Reset & Regroup: A Monthly Writing Exercise
A new year is not the only time to usher in goals, intentions, and desires. I treat every waking day as a fresh start and every new month with the same energy most people give heading into a new year. I reflect on the things I’ve experienced, the struggles I’ve had, my projects and ideas, and the people who crossed my path. One of the habits I've built for myself has been taking time to reflect as one month ends and making space to set the tone for the start of a new month. Taking the time to flow month to month gives me a better overview at the end of the year.
What You’ll Need:
A Pen/Pencil
Paper (notebook or journal)
A Quiet Space
End of the Month Reflection
When reaching the end of a month, take at least 15-30 minutes to reflect. You can choose to do this a few days before the month ends or on the first day of the new month (ex: Jan 30, Jan 31, or Feb 1). Think about the challenges you faced, the conversations you had, the things you experienced, good and bad, the food you ate, the places you went, your progress, and your accomplishments. Think about any and everything. I want you to be free in your reflection. Don’t put limits on it. If you have a hard time remembering much by the end of the month, try to journal throughout the month, noting special moments or things that stuck out to you.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
What made you smile this month?
What challenges did you experience this month?
What have you noticed about yourself that you are proud of?
Who caused you pain or any type of discomfort this month?
In what ways has money brought happiness or stress?
Write about any conversations you had that inspired you.
The Start of a New Month
Now it’s time to set the tone for the new month. Take some additional time to sit with your intentions.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
What is your theme song for this month?
What is your focus or theme for this month?
How do you plan to treat yourself this month?
What type of energy do you want to have for this month?
What did last month teach you that you can use this month?
Reminders
For the last part of this exercise, I want you to write down five reminders that you want to hold close as you flow through the new month. You can choose to write them on sticky notes to put them somewhere you can see them every day or on a dry erase board. Use your reminders as daily meditations and reread them at least once a week. It’s easy to forget or lose focus, so be intentional and discipline yourself to follow through.
Free Worksheets
I created worksheets for this exercise that you can download. The worksheet includes journal prompts and space to write down reminders for each month. Print multiple copies to use every month and review them at the end of the year.
Peace, Love, Goldn.Light
Click image to download