Case in point:
Late last year, when I reviewed the entries in my 2019 journal calendar, I was shocked to discover how many good things I had forgotten. Somewhere along the way, inexplicably, I convinced myself that I'd had a terrible, unproductive year. I will be forever grateful that my journal entries told a different story. They were filled with family and friends, triumphs - both big and small - and lots of fun (and funny) moments.
This year, I knew I could do even more with those ever-so-brief calendar entries. While there were many helpful entries, there were also numerous instances in which I just jotted out a quick, random list of the day's happenings. Looking back, I wish I'd spent my few inches of writing space journaling about why those events mattered.
This year, I've taken a new approach, one that is making me a better journaler, and it all comes down to one simple prompt:
What do you want to remember about today?
It's not even a new prompt. I've used it before in my journal pages. You might have seen it appear as "one thing to remember about today" or "one thing about today you hope you'll never forget."
Lately though, I see that prompt through new eyes. Asking myself what I want to remember helps me focus on the things that matter instead of the things that happened. And, best of all, I'm finding it works just as well on the bad days as it does on the good ones.
How can this simple question make a difference in your journaling?
On good days
If you're journaling an experience, writing down a few specific details will help you remember the day. Choose one part that stands out and engage your senses. What did it feel like? What did it look like? Who was there with you? Where were you when it happened? What did you say or think in that moment? What do you hope you'll never forget about it?
If you're journaling an accomplishment, think about your good day strategies. What worked today? What actions or routines do you want to repeat so that you can have more good days?
On bad days
This prompt really shines on the hard days. It reminds you that while you can't always avoid the bad stuff, you can absolutely choose what to take with you and what to leave behind.
Instead of dwelling on a difficult challenge, you can choose to remember that you did not give up.
Instead of reliving a heartbreak or unexpected disappointment, you can choose to remember your strength, kindness, grace, and dignity when they were put to the test.
Instead of agonizing over mistakes made, you can choose to remember what you learned.
What do you want to remember about today?
I hope you'll use this prompt to capture the memories that move you forward, to collect the best strategies and lessons you're learning along the way, and to remind you of the good things that are easily forgotten in the rush of a busy life.
Your turn
Whether you're having a great day or a not-so-great day today, what’s the one thing you'd like to remember about it? Share in the comments below!
