journal prompt series #9
We are continuing the journal prompt series today by asking questions about happiness and everything related. Hope you enjoy.
How did you feel about yourself yesterday? Does it differ from how you feel about yourself today?
Yesterday, I felt pretty anxious and powerless. I needed rest and I spent the whole time being hard on myself about not accomplishing things (even though self-care is productive). I blamed myself for my emotions and felt pretty down that I couldn’t pull myself out of them. Today, I feel pretty good, and like I dodged a bullet. Internally, my brain is whispering that’s because I let myself rest yesterday. I think I feel very down about myself when my mental health gets in the way and I never let myself think of all that I’ve accomplished. Something I want to change in the future.
Where do you feel happiness in your body? How does happiness show up for you physically?
I can feel happiness in my nervous system. It’s like instead of alerting me to danger, it can finally rest with a happy buzz. My heart also relaxes and my body feels less tense. I beg for these moments somedays.
When was the last time you were proud of yourself? How can you feel it again?
I’m not sure the last time I was proud of myself because I have had such a few small wins recently that all compete. I’ve been attending sober meetings, getting up early for a morning routine, and pushing myself to get healthy with exercise and diet. I get a little happy buzz when I do these things but sometimes the new-ness wears off. I can feel proud of myself again by continuing this journey and adding new elements that give me that buzz again. It’ll never run out!
How do you talk to yourself when you’re happy? How is it different when you’re unhappy?
Honestly, I am starting to realize that I don’t talk to myself in a nice way in general. It may be a little easier when I’m happy but it always reminds me that the happiness won’t last. Lately, I’ve found a small voice inside of me that is gentle, kind, and rewarding. It’s almost impossible to pull this voice out to talk to me in the way I deserve and need, but it is happening, and that’s a start.
When do you feel inspired? How can you feel this more?
New ideas, new ideas, new ideas! When I come up with a new idea, big or small, I become so inspired to create more. I love starting a new project (how to feel this more), and it’s even better than the feeling of finishing one.
What emotions do you avoid?
Feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or depressed. I avoid situations that cause these emotions even though working through it is the only way to heal. Actually, I have been facing these emotions (especially anxiety) in a way that IS healing me and it makes them more tolerable than before.
Write a thank you note to yourself.
Dear Grace,
I’m so proud of you. Thank you for getting through the hospitalizations, treatments, and hell that you were forced to go through. You held on and got through it, fighting in every way you knew how. Everyday you felt like a failure, and years later, it is time to see that you weren’t. You got yourself here. You did the hard work. Thank you for never letting go and dreaming through the pain. I can take it from here.
Grace
REMEMBER- you can answer these questions, too. Until next time.
xoxo
