JOURNALING DAY 16-21
While the prompts are AI generated these are my original thoughts and feelings ✨
DAY 16 ➡️ If you weren’t trying to be responsible, productive, or put-together, what would you want more of in your life right now?
So, I’ve never been a reckless, “throw caution to the wind” kind of person. I didn’t have an extreme teen rebellion or anything like that. BUT… I was a little chaotic in my 20s in the sense that I sought out intensity and connections that destabalized me. As a former Anxious Attachment (I’m now Earned Secure) I lowkey get nostalgic. Like “Wow, I felt SO much with that person/in that situation” or “I’d NEVER act like that again.'“ It’s weird and funny all at the same time. They aren’t lying when they say “your new life will cost you your old one.” The caveat here is… if you choose growth. I feel like I’m built for intensity and depth. I don’t shy away from it. I just learned the difference between toxicity vs. love vs. attachment. So, certainly that — longing for depth, intensity, and feeling “seen” but no longer in the “I don’t care if this man ruins my life or fries my nervous system” kind of way. Spoiler Alert 🚨 I allowed this to happen more than once and decided the heartbreak from the eventual fallout didn’t outweigh the inconvenience of taking accountability and the steps to grow and evolve. I’m just no longer willing to be in a constant state of panic and despair when it comes to matters of the heart. Not valuing or taking care of yourself in all aspects is irresponsible. That being said, you can still miss things that once made you feel alive — even if they weren’t healthy.
DAY 17 ➡️ Where in your life are you no longer negotiating what drains you?
This is a few things actually… looking back at my time in retail, the companies I worked for, and people I worked with, I gave it my ALL — blood, sweat, and tears. I have a strong work ethic and enjoy working but I genuinely burned out. So, I guess this falls into the “things that no longer nourish me” category. Proving my worth (in all aspects of life) and putting so much time and energy into things that weren’t benefitting me. Now, I’ve become more discerning. I ask myself things like “Why am I saying yes to this?” “Do the Pros outweigh the Cons?” “Am I doing this for me or for other reasons?” My life is meant for ME and life is short and precious. With more time to myself I feel less drained and really enjoy tending to my own peace. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
DAY 18 ➡️ As you stand at the edge o a new year, what part of yourself feels most ready to be carried forward into 2026, and what are you gently leaving behind?
Well, first I want to acknowledge that, as a now single woman, I definitely operate from a place of “I’ll do it myself” and that gets tiring. I do miss having a helping hand through partnership and I haven’t allowed or even trusted someone enough to help me through hard times this year (I don’t mean financially) but on a human and soul level. So, for 2026 I’m trying to adjust my energy in hopes it expands instead of restricts and aligns with the right person. What I hope to carry forward is hope and faith in humanity and finding love again, and childlike wonder. 2025 was a tough, heavy, and hard year for many of us. I hope to feel lighthearted and more open/adventurous next year. It’s never too late to experience the things you want to in life and I have to remind myself of that.
DAY 19 ➡️ What has brought you joy recently?
Taking day trips! Now that I have a set schedule I can actually plan ahead, which is really nice. Recently I’ve been to NYC and DC and can’t wait to take more quick trips. I love an old, historic city, so the East Coast speaks to me — cobblestone streets, colonial-style homes, rich history… I definitely want to travel abroad more, but… these things take time. There is also MUCH to be explored within the U.S. Sometimes a change of scenery is needed to improve mental health, too. So, here’s to more mini adventures in 2026.
DAY 20 ➡️ What does a “good life” feel like in your body when you’re not trying to define it?
If I’d been asked this question in my teens, I’d say “lots of things” in my 20s, “a great job” and now, in my 30s, a RESTED life. Yes. A rested life is a good life and one I’m actively trying to cultivate. For all our lives we’re fed the idea that if we have more things we’ll be happier, or a fancy title, or more money. I am of the belief that doing the best with what you have can be even more fulfilling that having all the things. Now, this isn’t to say to stop striving. I just mean, in the simplest way, that life doesn’t life doesn’t have to be overcomplicated and that living a “slow life” in a fast-paced hustle, go-go-go, more-more-more world is a beautiful thing. I am speaking from a place of privilege in the sense that I don’t have a family to take care of or other obligations. I love a slow morning, lazing about and being cozy. It brings me peace and none of those things have to do with my job or how much money I make. Living intentionally is a practice.
DAY 21 ➡️ What do you want to feel/experience more of in 2026?
The energy of RECIPROCITY. I learned a lot this year about this — not that I haven’t experienced it before, but a lack of reciprocity was highlighted this year in ALL areas of my life. Whether it was noticing one-sided friendships, too much demand in the workplace (that didn’t pay off), or dating experiences that left me feeling and questioning if the care/energy I gave was appreciated. So, I switched jobs (I’m much happier now), focused on the people and friendships who are nourishing, and took a step back from dating (it’s a work in progress). I’ve always known how to be alone, do my own thing, and enjoy my own company, but reciprocity is integral for friendships and relationships to remain fulfilling and meaningful. I’m not a conditional or transactional person, so mutual effort is appreciated and I’m distancing myself from anything that doesn’t provide that. 2026 is a new year. Same me — still open and loving, but certainly more discerning.
