January 5, 2025 • 19 mins
50 Best Journal Prompts
Unlock the transformative power of journaling with us as we explore how this simple practice can lead to profound self-discovery and personal growth. Imagine uncovering the keys to managing anxiety, overcoming self-doubt, or even discovering a hidden passion—all through the art of putting pen to paper. We promise you'll learn how to harness these insights using Clara Penrose's curated list of 50 journal prompts from the Listallion blog, specifically designed to guide you through self-reflection, emotional understanding, creativity, and goal setting. These prompts challenge you to question your beliefs, confront negativity, and explore new perspectives, sparking a journey of introspection that goes beyond the mundane.
In this episode, you will hear the inspiring stories of Sarah, David, and Maria, whose lives were transformed through journaling. Sarah managed her chronic anxiety by identifying its triggers, David overcame his fears to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, and Maria found her calling in writing—all by engaging with thoughtful prompts that facilitated self-awareness and authenticity. Whether you're a journaling novice or a seasoned writer, the discussion underscores the power of journaling as an accessible tool for personal growth. As we wrap up, we invite you to embrace this journey of self-exploration, with an open heart and mind, and anticipate the exciting topics we'll uncover in future episodes.
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right.
So today we're going to take adeep dive into the world of
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Oh, sounds intriguing .
Speaker 1 (00:06):
It is.
I think it'll be really fun.
Yeah, and specifically we'relooking at Clara Penrose's 50
best journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
OK.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
From the Listallion blog, which is from November
28th of this year.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
All right.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
And you know I'm always fascinated by lists like
these.
Yeah, it's like you get a peekinto other people's minds and
how they approachself-reflection.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's true, and I think what's really interesting
about Penrose's list is shedoesn't just throw out a bunch
of random prompts, she'sactually organized them into
five distinct categories.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Oh, that's helpful.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, which I think can be really helpful for anyone
who wants to kind of like havea more structured approach to
journaling.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Yeah, so tell me more about these categories.
What kind of a journey isPenrose taking us on with these
prompts?
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Well, she starts off with classic self-reflection.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
And then she moves into grappling with emotions,
sparking creativity, settinggoals and even self-discovery.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Okay, so it's really like a whole gamut.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
It really is.
She seems to get thatjournaling can be so much more
than just recounting your day,you know right it's about going
deeper exactly and and Penroseactually mentions this in the
article.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
She says journaling can be a tool for reflection,
growth and inspiration yeah it'salmost like she's saying you
can use journaling to unlockyour potential, you know
absolutely, and that's where theprompts come in.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
They provide that framework a starting point to
explore different facets ofyourself.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
All right, so let's jump into that first category,
then Self-reflection.
Okay, what's the deal withself-reflection, and what kind
of prompts are we talking abouthere?
Speaker 2 (01:38):
So this category is all about challenging you to
move beyond that surface levelthinking.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
You know, instead of just asking what did I do today,
Right Penrose's prompts pushyou to really examine the why.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
I see.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Behind your actions and experiences.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
So it's about going a little bit deeper.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
It is yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
Yeah, okay, it is.
So give me an example.
What's one of thosethought-provoking questions that
stands out to you?
Speaker 2 (02:08):
One that really struck me was what belief did I
question?
Or challenge this week and whatled me to do so.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
So it's not just reflecting on events, it's about
analyzing your thoughtprocesses and how they evolve
well, that's really interestingyeah because I think sometimes
we don't even realize that ourbeliefs have changed exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Like until you really sit down and think about it.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Yeah, so she's making us think about things that we
probably wouldn't think about,naturally, Absolutely, and I
think that's the beauty of theseprompts, right?
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, it's like a little nudge.
It is To really go there.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Okay.
So that's self-reflection, okay, but what about understanding
our emotions?
What's waiting for us in thatcategory?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
So in the exploring emotions category, Penrose
really encourages us to getcomfortable with our entire
emotional spectrum, not just thepositive stuff.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Right, because we have a lot of feelings.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
We do, we do, and I think this is where journaling
can be particularly helpfulright.
Because it gives you that safespace to process all of those
emotions.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Yeah, that's true, so you don't have to feel like
you're burdening someone elsewith it.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Exactly yeah, and there are even prompts that are
specifically designed to helpyou explore those more difficult
emotions.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Like anger, sadness, fear oh interesting.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah, because those are the ones we tend to push
away right.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Exactly, exactly.
We try to pretend they're notthere.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Oh, they are.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
But they are, they're part of who we are, and so I
think acknowledging them is sucha huge part of emotional
well-being.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Okay, so give me an example of a prompt in this
category that you think reallystands out.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
One that I think really embodies this is what is
a recurring and negative thoughtI have about myself and where
do I think it comes fromoccurring a negative thought I
have about myself and where do Ithink?
