Month in Review
Part of Intentional Journaling is looking back and reflecting in order to release and bring forward.
All month, I’ve planned my work, personal, physical, and spiritual parts of my life based on what matters to me–my values, hopes, dreams, and desires.
Self-Reflection is available to me as I made and kept the intention to journal and be Self-Aware. For example, I know that when I’m in an uncomfortable situation and feel like I can’t or don’t know how to speak up, my throat feels full like I just swallowed a tennis ball. Or if I’m excited about a project and am a YES to it, my stomach does JOY flips; I can’t help but smile, and I have to ground myself because my energy is flying high!
Journaling grows Self-Awareness.
Self-Reflection happens when I sit with my day, write it out, and reflect on how it impacted me, what brought me joy, upset me, note what I want to repeat and release. The possibilities are many so I’m never at a loss on what to reflect upon.
This is a daily practice/ritual/intention for me, which has had a wonderful influence on fulfilling my purpose, healing, caring for me, and growing aligned connections.
Month-in-Review is when I get my favorite cup of tea–Chai tea latte with frothed almond milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sit with my journal. It’s like a tea date to catch up with a friend–except I’m catching up with ME! I cozy up in my library, turn on my fireplace for some ambiance, give thanks for this time and space, and open my journal.
This takes me a couple hours. I know and appreciate that this may not be accessible to everyone so it can be broken down in parts or perhaps take a snippet to review.
Whatever serves you well.
You are the expert of your journal journey.
The journal layouts I have shared are guides and can be personalized to whatever your intentions are and what you want to review.
Month-in-Review
Journaling:
How many days have I journaled?
If I missed a lot, what was in the way?
Are my intentions for journaling appropriate or do they need to be adjusted?
How many days do I want to journal?
What was my overall mood?
What were the reasons?
How has journaling supported my intentions?
Intentions:
What were my intentions based on my values, hopes, dreams and desires?
What goals did I complete (professional/personal/spiritual/physical)?
Calendar:
Go back and highlight what didn’t get to
Did I eventually complete an intention?
Do I need to give myself more time for certain intentions?
Does this uncompleted item still serve my intentions?
Can I delegate?
Will I table it, release it, or bring it into the next month?
Dreams:
(A whole other topic is using dreams as guidance. I title my night/day dreams.)
Is there a pattern/theme in my dream titles?
How did my dreams guide me?
Are there any actions I still need to take?
What precognitions came about in my waking life?
What dreams keep repeating?
Hi-Lites
What were my favorite moments of the month?
Reflection:
(I may need another cup of tea. Green tea with turmeric or Lady Grey)
How was my Word of the Year (Lighthearted) fulfilled?
How did I bring the essence of my Word of the Year into my life?
Embrace:
What am I embracing about my month?
How did I show up in alignment with who I am?
What brought me joy?
What am I claiming in my heart, mind, body, soul?
What am I grateful for?
Learned:
What did I learn about Myself?
What did I learn new? For ex.:
something about a friend
a new language
training/technique
How have my thoughts actions affected me or others?
Release:
What will I release from this month that didn’t work well?
Where didn’t I show up as I liked to?
Do I need to take action?
What no longer supports me and what matters?
An object, clutter, way of thinking, person?
Bring In/Forward:
What will I bring into the next month?:
Intentions, joys, projects to continue, techniques to try, books to read, movies to watch, hobbies. Maybe these are new or a continuation.
When I complete my Month-in-Review, I’m smiling, excited and grateful I took the time to look back. It can also mean looking back at photos, social media, or texts.
Reviewing my month is putting myself first. It’s a step toward prioritizing what matters to me most. Then I’m clearer on my intentions, looking forward to next month, and living my greatest chapter yet.