Journal Prompt - Opposites and Contradictions 4

I can't stop thinking about this one! The public me is much more cheerful and optimistic than the private me. The public me puts her ideas out there, while the private me worries they're not good enough. The public me says, "Hey, what's the worst that can happen?" and the private me answers, "How long do you have? I have an extensive list." There, at least, I find a bit of common ground. Publicly and privately, I love long lists.

How about you? Are there any differences between your public and private selves?

Journal Prompt - Opposites and Contradictions 3

Is it reading tax regulations, waiting in line at the grocery store, watching golf on TV? Me, I am fascinated by the nuts and bolts of reflective thinking and long car rides through the middle of nowhere -- the longer the better. (Also, don't at all mind grocery store lines and TV golf.)

What sorts of boring things fascinate you?

Journal Prompt - Opposites and Contradictions 2

Continuing this week's theme of opposites and contradictions, let's take a look at the flip side of our troubles.

As an occasional glass-half-empty-er, I need this sort of challenge from time to time. Like when our lovely new puppy -- half-crazed with curiosity and nervous energy -- decides to dive at every cigarette butt, used tissue, and - dare I say it - dropping uncovered by melting snow rather than actually, you know, walk on our many daily walks. Instead of dreading each successive outing and obsessing over the work time lost to cigarette butts and used tissues, it has really helped to view our walks as opportunities -- to practice patience, to grow our bond, to teach and learn from each other, to be out in nature, to hone observation skills, and to move our bodies. Seeing opportunities instead of obstacles has made all the difference in these past months. It fills up my glass.

How about you? Where in your challenges are there opportunities waiting to be embraced?

Journal Prompt - Opposites and Contradictions

Opposites and contradictions, that's my theme for this week's journal prompts. Let's go looking for insight in life's little paradoxes. Just for fun. And speaking of fun, what's one thing you're up to this week that looks like work, but feels like fun?

Journal Prompt

Ending the week with an old favourite. Simple yet meaningful -- a gentle reminder that we get to choose our takeaways each day.

Next week, I'm thinking of testing out a set of prompts about voice. Finding, exploring, using our voices, that sort of thing. I'm a little nervous about it, to be honest, but excited, too. Who knows where it might lead?

But back to Friday. What would you like to remember about today?

Journal Prompt

At first I couldn't think of anything noteworthy and then I couldn't stop. It's tiny, our home, which means we're often together in the same spaces. Which has turned out to be a good thing, I think. It has helped us learn how to be together and function together. It suits us. It's also full to bursting with books and art projects, which also suits us. Third thing about our home: it's hiding in plain sight. We live on a major street, but you'd never know it. Ours is part of a short row, tucked behind strategically placed fencing and shrubbery and it still gives me a thrill to drive into our little laneway.

What are your three things?

Journal Prompt

I couldn’t keep it to three. My things are: unexplained coincidences, surprise reunions, real life tales of heroism or selflessness, weddings, happy endings, being tickled. What gives you goosebumps?

Journal Prompt

Easing into the week with one of my favourite prompts. Because even on Mondays there are reasons to smile. What are yours?

New Year Journal Prompt - Part 5

Our last New Year prompt! I hope you've enjoyed this week's look ahead at 2018.

My passion these days is exploring ideas about a well-lived life. The thing that fascinates me most about this subject is that it means something different – sometimes slightly different and sometimes profoundly different – for just about everyone. I’d like spend 2018 living my own version of a well-lived life and helping others to discover and live theirs.

What passion will you pursue in 2018?

New Year Journal Prompt - Part 4

Stated another way, with a little more humour and a little less grammar, "What will you be good at in 2018?"