It comes from.
So it's really about getting tothe root of those negative
thoughts and beliefs.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Right.
So it's almost like she'sencouraging us to challenge
those inner critics Exactly thatwe all have.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Interesting.
Okay, so we've talked aboutself-reflection.
Yeah, we've talked aboutemotions.
Let's move on to something alittle bit more lighthearted.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
What about creativity ?
Ooh yes, what kind of promptsare we looking at here.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So this category is all about unlocking your
imagination and just having fun.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, these prompts encourage you to think outside
the box, use metaphors, evencreate fictional scenarios.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So you can really let your mind go wild.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Exactly, just let it all out.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Give me an example.
What's one that stands out toyou?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
One that caught my eye was if I could have dinner
with any three fictionalcharacters.
Who would they be and whatwould we talk about?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh, that's a great one.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
It's playful, yeah, but it also makes you think
about the qualities you admireRight.
What kind of makes you thinkabout the qualities you admire
Right, what kind ofconversations you really enjoy?
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And what kind of people you'd want to be around
too, exactly If you could choose.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Okay, so that was a really good one.
Yeah, all right.
So we've tackledself-reflection, emotions,
creativity.
What's next?
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Well, next up is goal setting.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Okay setting Okay, and this category is all about
turning those vague aspirationsinto concrete action plans,
because we all have dreams,right, we do, but sometimes it's
hard to figure out how toactually make them happen.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Exactly, and that's where these prompts can be so
helpful.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Okay, so give me an example of a prompt that really
exemplifies this action-orientedapproach.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Okay.
One that jumps out is if Icould magically achieve one goal
in the next month, what wouldit be and what three steps could
I take toward it today?
So it's really emphasizingtaking immediate action.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Okay, so there's no waiting.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
No waiting.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Right, Because sometimes we think I'll do it
tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Exactly.
But this is about like okay,what can you do right now to get
started To?
Speaker 1 (05:44):
take that first step.
Yeah, ok, so that's a good one.
We've covered four categories.
What's the final stop on thisjournaling adventure?
Speaker 2 (05:53):
The final category is self-discovery.
Ok, self-reflection andunderstanding our emotions, but
this section goes even deeper,prompting you to examine your
values, your passions and reallyyour vision for your life.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
So it's the big picture stuff.
It is All right, I'm ready todo some soul searching.
I love it.
What kind of prompts can weexpect here?
Speaker 2 (06:18):
One that really stood out to me was what are five
things I genuinely appreciateabout myself, even if they seem
small or insignificant to others.
It's such a powerful reminderto acknowledge and celebrate our
strengths, even the ones thatwe tend to overlook.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Because I think it's so easy to focus on our
weaknesses.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Right, it is, it is, and so this is kind of like that
counterbalance.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Right Like a little dose of self-love.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Okay, so we've journeyed through all five
categories.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Rehash.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
It's like we've taken a crash.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, it's been quite a journey.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
It has been.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Yeah, and it's amazing how these prompts can
really get you thinking, youknow.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
They really can.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
They spark so many ideas and insights.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Yeah, I think.
What strikes me is howthoughtfully these prompts are
designed.
They're not just randomquestions.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Each one seems very carefully crafted to elicit
specific insights.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Right to guide you toward some kind of personal
growth.
Yeah, it's like Penrose hasgiven us a roadmap for
self-discovery throughjournaling.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I think that's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Okay, so we've got the map, but now the question is
how do we use it?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
How do we take this knowledge and actually put it
into practice in our lives?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
That's a great question and that's exactly what
we'll explore in part two ofthis deep dive.
Oh, I'm excited.
Yeah, we'll delve into somepractical tips for making
journaling a consistent andmeaningful part of your life.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
All right, so stay tuned, folks.
We'll be right back with moreon how to make the most of these
50 powerful journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Sounds good, welcome back.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Okay, so we've explored these really
fascinating categories andprompts.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
But now it's all about the application right,
exactly.
Like how do we actuallyintegrate this into our lives?
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, so first, I think it's important to
acknowledge that journaling is avery personal practice.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
There's no one right way to do it.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
What matters most is finding what works for you.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
So where should someone even begin Like,
especially if they're new tothis whole journaling thing?
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Well, I always recommend starting small.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Choose a prompt that really speaks to you, maybe
something from theself-reflection category if
you're looking for someintrospection and then just set
aside even like 10 minutes tosit down with your journal and
just let your thoughts flow soit's about building that habit.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
It is not overwhelming yourself, right,
because I think that's one ofthe things that people get
intimidated by right yeah, it'slike oh, I have to write for an
hour.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
I know, just start small yeah, start small and I
think one of the biggest hurdlespeople face, yeah, this fear of
judgment oh know they worryabout their writing not being
good enough or their thoughtsbeing too messy.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Right, because it's like this is your private world,
right, exactly.
