And of course we can't REALLY be sure until we are in that situation, but let's have a play at it. This might reveal what books are important to you. They would probably be the ones that shaped you, that made you smile or cry, that changed your world in some way, however little.
So go have fun....
Friday, 6 January 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 33 - Trust
How much we trust others is a result not only of our upbringing but of our experiences. If we experience betrayals in life then inevitably it makes us jaded. Sometimes, it even makes us mistrust everyone. Even for those who are independent, happy in their own company, can you actually live without trust?
Today, in your journal, explore your relationship with trust. How much do you trust others? Do you trust everyone? How does that work out for you?
Do you trust no-one? Does that result in fullfilling relationships?
Do you trust a select few? What makes them these select few?
Trust is such an important concept that colours our entire life, all our relationships - both personal and professional. So take time to explore this. It may lead you to few discoveries about yourself.
Today, in your journal, explore your relationship with trust. How much do you trust others? Do you trust everyone? How does that work out for you?
Do you trust no-one? Does that result in fullfilling relationships?
Do you trust a select few? What makes them these select few?
Trust is such an important concept that colours our entire life, all our relationships - both personal and professional. So take time to explore this. It may lead you to few discoveries about yourself.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Journal Writing Prompt 32 - Plans
Adventure is just bad planning - Roald Amundsen
I totally agree with the above quote. Now, some of you may like adventures, and that's okay. But for those of us who want to have at least a sense of control over our life, and goals, planning is essential. Resolutions are a new year tradition. But resolutions are weak. We make them, and forget about them. So instead, I have goals and plans.
What about you?
That's what today's journaling is about. Do you have goals and plans? Do you write them in your journal?
Journaling can be an excellent way to not only record your goals, but to understand your process, what works for you and what doesn't. It could be a reflective tool, and enlightening tool. So if you haven't tried it, give it a go.
I totally agree with the above quote. Now, some of you may like adventures, and that's okay. But for those of us who want to have at least a sense of control over our life, and goals, planning is essential. Resolutions are a new year tradition. But resolutions are weak. We make them, and forget about them. So instead, I have goals and plans.
What about you?
That's what today's journaling is about. Do you have goals and plans? Do you write them in your journal?
Journaling can be an excellent way to not only record your goals, but to understand your process, what works for you and what doesn't. It could be a reflective tool, and enlightening tool. So if you haven't tried it, give it a go.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 31 - Priorities
Good things happen when you get your priorities straight. - Scott Caan
But do you have your priorities straight? So often, we end up running around after things that simply stumble across us, or we stumble into them. Whether it's a job you fell into or a relationship or an activity that takes up your time. Have you taken the time to consider if you really want to do this?
Take the time now. You may discover that all the things that take up your time and space in your life, are not necessarily the things you want.
Knowing it is the first step. Once you know, then you can set about doing something about it. You may not be able to eliminate doing everything you don't like (for example, a job that pays the bills, but doesn't necessarily bring you fullfillment). But now that you are powered with the knowledge of what is and what isn't importrant to you, you can make a plan.
What can you do? What are your options? What interests you? How can you spend more and more of your time doing the things you love? What's more important to you?
Action expresses priorities. - Mohandas Gandhi
What are your actions saying about your life?
But do you have your priorities straight? So often, we end up running around after things that simply stumble across us, or we stumble into them. Whether it's a job you fell into or a relationship or an activity that takes up your time. Have you taken the time to consider if you really want to do this?
Take the time now. You may discover that all the things that take up your time and space in your life, are not necessarily the things you want.
Knowing it is the first step. Once you know, then you can set about doing something about it. You may not be able to eliminate doing everything you don't like (for example, a job that pays the bills, but doesn't necessarily bring you fullfillment). But now that you are powered with the knowledge of what is and what isn't importrant to you, you can make a plan.
What can you do? What are your options? What interests you? How can you spend more and more of your time doing the things you love? What's more important to you?
Action expresses priorities. - Mohandas Gandhi
What are your actions saying about your life?
