It probably comes as no surprise that I had to make a few exceptions to create five new letter-x-inspired journal prompts. Although xanthan gum and xylene are excellent and upstanding x words, they don’t translate into helpful journal material.
So I went with the next best thing: words beginning with ex. Luckily, in that category, there are lots of neat ideas to explore.
Which brings us to expectations. Isn't it wonderful when an experience turns out to be better than we predicted or even better than we could have imagined? Or how about when we entrust the details of a special moment to someone else and they surprise us with their attention to detail, kindness, or creativity?
Today, let's use our journals to collect one little moment, event, or gesture that went above and beyond what we expected.
Here are 5 journal prompts, inspired by the letter x:
1. One recent experience that exceeded your expectations.
Reflecting on these moments, I think, gives us a chance to capture how it feels to recognize that experiences can be more – more joyful, more fulfilling – or less – less scary, less difficult – than we thought. We can use that recognition to encourage us toward the next experience or to discover new ways to exceed our own – and others' – expectations.
Don’t forget to include the details that made the experience exceptional.
2. One thing you find challenging to explain.
What’s one thing that baffles you? Maybe it’s a complicated idea or a sensation that’s hard to translate into words.
What do you think makes it so hard to explain? What could you learn about it to make it easier?
3. One thing you’d like to exchange for another thing.
Just playing with ideas here. What’s one thing of yours that’s not quite right or could be replaced by something better? What makes the better thing better?
4. Ways you expand your knowledge.
Make a list of all the different ways you learn. What’s one you’ve used recently? What did you learn?
5. One extra thing you’re up to today.
What’s one thing you’re up to that isn’t necessarily required, but you’re doing it anyway? Is it a treat? Something that brings you or someone else a little extra or unexpected joy? What might it be?
Would you like to try more alphabet-inspired journaling? I’ve created prompts for every letter of the alphabet. All of them! You’ll find them right here.
How to journal your letter-x prompts:
Here are a few different ideas for reflecting on these letter-ex-inspired prompts:
Choose one prompt to start with and write your answer in your journal. Be specific and include lots of details. Sparkling insights are often found in the tiniest details.
Share your answer to one of the prompts in the comments below. A little reflection on the spot! I read every comment and I’ll do my best to reply – either in the comments or by email.
Send one (or more!) of these prompts to a friend and compare answers.
Print and journal my quick and colourful letter-ex journal page. It’s part of my alphabet-inspired ebook and includes every single alphabet-inspired prompt.
Come back to these prompts again and again in your journal. Look for patterns and themes in your answers and notice what changes over time.
There are so many good reasons to journal! Join my newsletter to get my free ebook 10 Good Reasons to Journal. It includes 10 journal pages for celebrating your successes, nurturing your voice, sparking your creativity, and more!