You don't need perfect grammarin your journal.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Exactly, it's a judgment-free zone.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
It's a conversation with yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
It is yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Yeah, not a polished essay.
And I think another challengeis finding the time, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Life is busy.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yeah, life gets in the way.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
So how do you actually make journaling a
priority?
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Well, one strategy I often suggest is integrating it
into your existing routine.
Oh, I like that.
Maybe you jot down a fewthoughts while sipping your
morning coffee, yeah, or use aprompt as a way to unwind before
bed.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
I like that, so you're tying it to something you
already do.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, because then it feels less like a chore.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
It does Right yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
But what about when you just can't get the words out
?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Like you're staring at a blank page and you're just
like I don't know what to write.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Yeah, writer's block can be tough.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
But don't be afraid to experiment with different
approaches.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Sometimes just changing your environment can
help.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Ooh, that's a good idea.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Maybe try journaling in a cozy coffee shop.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Or surrounded by nature.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Yeah, change the scenery.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Yeah, there are also specific techniques.
Okay, that can help you dealwith those writing blocks.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Like what.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Have you ever heard of free writing?
Speaker 1 (10:13):
I help you deal with those writing blocks Like what
have you ever heard of freewriting?
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I have, yeah.
So basically, you just startwriting whatever comes to mind,
even if it seems nonsensical,just let it flow.
Just let it flow.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
It's like a warm up for your brain.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Okay, so it's not about quality.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
No.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
It's just about getting something down.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Getting those creative juices flowing.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Another something down Getting those creative
juices flowing.
Okay, another approach could beusing different colored pen.
That's fun.
Yeah, it might sound silly, butsometimes that visual shift can
really help spark a new trainof thought.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Right and it makes it more fun.
Exactly Right, it's moreengaging.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Yeah, it's like a little bit more playful yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah, okay.
So we're writing, we'rejournaling, we're getting things
out, yes, but it's not justabout expressing yourself, it's
also about gaining insights,right?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yes, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
So what do we do with those nuggets of wisdom that we
uncover in our journals?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
That's such a crucial point.
Yeah, it's about bridging thegap between reflection and
action.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
So one strategy is to look for recurring themes or
patterns in your entriesInteresting.
What keeps coming up?
Yeah, what lessons are youlearning?
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Right, so you're analyzing your own writing.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Yeah, it's like analyzing your inner landscape.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Yeah, that's cool yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And then, once you've spotted those patterns, it's
about brainstorming actionablesteps.
So let's say, you notice thatyou constantly feel overwhelmed
by your to-do list.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
That sounds familiar.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
Right.
So maybe a next step isexperimenting with time
management techniques ordelegating tasks.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
So you're taking that insight and turning it into
action, exactly Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
And I think Penrose's goal setting prompts are
fantastic for this.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
They really guide you to define those goals with more
clarity and specificity.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Because it's not enough to just say, like I want
to be happy, no, it's not.
You have to figure out likewhat does that actually look
like?
Exactly, yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
And there's also an element of accountability here,
oh right.
Because you know when you writedown your goals and you track
your progress in your journal,it can be incredibly motivating.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Like having a contract with yourself.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Yeah, it's like a personal agreement with yourself
.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Okay, one last question before we move on.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Penrose keeps emphasizing this idea that
self-discovery is an ongoingjourney.
How does that idea tie intojournaling?
Speaker 2 (12:33):
It reminds us that we're always evolving our values
, beliefs, aspirations.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
They're not set in stone.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
They change.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Yeah, they change over time and journaling helps
us to kind of stay attuned tothose shifts and embrace that
constant learning process.
Yeah, that is life.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So it's like our journals become this chronicle
of our growth.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Reflecting how we change.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Yeah, it's fascinating to look back and see
how far you've come, how yourperspectives have evolved.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Okay, as we kind of wrap up this section, what's one
key takeaway you'd wantlisteners to remember about
making these journal promptswork for them?
Speaker 2 (13:11):
I'd say, approach journaling with a sense of
curiosity, openness andself-compassion.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah, be kind to yourself, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Don't be afraid to experiment, be messy, even make
mistakes, yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
It's your space, it is your journal.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yeah, it's your space to explore and grow.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
At your own pace.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
At your own pace, exactly.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Okay, now explore and grow at your own pace.
At your own pace, exactly okay.
Now I'm curious have you seenfirsthand how journaling can
transform people's lives?
Speaker 2 (13:41):
oh, absolutely.
I've worked with countlessindividuals who have used
journaling okay to overcomechallenges, achieve their goals
wow cultivate a deeper sense ofself-awareness.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
That's incredible.