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 30 - Being Busy
"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these needs there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing."
- Thomas Alva Edison
Modern lifestyle for most people is about being busy. We are rushed at work, we are rushed at home, and weekends are usually spent running one errand or another. Being busy, we are told, is good. Being busy means you are doing something with your life.
But are you really?
Being busy does not mean we are doing something. Getting results means we are doing something. Being busy is sometimes the biggest time waster of all, which keeps us occupied without getting results, and stops us from relaxing or doing things we enjoy.
So open your journal and write about the things that keep you busy. Are you accomplishing anything, or are you simply wasting time being busy? If so, what will you do to change it?
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 29 - Brainstorm
Journaling is not just about recording our life. It's also about evolving it. So today, focus on brainstorm. Whether it is for a particular project you want to work, a story or a play, a poem. It doesn't matter what it is, let your creativity flow. For me personally, it's going to be brainstorming for NaNoWriMo, which starts on November 1. If you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, click here and enter a world of insanity.
But back to brainstorming. What's the point? Well, the point is that our brains are bit like elastic. We need to stretch them to expand them. If you brainstorm, let your creativity drive you, your mind might surprise you. You may find fresh insights, some new ideas, some unlooked for connections. So give it a try. And have fun!
Monday, 17 October 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 28 - Look at Your Journal
Usually, we talk about writing in our journals here. Today, I want you to do something different. Read through your journals (or if you don't read your old journals - think about what you write), and consider your focus.
Are your journals focused in the past, in the present, in the future? Are they combination of all or leaned heavily towards one than the other?
Why might that be? Is that a reflection of your general outlook in life?
What does your journal say about you?
What does your journal say about you?
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 27 - Obession
No, I don't mean the perfume! Obsession -- even the word sounds beautiful, like it will reel you in and never let you go.
We all obsess from time to time, some of us more than others. Sometimes, we obsess over small problems, but then there other longer term obsessions. Perhaps it's a habit, or a career goal, or a family goal.
What do you obsess about? Why? Is it because it's so important that you must have it to make your life meaningful? Or is it a force of habit?
So journal today about obsesion, and see what you discover about yourself. And whether it's healthy or unhealthy obsessions you are nurturing.
We all obsess from time to time, some of us more than others. Sometimes, we obsess over small problems, but then there other longer term obsessions. Perhaps it's a habit, or a career goal, or a family goal.
What do you obsess about? Why? Is it because it's so important that you must have it to make your life meaningful? Or is it a force of habit?
So journal today about obsesion, and see what you discover about yourself. And whether it's healthy or unhealthy obsessions you are nurturing.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 26 - Dependence
For last three days we didn't have Internet or phone. Phone wasn't an issue, but Internet was. Initially we assumed it would come back on, when nothing happened for two whole days, we began to get annoyed/antsy. Today was full blown stress and even anger. It made me realise how dependent we are on the Internet. These days, whenever I want some information, my first response - like many people - is to google it.
I'm sure that if Internet went out of the world somehow, we would all revert back to old days and manage to survive, but while we do have it, and while we do use, dependency increases daily for most people.
So that got me thinking about dependency on other thing. Or even other people.
That's today's topic.
What are you dependent on? Perhaps you don't even realise it - if these are ordinary objects / services that we take for granted. What do you think you can't live without, or would be greatly unhappy living without?
How do you feel about that dependency? Are you okay with that, or will you be taking some steps to change that?
I'm sure that if Internet went out of the world somehow, we would all revert back to old days and manage to survive, but while we do have it, and while we do use, dependency increases daily for most people.
So that got me thinking about dependency on other thing. Or even other people.
That's today's topic.
What are you dependent on? Perhaps you don't even realise it - if these are ordinary objects / services that we take for granted. What do you think you can't live without, or would be greatly unhappy living without?
How do you feel about that dependency? Are you okay with that, or will you be taking some steps to change that?
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 25 - Curiosity
Today's prompt is Curiosity.
