For many years now, around this time, I’ve shared reflection prompts for the new year.
The power of writing never ceases to amaze me – the way different insights emerge when we shift thoughts into written words. The way an entirely new way of seeing can show up when we take just a few short minutes to pause and write. The fact that so much is waiting for us inside. And the way writing can help us understand where we are at, and what’s emerging from us.
Tending to our playing big dreams requires that kind of checking in with ourselves. Our dreams change. Our callings are born, live out their lives, and come to a close, leaving space for new callings to come forth. And even when our playing big projects and vision remain consistent, we need reflection time to tend to the fears, self-doubts, hurts, and inner conflicts that are swirling in us – and that will thwart our progress, if they are left ignored or unprocessed.
So, below I’m sharing some journaling prompts for a new year. Some may be familiar friends to you from years past; some are fresh inquiries.
May they be doorways, nudges, and matches that spark light.
* * *
Because I listened to the whispers inside, in 2026 I…
Because fear of failure no longer held me back, in 2026 I…
Because I am growing into my inner mentor, in 2026 I…
Because simple pleasures are so rich, in 2026 I…
Because so many of the things that brought me joy in childhood still do, in 2026 I…
Because of the remarkable people who have loved me and made me who I am, in 2026 I…
Because resentment doesn’t feel good inside my system, in 2026 I…
Because the silence has gone on long enough, in 2026 I….
Because I am learning new ways of caring for myself, in 2026 I…
Because I need connection to thrive, in 2026 I…
Because my soul needs solitude, in 2026 I…
Because I want to remember this year with tears of gratitude, in 2026 I…
* * *
Want more questions or prompts? I love Courtney Martin’s Reflection Questions for the New Year. Here are a few of hers I especially adore:
• What has been dormant this year that I’d like to awaken? How might I awaken or nurture this to grow?
• What has overgrown this year that I’d like to put back to seed and/ or what have I been carrying? Is there anything I can lay down to rest?
• What kind of rest do I need most right now? (body, heart, mind, spirit, other)?
Find more of her juicy questions here.
With reverence and love for what is emerging from each of us –
Tara
Top Photo Credit: Elle Mundus