It's really powerful, do youhave any specific stories that
come to mind?
Speaker 2 (13:58):
I do actually, oh, really yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
That really highlight the power of this practice.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
And that's actually what we'll be exploring in the
final part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Oh I can't wait, yeah , okay.
So stay tuned everyone.
We'll be right back with sometruly inspiring stories.
Okay, so we're back and readyfor some real-life inspiration.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I'm excited to share some stories.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Me too.
You got me on the edge of myseat.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
All right.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
What kind of transformations have you seen
through journaling?
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Well, one story that comes to mind is about a woman
named Sarah who struggled withchronic anxiety.
Okay, and it was reallyimpacting her work her
relationships, every aspect ofher life.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Yeah, anxiety can be so debilitating.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
It really can.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
So how did journaling enter the picture?
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Well, a therapist recommended it to her as a way
to process her emotions.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
And to identify her anxiety triggers.
Initially, Sarah was hesitant.
Right, you know she wasn't awriter.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
And she wasn't even sure where to begin.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
I get that.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
But she took the leap .
Speaker 1 (14:55):
OK, good for her.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, and what she discovered was that by
consistently using those journalprompts, yeah.
She started to notice patternsin her anxiety.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, she could connect specific situations,
thoughts, even people, to thosemoments when her anxiety spiked
thoughts, even people to thosemoments when her anxiety spiked.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
So it became a tool for self awareness, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Yeah, for understanding the root of her
anxiety, that's so important itis, and once she had that
awareness she could startdeveloping coping mechanisms oh,
wow yeah, she even startedusing some of those goal setting
prompts, oh, to createstrategies for managing her
anxiety that's amazing.
So she really took control.
She did, yeah, instead ofletting it control her.
Exactly that's setting prompts,oh, to create strategies for
managing her anxiety.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
That's amazing.
So she really took control.
She did yeah, instead ofletting it control her.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
That's awesome.
Okay, what else?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
All right, ready for another story?
Yes, this one's about DavidOkay, who dreamed of starting
his own business, but wasparalyzed by fear and self-doubt
for years.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
I know that feeling.
Right Like you have the dream,but then you're like you get
stuck yeah exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
So how did he use journaling to overcome those
hurdles?
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Well, he stumbled upon a blog post about goal
setting.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Probably one with prompts a lot like Penrose's
Right, and decided to give it atry.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
He started journaling about his business idea, his
vision, his goals, even hisfears about failing.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
So he's facing them head on.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
He is.
He's not ignoring them.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
And through that process he realized that many of
his fears were based on thoselimiting beliefs that he had
about himself.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Right, we all have those, we do yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So he started using his journal to challenge those
beliefs and replace them withmore empowering ones.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
So it's about shifting his mindset.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
Yeah, okay, so did it work.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It did, yeah, as his mindset shifted.
He felt more confident and hestarted taking those small steps
toward launching his business.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Wow, that's incredible.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
It really shows how powerful our thoughts can be
Right and how journaling canhelp us reframe them in a more
positive light.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
I love that Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
One last story.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
This one is about Maria.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Who felt lost and unfulfilled in her career.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Oh, I've been there, right, yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
She had a good job, but it wasn't aligned with her
passions.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
That, being stuck in a rut, feeling it is, even if
it's a good rut.
Right exactly.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
So how did journaling guide her toward a more
fulfilling path?
Yeah Well, Maria started usingthose self-discovery prompts.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
The ones that encourage you to delve into your
values, your passions, yourskills.
Okay, she even used prompts tovisualize her ideal life.
Wow, including a career thatfelt truly meaningful.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
So she's really thinking big picture.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
She is.
She's really connecting withher authentic self.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Yeah, and uncovering those passions that might have
been buried right.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Exactly, and through that process she realized her
true passion was writing.
Oh wow, She'd always loved it,but she'd never considered it as
a career.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
So journaling helped her make that connection.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
It did.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Between her passion and her potential.
Yeah, that's so cool.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
And once she had that realization, she took action.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Good for her.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
She enrolled in writing courses.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
She joined a writer's group Awesome and eventually
she left her job to pursuewriting full time.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
These stories are so inspiring.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
They are.
They really highlight thetransformative power of
journaling.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And you know, it's not just about these dramatic
career changes or overcominghuge challenges.
Journaling can be beneficialfor anyone.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Regardless of their circumstances or goals.
It's about cultivatingself-awareness.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
Nurturing your inner world I like that and connecting
with your authentic self.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
It's like a conversation with your soul.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
It is, and the beauty is.
It's accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
That's true.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
All you need is a pen and paper or a notes app on
your phone.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
Yeah, exactly, and the willingness to explore.
Okay, so as we wrap up thisdeep dive into journal prompts,
yes.
