Happy Sunday!
Below are 6 journal prompts for you to explore, one for each dimension of your perspective.
Personal History
When I first began writing this prompt, I planned to ask something along the lines of: "In 3-5 words, how would you describe your past?"
But as I started trying to list my own, I realized two things. First, it’s really hard to condense a whole life into just a few words (hahaha). Second, as I looked at the list of words I wrote, something hit me.
Humbling.
Informative.
Adventurous.
Defining.
Vibrant.
Messy.
Fragmented.
Complicated.
Magical.
Painful.
Blessed.
.... and many more.
With each word I chose, I thought to myself, look at how many stories my life has already told.
Each word carried a moment, a memory, a version of me.
So I challenge you to do the same. Start by finding a couple words to describe your past. Then sit with them. Think about the stories behind the ones you chose.
They are not just words.
They are chapters.
Environment
Two days ago, I moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to St. George, Utah. While they are only about 2 hours aways from each other, they couldn't be more different. They are worlds apart in energy, pace, and values.
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Utah. It is where my mom grew up, where I spent my summers as a kid, and where I went to college.
The feeling I get when I cross the state-line is one that is hard to describe, but my soul just feels at home here. Of all the places I've been (and I've traveled a fair amount), Utah has always been the place that I feel the most in alignment.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to feel in alignment. It’s not just about comfort or nostalgia. It’s something deeper, like my nervous system settles the moment I arrive. Maybe it’s the pace, maybe it’s the land, or maybe it’s the memories embedded in this place...but something about Utah feels like it remembers me too.
Where in your life do you feel most in alignment? What moments or places make you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be?
Beliefs
I started reading an interesting new book this week, and it introduced the difference between etiology and teleology, which are two distinct schools of philosophical thought.
Etiology looks to the past for causes, while teleology looks to the future for purpose.
Which one do you think better explains why we do the things we do?
Emotions
"You are in charge of your happiness."
But what does that actually look like for you?
How does being in charge of it make you feel?
Empowered?
Overwhelmed?
Liberated?
Uncertain?
Etc.
Relationships
Moving to a new place is always a bittersweet feeling.
This last chapter brought some truly incredible friends into our lives, and we will definitely miss them.
Think through the friends you've met in your life. What chapter did you meet them in?
Identity
We are always evolving, and with that, I tend to focus more on the ways I have changed than on the ways I haven’t.
But even through all your changes and evolutions, what are the things that haven’t changed about you?
Until next week,
Sadie Sanchez Author of DIMENSIONS