Ruminating on the past, or worrying about a future that has yet to come, can keep us from being fully present with all of our energy and self love intact. Instead our attention and energy flow into experiences that have already passed and cannot be changed, or into prognosticating a future crafted by our worries.

Writing about our thoughts and feelings, plucks this anxious energy from the ether, forming it into a language we can comprehend. Labeling and defining the static of our buzzy inattention, allows us to ground ourselves in the now, harnessing our energy to fully experience the wonder of the present.

Capturing and exploring errant thoughts and feelings, stops the treadmill loop of inattention. Our focus goes back and forth in time, because we still have something to learn from these experiences.

Journaling honors whatever comes up, when it comes up and records the truth of the moment. Processing with our journal is one of great ways to expand our thoughts, allowing our minds to mature and our spirit to evolve. Here are some journal prompts to help you release what’s blocking your joy and learn more about yourself in the process.

NOTE: Don’t think too much before starting to write. Ask the question to yourself as you put your pen(cil) to the paper and keep your hand moving. Imagine yourself as the dictation software for your psyche - you’re simply recording the answers as they arise.

1. What regret keeps coming up for me? What’s it telling me about who I was vs. who I want to become?

2. How does fear, or self-criticism limit how I am in the world? If my friend/loved one shared a similar truth with me, what would I tell them?

3. What can I do today that my future self would thank me for?

Remember, how you answer this question today, may be different from how you answer this question tomorrow. The mind has lots of pockets and the Self has a lot of parts. You personality is not set in stone and as long as you’re alive, there’s always a chance to make a different choice.