What's one final thought you'dleave our listeners with.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Don't underestimate the power of putting pen to
paper.
Give those journal prompts atry.
Yeah, even if you're a completebeginner.
Yeah, you might be surprised bywhat you discover.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
By yourself and the incredible potential that lies
within.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
That's a great reminder to embrace the journey.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
It is.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Yeah, and to approach it with an open mind and heart.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
All right.
Well, that's a wrap for thisdeep dive into the world of
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
It was a good one.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
It was.
We'll be back soon with anotherfascinating topic.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Looking forward to it .
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Until then, keep exploring.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Keep journaling.
All right.
So today we're going to take adeep dive into the world of
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Oh, sounds intriguing .
Speaker 1 (00:06):
It is.
I think it'll be really fun.
Yeah, and specifically we'relooking at Clara Penrose's 50
best journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
OK.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
From the Listallion blog, which is from November
28th of this year.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
All right.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
And you know I'm always fascinated by lists like
these.
Yeah, it's like you get a peekinto other people's minds and
how they approachself-reflection.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's true, and I think what's really interesting
about Penrose's list is shedoesn't just throw out a bunch
of random prompts, she'sactually organized them into
five distinct categories.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Oh, that's helpful.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, which I think can be really helpful for anyone
who wants to kind of like havea more structured approach to
journaling.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Yeah, so tell me more about these categories.
What kind of a journey isPenrose taking us on with these
prompts?
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Well, she starts off with classic self-reflection.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
And then she moves into grappling with emotions,
sparking creativity, settinggoals and even self-discovery.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Okay, so it's really like a whole gamut.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
It really is.
She seems to get thatjournaling can be so much more
than just recounting your day,you know right it's about going
deeper exactly and and Penroseactually mentions this in the
article.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
She says journaling can be a tool for reflection,
growth and inspiration yeah it'salmost like she's saying you
can use journaling to unlockyour potential, you know
absolutely, and that's where theprompts come in.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
They provide that framework a starting point to
explore different facets ofyourself.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
All right, so let's jump into that first category,
then Self-reflection.
Okay, what's the deal withself-reflection, and what kind
of prompts are we talking abouthere?
Speaker 2 (01:38):
So this category is all about challenging you to
move beyond that surface levelthinking.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
You know, instead of just asking what did I do today,
Right Penrose's prompts pushyou to really examine the why.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
I see.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Behind your actions and experiences.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
So it's about going a little bit deeper.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
It is yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
Yeah, okay, it is.
So give me an example.
What's one of thosethought-provoking questions that
stands out to you?
Speaker 2 (02:08):
One that really struck me was what belief did I
question?
Or challenge this week and whatled me to do so.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
So it's not just reflecting on events, it's about
analyzing your thoughtprocesses and how they evolve
well, that's really interestingyeah because I think sometimes
we don't even realize that ourbeliefs have changed exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Like until you really sit down and think about it.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Yeah, so she's making us think about things that we
probably wouldn't think about,naturally, Absolutely, and I
think that's the beauty of theseprompts, right?
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, it's like a little nudge.
It is To really go there.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Okay.
So that's self-reflection, okay, but what about understanding
our emotions?
What's waiting for us in thatcategory?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
So in the exploring emotions category, Penrose
really encourages us to getcomfortable with our entire
emotional spectrum, not just thepositive stuff.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Right, because we have a lot of feelings.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
We do, we do, and I think this is where journaling
can be particularly helpfulright.
Because it gives you that safespace to process all of those
emotions.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Yeah, that's true, so you don't have to feel like
you're burdening someone elsewith it.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Exactly yeah, and there are even prompts that are
specifically designed to helpyou explore those more difficult
emotions.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Like anger, sadness, fear oh interesting.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah, because those are the ones we tend to push
away right.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Exactly, exactly.
We try to pretend they're notthere.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Oh, they are.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
But they are, they're part of who we are, and so I
think acknowledging them is sucha huge part of emotional
well-being.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Okay, so give me an example of a prompt in this
category that you think reallystands out.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
One that I think really embodies this is what is
a recurring and negative thoughtI have about myself and where
do I think it comes fromoccurring a negative thought I
have about myself and where do Ithink?
It comes from.
So it's really about getting tothe root of those negative
thoughts and beliefs.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Right.
So it's almost like she'sencouraging us to challenge
those inner critics Exactly thatwe all have.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Interesting.
Okay, so we've talked aboutself-reflection.
Yeah, we've talked aboutemotions.
Let's move on to something alittle bit more lighthearted.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
What about creativity ?
Ooh yes, what kind of promptsare we looking at here.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So this category is all about unlocking your
imagination and just having fun.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, these prompts encourage you to think outside
the box, use metaphors, evencreate fictional scenarios.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So you can really let your mind go wild.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Exactly, just let it all out.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Give me an example.
