Hey beautiful souls! Shannon here, and today I want to dive into one of my all-time favorite practices: journaling. If you’ve ever joined me on retreat, you know that journaling is a part of the experience. There’s something magical about putting pen to paper—letting your thoughts flow, discovering hidden truths, and opening doors to healing and growth.
Journaling isn’t just about recording your day or jotting down a to-do list. It’s a sacred practice, a way to connect with yourself on a deeper level and explore the thoughts, feelings, and dreams that sometimes get buried beneath the noise of everyday life. During retreats, we use journaling to help process emotions, reflect on life’s big questions, and set intentions for the future. And guess what? You can carry this practice home with you for continued growth and self-discovery.
Let’s talk about the power of journaling, share some prompts I often use during retreats, and explore how to create a meaningful journaling practice that sticks.
Why Journaling is a Sacred Practice
Journaling is like having a heart-to-heart with yourself. It’s a space where you can be completely honest, vulnerable, and free. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- Clarity Through Reflection: Writing helps you untangle the thoughts swirling in your mind. You might start with a jumble of emotions, but as you write, things become clearer.
- A Safe Space for Emotions: Journaling gives you a safe outlet to express feelings you might not share with anyone else. It’s a way to release what’s weighing you down.
- Tracking Growth: When you look back at old entries, you can see how much you’ve grown and how far you’ve come. It’s like a little reminder of your resilience.
- Manifestation Magic: Writing down your dreams and goals helps solidify them in your mind and sends a clear message to the universe about what you want.
During retreats, journaling becomes even more transformative because you’re already in a space of reflection, surrounded by nature and like-minded women. Add in some intentional prompts, and it’s like unlocking the door to your soul.
Retreat Writing Prompts for Self-Discovery
Here are some of my favorite journaling prompts that we often use on retreat. These are designed to encourage self-reflection, healing, and personal growth. Find a quiet space, grab your favorite pen, and let your thoughts flow.
Self-Reflection Prompts
- What am I most grateful for in my life right now?
- What do I love most about myself?
- What is something I’ve been avoiding, and why?
- If I could describe my ideal life, what would it look like?
Healing Prompts
- What am I ready to let go of that no longer serves me?
- What would I say to my younger self if I could go back in time?
- What limiting belief is holding me back, and how can I rewrite it?
- Who or what do I need to forgive, and how can I start that process?
Personal Growth Prompts
- What does success mean to me, and how can I define it on my terms?
- What’s one small step I can take today to move closer to my goals?
- How do I want to show up in the world?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
How to Create a Personal Journaling Practice Post-Retreat
The beauty of journaling is that it’s completely customizable. You don’t need fancy notebooks or hours of free time—just a little intention and consistency. Here’s how to build a personal journaling practice you’ll actually stick to:
- Create a Ritual
Set aside a specific time each day to journal, whether it’s first thing in the morning with your coffee or before bed as a way to unwind. Make it a sacred moment—light a candle, play soft music, or sit in your favorite cozy spot.
- Start Small
You don’t have to write pages and pages. Even 5-10 minutes of focused writing can make a big difference. Some days, a single sentence might be all you need to feel lighter.
- Use Prompts When You Feel Stuck
Sometimes staring at a blank page can feel daunting. That’s where prompts come in! Keep a list of your favorite prompts handy, or reflect on one from the list above.
- Let Go of Perfection
Your journal doesn’t have to be neat, pretty, or perfectly written. This is for YOU, so let it be messy, raw, and honest. Write without judgment or overthinking.
- Celebrate Your Progress
Take time to look back at old entries now and then. Celebrate the growth, the lessons learned, and the steps you’ve taken. It’s a beautiful reminder of your journey.
Bringing the Retreat Magic Home
One of the most common things I hear at the end of a retreat is, “How do I keep this feeling alive?” Journaling is one of the best ways to do that. It’s like having a piece of the retreat experience with you every day—a way to reconnect with yourself, process your emotions, and stay aligned with your goals.
If you’ve been on retreat with me, you know how transformative this practice can be. And if you haven’t joined us yet, let this be your invitation. Together, we’ll explore the sacred art of journaling, unlock new insights, and create space for healing and growth.
Here’s to finding clarity, peace, and connection one word at a time.
Your Turn to Write
Grab your journal and try one of the prompts above. See where it takes you—you might be surprised by what comes up. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into this journey, come join us on retreat. Let’s discover the power of journaling together.