Curiosity of mind. Curiosity of heart. Curiosity of life. Do you have it? Do you yearn for new knowledge, new experiences? If so, are you getting them? Journal about them.
Or are you comfortable just staying as you are now, with what you have, and not keen to get out of your comfort zone? Journal about why that might be.
Each of this topic has two sides - positive and negative. See how it affects you. Journal freely...don't worry about labels and headings and breaks. Just write: Curiosity, and then free write and see where your words take you.
Curiosity of mind. Curiosity of heart. Curiosity of life. Do you have it? Do you yearn for new knowledge, new experiences? If so, are you getting them? Journal about them.
Or are you comfortable just staying as you are now, with what you have, and not keen to get out of your comfort zone? Journal about why that might be.
Each of this topic has two sides - positive and negative. See how it affects you. Journal freely...don't worry about labels and headings and breaks. Just write: Curiosity, and then free write and see where your words take you.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 24 - Gratitude
We often think about all the things we would like to have in life, but today's prompt, let's focus on what we have.
What are you grateful for? It could be material items, like a comfortable house, enough food, nice clothes, a car. It could be emotional aspects - people who love you and care about you, friends who support you. It doesn't matter how little or how big these things are. Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for.
Count your blessings! And by the time you are done, your life will feel the richness of your life.
What are you grateful for? It could be material items, like a comfortable house, enough food, nice clothes, a car. It could be emotional aspects - people who love you and care about you, friends who support you. It doesn't matter how little or how big these things are. Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for.
Count your blessings! And by the time you are done, your life will feel the richness of your life.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 23 - Here and Now
Focus on the present. Where are you right now in your life? You can journal about the physical location if you wish too, but think about your overall life. Are you happy in your present, or do you keep wishing for the past or the future? What would you like to change about your present? What you like to keep in it?
We spend far too much time in non-present (or maybe it's just me), so let's bring our journals and our minds in here and now. Dig deeper. Dwell in the present.
We spend far too much time in non-present (or maybe it's just me), so let's bring our journals and our minds in here and now. Dig deeper. Dwell in the present.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 22 - Dare to Dream
Journaling is not just about facing facts of your life...it's about opening your mind and your heart to possibilities. It's about believing in yourself. And if you are generally big on feeling down, it's about believing that good things CAN happen to you.
So today, Dare to Dream. Journal about something you would like to be, or achieve, or see. Anything....it might be something like travelling to a dream destination, or finding the man/woman of your dreams, having a child, having grandchildren, being famous...anything. Go all out.
BE DARING.
DREAM OUTRAGEOUSLY.
Don't even think about it not being realistic. Don't tell yourself that it probably won't happen. Who cares about reality....this is your time to dream. So go and dream. And have fun!
So today, Dare to Dream. Journal about something you would like to be, or achieve, or see. Anything....it might be something like travelling to a dream destination, or finding the man/woman of your dreams, having a child, having grandchildren, being famous...anything. Go all out.
BE DARING.
DREAM OUTRAGEOUSLY.
Don't even think about it not being realistic. Don't tell yourself that it probably won't happen. Who cares about reality....this is your time to dream. So go and dream. And have fun!
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 21 - Right Now
Today's journaling prompt is all about focusing on right now. Right this minute. (well, as soon as you read this, and open your journal).
Open your journal...write the date, the day, and what time it is
Then start writing, what's on your mind.
What are you thinking about? What's your state of mind? Are you happy? Sad? Worried? Normal?
What's driving you? Focus on the moment. Focus inwards. Pay attention to your thoughts, and write them down, as quickly as possible.
The purpose of this prompt is to learn to pay attention to the moment, as well as to later evaluate what's taking your energy. Are you worried about stuff that has nothing to do with your present life? Are you focusing on the right thing at the right time? Are your energies divided unequally? Pay attention. Assess. Journal.
Open your journal...write the date, the day, and what time it is
Then start writing, what's on your mind.
What are you thinking about? What's your state of mind? Are you happy? Sad? Worried? Normal?