What's one that stands out toyou?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
One that caught my eye was if I could have dinner
with any three fictionalcharacters.
Who would they be and whatwould we talk about?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh, that's a great one.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
It's playful, yeah, but it also makes you think
about the qualities you admireRight.
What kind of makes you thinkabout the qualities you admire
Right, what kind ofconversations you really enjoy?
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And what kind of people you'd want to be around
too, exactly If you could choose.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Okay, so that was a really good one.
Yeah, all right.
So we've tackledself-reflection, emotions,
creativity.
What's next?
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Well, next up is goal setting.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Okay setting Okay, and this category is all about
turning those vague aspirationsinto concrete action plans,
because we all have dreams,right, we do, but sometimes it's
hard to figure out how toactually make them happen.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Exactly, and that's where these prompts can be so
helpful.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Okay, so give me an example of a prompt that really
exemplifies this action-orientedapproach.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Okay.
One that jumps out is if Icould magically achieve one goal
in the next month, what wouldit be and what three steps could
I take toward it today?
So it's really emphasizingtaking immediate action.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Okay, so there's no waiting.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
No waiting.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Right, Because sometimes we think I'll do it
tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Exactly.
But this is about like okay,what can you do right now to get
started To?
Speaker 1 (05:44):
take that first step.
Yeah, ok, so that's a good one.
We've covered four categories.
What's the final stop on thisjournaling adventure?
Speaker 2 (05:53):
The final category is self-discovery.
Ok, self-reflection andunderstanding our emotions, but
this section goes even deeper,prompting you to examine your
values, your passions and reallyyour vision for your life.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
So it's the big picture stuff.
It is All right, I'm ready todo some soul searching.
I love it.
What kind of prompts can weexpect here?
Speaker 2 (06:18):
One that really stood out to me was what are five
things I genuinely appreciateabout myself, even if they seem
small or insignificant to others.
It's such a powerful reminderto acknowledge and celebrate our
strengths, even the ones thatwe tend to overlook.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Because I think it's so easy to focus on our
weaknesses.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Right, it is, it is, and so this is kind of like that
counterbalance.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Right Like a little dose of self-love.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Okay, so we've journeyed through all five
categories.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Rehash.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
It's like we've taken a crash.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, it's been quite a journey.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
It has been.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Yeah, and it's amazing how these prompts can
really get you thinking, youknow.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
They really can.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
They spark so many ideas and insights.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Yeah, I think.
What strikes me is howthoughtfully these prompts are
designed.
They're not just randomquestions.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Each one seems very carefully crafted to elicit
specific insights.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Right to guide you toward some kind of personal
growth.
Yeah, it's like Penrose hasgiven us a roadmap for
self-discovery throughjournaling.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I think that's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Okay, so we've got the map, but now the question is
how do we use it?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
How do we take this knowledge and actually put it
into practice in our lives?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
That's a great question and that's exactly what
we'll explore in part two ofthis deep dive.
Oh, I'm excited.
Yeah, we'll delve into somepractical tips for making
journaling a consistent andmeaningful part of your life.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
All right, so stay tuned, folks.
We'll be right back with moreon how to make the most of these
50 powerful journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Sounds good, welcome back.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Okay, so we've explored these really
fascinating categories andprompts.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
But now it's all about the application right,
exactly.
Like how do we actuallyintegrate this into our lives?
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, so first, I think it's important to
acknowledge that journaling is avery personal practice.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
There's no one right way to do it.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
What matters most is finding what works for you.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
So where should someone even begin Like,
especially if they're new tothis whole journaling thing?
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Well, I always recommend starting small.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Choose a prompt that really speaks to you, maybe
something from theself-reflection category if
you're looking for someintrospection and then just set
aside even like 10 minutes tosit down with your journal and
just let your thoughts flow soit's about building that habit.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
It is not overwhelming yourself, right,
because I think that's one ofthe things that people get
intimidated by right yeah, it'slike oh, I have to write for an
hour.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
I know, just start small yeah, start small and I
think one of the biggest hurdlespeople face, yeah, this fear of
judgment oh know they worryabout their writing not being
good enough or their thoughtsbeing too messy.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Right, because it's like this is your private world,
right, exactly.
You don't need perfect grammarin your journal.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Exactly, it's a judgment-free zone.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
It's a conversation with yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
It is yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Yeah, not a polished essay.
And I think another challengeis finding the time, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Life is busy.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yeah, life gets in the way.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
So how do you actually make journaling a
priority?
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Well, one strategy I often suggest is integrating it
into your existing routine.
Oh, I like that.
