Dear Journaling Community
The world is loud right now, isn’t it? Everyone is shouting about resolutions, “new year and new you.” It can make you feel like you’re already behind before you’ve even begun.
I want to invite you to close the door on that noise.
In nature, nothing blooms all at once. A flower doesn’t “hustle” to open; it simply unfolds. It responds to the light slowly in its own time.
This month we are not forcing a “new version” of ourselves. We are simply bringing our real selves to the light. We are unfolding slowly with great grace.
You do not have to sprint into the new year. You are allowed to walk.
With quiet love, Debbera
Your Soul Compass (Your monthly check-in)
Create five circles in your journal.
In your journal color the sections based on how full or nourished you feel in these areas right now.
- Circle 1: Rest (Physical or mental stillness)
- Circle 2: Connection (With God and my inner circle)
- Circle 3: Creativity (Play, writing, making)
- Circle 4: Movement (Connection with my body)
- Circle 5: Spirit (Prayer, silence, scripture)
Reflection:
- Which areas feel the thirstiest right now?
- What is the one tiny drop of nourishment I can give it this month?
Your Anchor verse for the month
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:19
What would your one word be for this month
Slow, Open, Trust, Begin
your Rhythms this month
Choose three rhythms to practice this month. Not to achieve perfection but to create peace.
On a side note, we don’t call them habits (which sounds like work). We call them rhythms.
Examples for you
- 5 minutes of silence
- Drink your water
- Write one sentence of gratitude
- My phone free bedroom
YOUR Weekly Journaling Prompts
Week 1 (January 1 to 4)
The exhale. We don’t start by running, we start by breathing.
Prompt: What am I ready to leave behind. What heaviness, expectation or guilt can I set down before I cross the threshold.
Action: Take a deep breath, exhale longer than you inhale. Write, I am releasing ..
Week 2 (January 5 to 11)
The Perception. Isaiah 43:19 God says, Do you not perceive it?
Prompt: If I look closely what “tiny new thing” is God doing in my life? It might be small (a new friendship, a new desire, a shifting perspective).
Action: Look for one small sprout of hope today.
Week 3 (January 12 to 18)
The Pace. The rush usually hits by mid-January.
Prompt: Where am I already feeling the pressure to “hurry”? What would it look like to move at the speed of peace this week?
Action: Practice the “Sacred Slow Down” with your coffee this morning.
Week 4 (January 19 to 15)
The Way in the Wilderness. When the New Year energy fades.
Prompt: Where do I feel like I am in a “wilderness” (unknown territory)? How can I trust that He is making a way, even if I can’t see the map yet?
Action: Write a “Letter of Trust” to God about the unknown.
Week 5 (January 26 to 31)
The Unfolding. Looking ahead.
Prompt: As I look at February, how do I want to feel? Not what do I want to do, but who do I want to be?
Action: Review your “Soul Compass”. Has it shifted?
Your Month end review
Your Question:
Looking back at your month, what are three moments of unexpected grace or provision that sustained you?
A Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the slow unfolding of this year. Keep me anchored in Your pace, not the world’s. Amen.”
P.S. If you need a little more support in embracing a slow start this month, I created a printable journaling guide just for you. It’s called The Unfolding and it’s full of daily prompts to help you lower the volume on the world and tune into God’s pace. You can find it right here in the shop.