What's driving you? Focus on the moment. Focus inwards. Pay attention to your thoughts, and write them down, as quickly as possible.
The purpose of this prompt is to learn to pay attention to the moment, as well as to later evaluate what's taking your energy. Are you worried about stuff that has nothing to do with your present life? Are you focusing on the right thing at the right time? Are your energies divided unequally? Pay attention. Assess. Journal.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 20 - Recharge
Oh boy, it's been a while since I posted here. Sorry about that. I was having 2 weeks of real vacation for a change. 10 days holiday/family visit in New Jersey / New York, and then rest of the week off at home with my husband. Hardly any work. No looking at to-do list. It's been refreshing and relaxing.
So that's our prompt for today - Recharging Batteries
How do you recharge yours? Do you at all? Do you know when you need to? I will admit, I rarely give myself time off. Sure I have time off from my day-job, but not from my home-job as a writer + mental stress out telling me to push myself to do this and that. Sometimes, I know I need to take a break, and so I take a day or a weekend off. But I am not good at taking the time to recharge my batteries. At least not without guilt for "wasting time."
How do you feel? Are you okay to just sit down, do nothing, or watch TV? Or do you suffer with guilt? Journal about this. See whether you are taking care of your self, giving your mind and body time to charge and energize, or are you pushing yourself too much?
So that's our prompt for today - Recharging Batteries
How do you recharge yours? Do you at all? Do you know when you need to? I will admit, I rarely give myself time off. Sure I have time off from my day-job, but not from my home-job as a writer + mental stress out telling me to push myself to do this and that. Sometimes, I know I need to take a break, and so I take a day or a weekend off. But I am not good at taking the time to recharge my batteries. At least not without guilt for "wasting time."
How do you feel? Are you okay to just sit down, do nothing, or watch TV? Or do you suffer with guilt? Journal about this. See whether you are taking care of your self, giving your mind and body time to charge and energize, or are you pushing yourself too much?
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Journal Writing Prompt 19
"Melancholy diminishes as I write. Why then don't I write it down oftener? Well, one's vanity forbids. I want to appear a success even to myself."
Above quote is from Virginia Woolf's diary. From October 25, 1920. So many years before our time, and yet I bet it would resonate with each one of us. Just look the amount of prompts you have in that one quote.
Let's break it down. And see how you can use this.
"Melancholy diminishes as I write" - How does journaling make you feel? Does it ease your burdens? Does it give you insights? Does it surprise you? Does it comfort you? How do you feel as you write in your journal?
"Why then don't I write it down oftener?" - Well, why don't you? What stops you from journaling regularly, or frequently? What are the reasons you think are facts? What are the excuses you make to yourself?
"Well, one's vanity forbids. I want to appear a success even to myself." - I don't know about you, but I'm certainly familiar with this problem. It is sometimes easier to use self-deprecating humour or comments to others, but admitting failure to oneself is harder. It may be just little failures, or perhaps just injury to one's vanity. How do you deal with it? Does your journal know the truth about you, or does it know the truth as you want it to be?
Above quote is from Virginia Woolf's diary. From October 25, 1920. So many years before our time, and yet I bet it would resonate with each one of us. Just look the amount of prompts you have in that one quote.
Let's break it down. And see how you can use this.
"Melancholy diminishes as I write" - How does journaling make you feel? Does it ease your burdens? Does it give you insights? Does it surprise you? Does it comfort you? How do you feel as you write in your journal?
"Why then don't I write it down oftener?" - Well, why don't you? What stops you from journaling regularly, or frequently? What are the reasons you think are facts? What are the excuses you make to yourself?
"Well, one's vanity forbids. I want to appear a success even to myself." - I don't know about you, but I'm certainly familiar with this problem. It is sometimes easier to use self-deprecating humour or comments to others, but admitting failure to oneself is harder. It may be just little failures, or perhaps just injury to one's vanity. How do you deal with it? Does your journal know the truth about you, or does it know the truth as you want it to be?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)