Reflective Journalling at the end of the UK winterReflective Journalling at the end of the UK winter

Reflective Journalling at the end of the UK winter

Reflective Journalling at the end of the UK winter

Reflective Journalling - a collage of images to inspire with a blonde haired woman writing in a journal notebook beside a sunny window, a woman striding along a canal path whilst thinking positively, some yellow tulips and snowdrops to signify winter turning to Spring, a young woman on a laptop in a conservatory with greenery behind her, an older man smiling as he views his tablet, a collection of coloured pencils to signify creativity and doodling

I’m writing this in February as I listen to a “Windy mountainside” on BBC Sounds – I can’t be near a mountain at the moment, so this is my imagination allowing me to roam outside in the elements, whilst indoors wrapped in layers of wool!

There are different aims in Journalling, and here I’ll write about Reflective journalling using all your senses which encourages self - reflection and personal growth as you build respect for your own power in your life.

Reflective Journalling at the end of winter

I'm writing this today in Birmingham, England, so it's technically winter. It's a mindful exercise to use the mood and impact in the season of colder weather with a lower sun in the sky - looking back over the winter months, allowing the time of keeping warm and looking at skeletons of tress and bare earth as nature lies low....then being surprised and uplifted by the green shoots of the daffodils poking through the frost.

Explore your feelings, experiences and hopes. Using all your senses, ease into your state of mind with short attentive moments that can be captured.

“Journal” using whichever type, however and whenever suits and works for you…

WHICHever “journal” you wish!

This does not have to be about writing in a physical or even an online journal – you can, by all means, use the action of buying a notebook or opening an App (for example, Logseq.com) as a motive for action.

HOWever you wish!

  • Saying it out loud and recording on your mobile is also useful…physically getting the thought out of your body and into the air. Also you can do this whilst walking, proven to help with reflection and filtering thoughts in a healthy way.

  • Another option is drawing or doodling how you feel or sketching a mind map. I often do this on the back of an envelope when sorting through post – ideas and reactions bounce around so I capture them.

  • You can end up with a mix of these over the months – this is your record of the output from engaging in this expansive process.

  • Do not self censor - no-one is going to check it. Your collection of journal entries can be gathered for your persusal perhaps in 6 months or a years time – it’s up to you.

  • If that doesn’t appeal, some therapists advise that once it’s out there, leave it – no need to refer back unless it is to recognise your growth and learn from the lessons your life gives you.

WHENever you wish!

This is your time to enjoy, so unless you prefer it, you don’t have to do this every day or at a particular time…you’re a free thinking adult and if you have decided to journal, then you will.

Others may thrive within a routine and sense of looking forward to a particular place, time and method that because it is repeated, easily becomes a good habit.

REMEMBER – “Journal” whichever, however and whenever suits and works for you

JOURNAL PROMPTS:

  • How have my attitudes and feelings changed since the end of last year?

  • What’s the most relaxing thing I can do for myself at this time of year?

  • What negative feelings do I need to root out?

  • What am I looking forward to in the next 4 - 6 weeks as winter ends and we move into Spring?

  • How can I commit to reflection in my daily routine to maintain mental health?

If you’ve read this far, you most certainly will benefit and ENJOY this! It will morph into something you relish, and be what it needs to be for you – it’s making yourself your own best friend who listens, appreciates your qualities and cheers you on as you build respect for your own power in your life.

Over the next 4 - 6 weeks, your attention and thinking can turn as the sun does in the day - and look towards Spring. When it comes along, I'll update with some further prompts.

Journalling is one way to reduce stress, for more ideas see my GUIDE to Dealing with stress

When you’re ready for more specific guidance, I can help: book a free introduction call for your personalised coaching with me, Anne Brookes, the Canalside Life Coach for over 50s

A headshot of Anne Brookes Canalside Life Coach. She has curly short brown hair and is wearing red glasses and a pale jumper.

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