I spent most of the past weekend working, which… far from a humble brag, is actually a very bad habit. I took some time Sunday afternoon to sit, paint, and really… just clear my mind enough to think beyond work tasks and more about how what I’m doing everyday feels. A little bit of Sunday afternoon navel gazing isn’t so bad for the soul.
A few months back I had a birthday… one of those milestone birthdays that had me taking stock of the things I’ve done and accumulated, had me briefly check in on my neck wrinkles, and had me send a passing thought to that retirement fund check I’ve been meaning to send off. I posted about that moment here on my blog and asked you to share any words of wisdom you had accumulated through your years. Your wisdom was SPOT ON. Find them in the comment section of that post if you want to see for yourself.
One of you, (I’m looking at you Ms. Renee, thank you!!) left such a thoughtful comment, it’s been on my mind ever since. She shared with me a writing exercise she does for herself and with her students every year. It’s a way to either quickly associate or think more deeply about who you are, where you are, how you feel, and what you’re dreamin’.
These sorts of questions could be a good mid-year check in on those far-gone New Year’s Resolutions, or a seasonal kick in the pants, or a birthday tradition. They’re simple prompts. Glance through them on this Monday morning, see what pops out at you and at the very least, think it through for a few moments. Just for you… a quick gut check.
I think…
I wonder…
I want…
I dream..
I speak…
I act..
I honor…
I cry…
I see..
I feel…
I manage…
I support…
I seek…
I find..
I teach…
I learn…
I am..
I (create your own) _____…
I love…
Enjoy this Monday. Let’s take long strides. Slow as we need, and graceful.
xo Joy
Oh! The coloring book pictured above is this dear Flowers Coloring Book by Brittany Jepsen.
Kari
I just turned 33 yesterday. Today I got myself some iced coffee and sat at a cafe filling in the blanks. Thanks for the inspiration!!
joythebaker
Happy happy birthday!
Libby
Really enjoyed thinking through these! Thanks for giving such a great outline.
Darci
I use something very similar with my students as well…really makes them think beyond “I want to get all A’s”
Kristin
It has never ever crossed my mind to use watercolors in my coloring books. Mind blown. I think I might try that tomorrow….
kyanabrindle
Thank you for this post. This is exactly what I needed to read today.
todd wagner
I needed this today. Thank you, Joy.
Abbi
In love with this! My *fill in the blank* was “I can…”
Karen
beautiful self-reflecting activity … it’s so inspiring to me as a teacher. i will try it in September.. xo thanks!
tj
…I totally agree with this exercise – very insightful and inspiring! Thank you, I needed that! :o)
…Btw, I laughed way to hard at “navel gazing”. lol/smh ;o)
…Peace & blessings on this fine day.
francetaste
Excellent exercise! Thank you for sharing.
Ellen
MS. Renee’s writing exercise is inspired and inspiring! I’m writing it down to share with family and friends. It is good to take stock of who and where we are, as well as who and where we want to be. Monday Meditations is just the best way to start a new week and a new month! Thank-you!
itsevelina
this is a very inspiring post, thankyou for sharing! :) have a wonderful week!! xx
xo
http://itsevelina.com
thelittledaydreamer
This exercise sounds like a lot of fun. Tomorrow I have my free day and I will try it out. Lets see if I can sit down and really just think about my self and nothing else.
x Kate
http://www.ontheroadawayfromhome.wordpress.com
maisymak
I really love this exercise – thanks for posting. I’m going to do it for myself and my family; what a fun and interesting activity! Thank you, and happy Monday!
Lottie Gibbons
Its relaxing just looking at the cover picture hehe!! I am going to try these word prompts now! x
http://flareaforte.blogspot.co.uk
Suellen
Joy, those 19 words are genius. I envisioned an action associated to the word which is prompting me to take that action. Although our good intentions are there, the follow through…not so much. What a great way to start my week, a kick start to my to do/resolution list Thank you! Have a marvelous Monday, Joy.