Maybe you jot down a fewthoughts while sipping your
morning coffee, yeah, or use aprompt as a way to unwind before
bed.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
I like that, so you're tying it to something you
already do.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, because then it feels less like a chore.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
It does Right yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
But what about when you just can't get the words out
?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Like you're staring at a blank page and you're just
like I don't know what to write.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Yeah, writer's block can be tough.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
But don't be afraid to experiment with different
approaches.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Sometimes just changing your environment can
help.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Ooh, that's a good idea.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Maybe try journaling in a cozy coffee shop.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Or surrounded by nature.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Yeah, change the scenery.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Yeah, there are also specific techniques.
Okay, that can help you dealwith those writing blocks.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Like what.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Have you ever heard of free writing?
Speaker 1 (10:13):
I help you deal with those writing blocks Like what
have you ever heard of freewriting?
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I have, yeah.
So basically, you just startwriting whatever comes to mind,
even if it seems nonsensical,just let it flow.
Just let it flow.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
It's like a warm up for your brain.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Okay, so it's not about quality.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
No.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
It's just about getting something down.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Getting those creative juices flowing.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Another something down Getting those creative
juices flowing.
Okay, another approach could beusing different colored pen.
That's fun.
Yeah, it might sound silly, butsometimes that visual shift can
really help spark a new trainof thought.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Right and it makes it more fun.
Exactly Right, it's moreengaging.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Yeah, it's like a little bit more playful yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah, okay.
So we're writing, we'rejournaling, we're getting things
out, yes, but it's not justabout expressing yourself, it's
also about gaining insights,right?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yes, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
So what do we do with those nuggets of wisdom that we
uncover in our journals?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
That's such a crucial point.
Yeah, it's about bridging thegap between reflection and
action.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
So one strategy is to look for recurring themes or
patterns in your entriesInteresting.
What keeps coming up?
Yeah, what lessons are youlearning?
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Right, so you're analyzing your own writing.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Yeah, it's like analyzing your inner landscape.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Yeah, that's cool yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And then, once you've spotted those patterns, it's
about brainstorming actionablesteps.
So let's say, you notice thatyou constantly feel overwhelmed
by your to-do list.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
That sounds familiar.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
Right.
So maybe a next step isexperimenting with time
management techniques ordelegating tasks.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
So you're taking that insight and turning it into
action, exactly Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
And I think Penrose's goal setting prompts are
fantastic for this.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
They really guide you to define those goals with more
clarity and specificity.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Because it's not enough to just say, like I want
to be happy, no, it's not.
You have to figure out likewhat does that actually look
like?
Exactly, yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
And there's also an element of accountability here,
oh right.
Because you know when you writedown your goals and you track
your progress in your journal,it can be incredibly motivating.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Like having a contract with yourself.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Yeah, it's like a personal agreement with yourself
.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Okay, one last question before we move on.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Penrose keeps emphasizing this idea that
self-discovery is an ongoingjourney.
How does that idea tie intojournaling?
Speaker 2 (12:33):
It reminds us that we're always evolving our values
, beliefs, aspirations.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
They're not set in stone.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
They change.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Yeah, they change over time and journaling helps
us to kind of stay attuned tothose shifts and embrace that
constant learning process.
Yeah, that is life.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So it's like our journals become this chronicle
of our growth.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Reflecting how we change.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Yeah, it's fascinating to look back and see
how far you've come, how yourperspectives have evolved.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Okay, as we kind of wrap up this section, what's one
key takeaway you'd wantlisteners to remember about
making these journal promptswork for them?
Speaker 2 (13:11):
I'd say, approach journaling with a sense of
curiosity, openness andself-compassion.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah, be kind to yourself, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Don't be afraid to experiment, be messy, even make
mistakes, yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
It's your space, it is your journal.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yeah, it's your space to explore and grow.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
At your own pace.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
At your own pace, exactly.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Okay, now explore and grow at your own pace.
At your own pace, exactly okay.
Now I'm curious have you seenfirsthand how journaling can
transform people's lives?
Speaker 2 (13:41):
oh, absolutely.
I've worked with countlessindividuals who have used
journaling okay to overcomechallenges, achieve their goals
wow cultivate a deeper sense ofself-awareness.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
That's incredible.
It's really powerful, do youhave any specific stories that
come to mind?
Speaker 2 (13:58):
I do actually, oh, really yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
That really highlight the power of this practice.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
And that's actually what we'll be exploring in the
final part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Oh I can't wait, yeah , okay.
So stay tuned everyone.
We'll be right back with sometruly inspiring stories.
Okay, so we're back and readyfor some real-life inspiration.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I'm excited to share some stories.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Me too.
You got me on the edge of myseat.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
All right.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
What kind of transformations have you seen
through journaling?
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Well, one story that comes to mind is about a woman
named Sarah who struggled withchronic anxiety.
