Each month I host a free 'Journaling for well-being' workshop. It's 30 minutes of support and inspiration for your journaling practice. We focus on two techniques:
1 - Wild writing, a free-style journaling method.
2 - Utilising guided prompts around a particular theme.
The theme for the session was to help develop a positive mindset.
What we feed, grows.
It is said that for us to flourish, we need to think and feel positive at least three times as much as we feel negatively, on a regular basis. Dr Barbara Fredrickson's book Positivity, highlights her list of positive emotions as gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement and inspiration. The more time you spend noticing and appreciating these emotions, the more likely you are to maintain your energy levels.
However, research also tells us that are brains are geared to notice (and focus on) the negative - and hold those negative thoughts an emotions in repetitive cycles.
It would be impossible to go into all the benefits of positive psychology. One of the greatest benefits of focusing on the positive is that it teaches us the power of shifting perspective.
Small changes in perspective can lead to astounding shifts in wellbeing and quality of life. Injecting a bit more optimism and gratitude into your life is a simple action that can give you a radically more positive outlook on life.
This month's journaling workshop focused on engaging in positive thoughts. Try these journaling prompts to capture some positive thoughts and emotions. Doing so regularly can help you shift your mindset to that of the positive.
What three things are you grateful for today? No matter how big or small.
What nice act has someone done for you recently?
When did you last feel inspired? How can you re-create this again?
Describe a current worry you have. What three actions could you take to resolve it?
Describe a day recently when you were happy, energised or fulfilled. What was happening? Who were you with? What were you thinking? How did you feel? Why did you love it?
Name something you’re proud of achieving for yourself…
If you could look back on today and think ‘that was a good day’, what would that look like?
Name something you’re excited about or looking forward to in the coming months.
Complete this self-care statement: Today I give myself permission to…
I hope to see you next time for my free journaling monthly workshop. Find out more, here.
