3 Journaling Prompts for the Fall
3 min read | Note: Take what serves/resonates with you. Leave behind the rest.
This past week, I’ve been feeling lethargic, gloomy... and dread.
For many of us, fall can be a season of shedding, reflection, and… S.A.D. Especially when the Vancouver rain starts coming in. This is a shoutout to those who feel the gloomy feels as summer comes to an end. I see you. And I feel you. At the same time, I don’t want to be stuck in dread, or in bed over things I can’t control. This past year, I’ve started to actively shift my mindset around things I don’t like.
Instead of seeing rain as an obstacle to sunbaths, I’ve been trying to appreciate it as the Universe showering us with love (because water is life, and what a blessing it is to be showered with life) and asking myself, where else is there beauty that I am not currently seeing?
Instead of being annoyed by the discomfort of my monthly cycle, I’ve been choosing to appreciate my body’s strength and reflect on what lessons it has to teach me (e.g. to consistently create with love and consistently let it go).
Because I’ve been feeling dread about summer coming to an end (along with my weekly wreck beach frolicking), I’m taking some time to breathe with mindfulness and compassion. Here are some writing prompts that have been helping me welcome this new season. I encourage you to take 15-20 minutes today to journal on them.
If you want to intentionally activate more pleasant feelings…
What are the few activities/experiences that bring you the most joy? What LIGHTS you UP? What feels goooood? Make a list of 5-10 things.
From this list, choose your top 3 (that are also accessible). What is the smallest first step that you can take right now in order to consistently and intentionally implement these feel-good practices? Can you make them into a routine and start today/tomorrow? Can you schedule them into your calendar? Write it down and take the first small step.
If your mind is filled with scattered thoughts…
If your mind was a suitcase and could only hold five things, what would they be?
Take just those five with you today, and let go of the rest.
(seen in: The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo)
If you’re needing to let go of some things...
I am letting go of… and embracing…
Create a duality chart like this one and if you can, sit by a window with a view of trees, or go outside. Reflect on this prompt as you watch the leaves fall.
This last one is my biggest lesson from autumn. This season reminds us that ebb allows flow. Falling allows rising. Shedding allows blossoming. Death allows birth.
I’ll leave you with one last question for reflection,
What can you learn from fall this year?
Much love,
Ji-Youn
