Awareness Setting for the Week
It’s so easy to get lost in the chaos and busyness of the week… lives are full with work, activities, parenting, taking care of extended family, sports, music, appointments, self-care, etc. I often recommend daily intention setting (see my 3G Journaling Post) - as it helps to set the tone you desire for how you treat yourself and how you interact with people in your environment. It helps you take pauses when life gets off track and it also helps you stay grounded.
In addition to practicing daily intention setting, it’s also helpful to try and build some awareness for going into the start of the week. The prompts below can help you think about what areas might be working well - and which aren’t. When you read and think about them ahead of time (and throughout the week), it helps build the ‘pause’ reflex to stop and evaluate what’s working well in the moment and/or what isn’t. Pausing allows for you to be right with that present moment, observe what’s going on and think about whether you want to carry on as-is or change course.
Make a list of these prompts for your journal, have them on a note by your desk, on the fridge, in the notes app on your phone, etc. Whatever works for you and what you will actually use is always your best option for journaling & reflecting.
NOTICE FOR THE WEEK…
WHAT ENERGIZES OR DRAINS YOU -
WHAT PATTERNS OF FEELING COME UP FOR YOU -
HOW CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR PEOPLE MAKE YOU FEEL -
ARE YOU RESPONDING TO OTHERS OR REACTING -
WHEN / HOW YOU RESPECT YOURSELF -
WHEN YOU FEEL YOUR BEST OR WORST -
HOW YOU CARE FOR YOURSELF -
WHO IS THERE FOR YOU -
WHAT DOES YOUR SELF-CARE LOOK LIKE -
HOW YOU TALK TO YOURSELF -
HOW YOU’RE SETTING BOUNDARIES (OR NOT) -
WHAT YOU NEED HELP WITH & ARE YOU REACHING OUT -
WHETHER YOU RESPECT YOURSELF -
WHAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR -
HOW YOUR EMOTIONS RISE OR LOWER -
HOW YOU ARE GROUNDING YOURSELF WHEN NEEDED -
Hope these are helpful! Of course - add any additional prompts that work for your needs. Remember to use kindness & compassion when evaluating yourself. The purpose here is NOT to deride oneself or shame ourselves… it is to build awareness and intention to move us towards where we want to be in our lives.
Best, Jenn
*The information presented in this blog is intended for general knowledge and use only. It should not take the place of medical, clinical advice or licensed therapy. To find a licensed practitioner in your area, the Psychology Today Directory is an excellent resource.