So far this week, you've examined the view from your window and the sights and sounds on a walk through your neighbourhood. Widening the scope a little further, which people, places or events in your town or city add a little something to your daily life?
Journal Prompt - The World Around You 2
This week's theme: the world around us. Yesterday, we took in the view from a favourite window. Today, let's go for a walk through the neighbourhood. What sorts of things do you encounter on a stroll through yours?
Journal Prompt - The World Around You 1
I'm enjoying the weekly themes. They keep me on my toes. I hope you're enjoying them, too. This week, let's take a look at the world around us -- starting with the view from your favourite window.
My favourite window is the one I'm sitting in front of right now. It lets in all sorts of light and warmth during the day, which never fails to cheer me up. Today, it's snowing out there beyond the window. That's one thing that changes throughout the year and throughout the years, too. It feels like there's less snow now than there used to be (although that could be nostalgia talking).
Other things that change: people and noise levels. In winter, it's rare to see even a single person wandering by. In warmer weather, there are often people in view -- adults chatting in front of barbecues, children playing. And as soon as the weather improves, the loud machines come out - lawn mowers and power drills and chop saws. I much prefer the far off sounds of traffic on a snowy day.
How about you? What are the changing sights and sounds (and scents?) from your favourite window?
Journal Prompt - Opposites and Contradictions 5
See what I did there? Two sets of opposites for the last day of opposite and contradictory prompts.
In the morning my first two thoughts are kids and coffee, though not always in that order. At night, my best last thoughts are the ones that disconnect me from the day -- far-away places, far-fetched dreams, far-reaching speculations...
How about you? What are your beginning and ending thoughts of the day?
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?