Happy Sunday!
I’m so excited to share that I was recently a guest on the Well Rounded Individual Podcast with Adam Schindler. We had an incredible conversation about all things perspective, and I’d love for you to check it out!
Now, here 6 journal prompts for you to explore, one for each dimension of your perspective.
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Personal History
I used to look at my mother's Christmas tree and wish I could replace the random mismatch ornaments with color coordinated bows, ribbons, and decorations. I would see Christmas trees around town that looked perfect, and there was a part of me that wished ours could look that way too.
When I got older and had my own tree, I was determined to recreate the flawless trees I had admired. I succeeded—my tree looked beautiful, but it felt empty.
While my mother's tree might not make sense to most, it is a collection of stories—our stories. Each ornament holds a memory. It's filled with the love of those who have shared this holiday with us, who have been far away from home but found belonging in ours. It's a reflection of our family's past, the experiences we've had, the places we've been, and the people we've shared our lives with. It's rich in history, in meaning.
Every time we set up the tree, we find ourselves reminiscing about the stories behind each mismatched ornament. This year, as we hung the ornaments, I found myself appreciating my mother's tree more than ever.
Is there an ornament that holds a special memory for you? What's the story behind it?
Environment
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s interesting to reflect on how our surroundings shape the way we experience it.
How does the atmosphere of your current surroundings compare to the one you grew up with during the holidays?
Beliefs
One of the most memorable Christmas's I had was when I was 7 years old. It was Christmas Eve and I had already been tucked into bed for the night, but sheer excitement woke me up. It was really early in the morning, still dark outside, and I quietly climbed down the stairs.
Peeking through the railing, I saw that Santa had come. The lights were twinkling, and the whole room seemed to glow. I remember that moment so vividly. My eyes were full of awe and wonder, and my heart with belief that felt pure, unshakable, and magical.
Sometimes I wish I could return to that feeling that little Sadie had. As we grow older, it’s easy to let that magic slip away. We replace belief with logic and wonder with routine.
But moments like these remind me that belief is a choice, an incredibly powerful one. It allows us to invite magic back into our lives and see the world not as it is, but as it could be.
When was the last time you felt the magic of belief? How can you bring that magic feeling back into your life now?
Emotions
While the holidays are often filled with cheer, for some, they can be a time of loneliness, stress, or sadness.
What emotions do the holidays evoke for you?
Bonus: Think of someone you know who struggles during this time of year. Take a moment to reach out and remind them they’re in your thoughts.
It’s important to let people know they’re not alone.
Relationships
I want to share something close to my heart—an excerpt from a piece written by my favorite poet, who also happens to be my mother. Her words are a beautiful reminder of the power of connection and the hope we can create together.
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
By: The Secret Poet (@thesecretpoetlv)
We all come from different backgrounds and places
But sometimes we find familiar eyes in the faces of strangers
I believe in people
I believe in love
It may seem too simple an ask
To unite in a greeting
But what I’m asking is to allow our greetings
To bring in a new season
A season where we find more reasons to love
Than we do reasons to judge
Can we fill our cups with unity
Bringing together
Our various and diverse communities
Where no matter
The culture or religion
We are able to share
And take part in all kinds of beautiful traditions
And know that when someone gives you a greeting that is heartfelt
From something they believe
The intent is to spread love, light, and prosperity
To that I say ‘yes’
I receive
I celebrate that with you!
Though it may sound different than what I’m used to
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How can you create a space where love, unity, and mutual respect for others can flourish, even when traditions or beliefs are not the same?
Identity
“Memories are the architecture of our identity.” - Unknown
What is your earliest memory, and what meaning does it hold for you?
Wishing you Happy Holidays!
Sadie Sanchez
Author of DIMENSIONS