Okay, and it was reallyimpacting her work her
relationships, every aspect ofher life.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Yeah, anxiety can be so debilitating.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
It really can.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
So how did journaling enter the picture?
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Well, a therapist recommended it to her as a way
to process her emotions.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
And to identify her anxiety triggers.
Initially, Sarah was hesitant.
Right, you know she wasn't awriter.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
And she wasn't even sure where to begin.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
I get that.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
But she took the leap .
Speaker 1 (14:55):
OK, good for her.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, and what she discovered was that by
consistently using those journalprompts, yeah.
She started to notice patternsin her anxiety.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, she could connect specific situations,
thoughts, even people, to thosemoments when her anxiety spiked
thoughts, even people to thosemoments when her anxiety spiked.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
So it became a tool for self awareness, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Yeah, for understanding the root of her
anxiety, that's so important itis, and once she had that
awareness she could startdeveloping coping mechanisms oh,
wow yeah, she even startedusing some of those goal setting
prompts, oh, to createstrategies for managing her
anxiety that's amazing.
So she really took control.
She did, yeah, instead ofletting it control her.
Exactly that's setting prompts,oh, to create strategies for
managing her anxiety.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
That's amazing.
So she really took control.
She did yeah, instead ofletting it control her.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
That's awesome.
Okay, what else?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
All right, ready for another story?
Yes, this one's about DavidOkay, who dreamed of starting
his own business, but wasparalyzed by fear and self-doubt
for years.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
I know that feeling.
Right Like you have the dream,but then you're like you get
stuck yeah exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
So how did he use journaling to overcome those
hurdles?
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Well, he stumbled upon a blog post about goal
setting.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Probably one with prompts a lot like Penrose's
Right, and decided to give it atry.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
He started journaling about his business idea, his
vision, his goals, even hisfears about failing.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
So he's facing them head on.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
He is.
He's not ignoring them.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
And through that process he realized that many of
his fears were based on thoselimiting beliefs that he had
about himself.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Right, we all have those, we do yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So he started using his journal to challenge those
beliefs and replace them withmore empowering ones.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
So it's about shifting his mindset.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
Yeah, okay, so did it work.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It did, yeah, as his mindset shifted.
He felt more confident and hestarted taking those small steps
toward launching his business.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Wow, that's incredible.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
It really shows how powerful our thoughts can be
Right and how journaling canhelp us reframe them in a more
positive light.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
I love that Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
One last story.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
This one is about Maria.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Who felt lost and unfulfilled in her career.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Oh, I've been there, right, yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
She had a good job, but it wasn't aligned with her
passions.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
That, being stuck in a rut, feeling it is, even if
it's a good rut.
Right exactly.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
So how did journaling guide her toward a more
fulfilling path?
Yeah Well, Maria started usingthose self-discovery prompts.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
The ones that encourage you to delve into your
values, your passions, yourskills.
Okay, she even used prompts tovisualize her ideal life.
Wow, including a career thatfelt truly meaningful.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
So she's really thinking big picture.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
She is.
She's really connecting withher authentic self.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Yeah, and uncovering those passions that might have
been buried right.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Exactly, and through that process she realized her
true passion was writing.
Oh wow, She'd always loved it,but she'd never considered it as
a career.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
So journaling helped her make that connection.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
It did.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Between her passion and her potential.
Yeah, that's so cool.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
And once she had that realization, she took action.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Good for her.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
She enrolled in writing courses.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
She joined a writer's group Awesome and eventually
she left her job to pursuewriting full time.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
These stories are so inspiring.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
They are.
They really highlight thetransformative power of
journaling.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And you know, it's not just about these dramatic
career changes or overcominghuge challenges.
Journaling can be beneficialfor anyone.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Regardless of their circumstances or goals.
It's about cultivatingself-awareness.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
Nurturing your inner world I like that and connecting
with your authentic self.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
It's like a conversation with your soul.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
It is, and the beauty is.
It's accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
That's true.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
All you need is a pen and paper or a notes app on
your phone.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
Yeah, exactly, and the willingness to explore.
Okay, so as we wrap up thisdeep dive into journal prompts,
yes.
What's one final thought you'dleave our listeners with.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Don't underestimate the power of putting pen to
paper.
Give those journal prompts atry.
Yeah, even if you're a completebeginner.
Yeah, you might be surprised bywhat you discover.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
By yourself and the incredible potential that lies
within.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
That's a great reminder to embrace the journey.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
It is.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Yeah, and to approach it with an open mind and heart.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
All right.
Well, that's a wrap for thisdeep dive into the world of
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
It was a good one.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
It was.
We'll be back soon with anotherfascinating topic.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Looking forward to it .
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Until then, keep exploring.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Keep journaling.
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