Within the Journaling Wild community we’ve been writing a little something each day of December. Sharing tiny nudges to pick up a pen throughout advent. I thought I’d share todays prompts with everyone. Happy Winter Solstice.
Oh hello Winter Solstice.
Today is a day of great significance for many people. Winter solstice, the time when the Earth’s northern hemisphere tilts farthest from the sun. It is the longest night and the shortest day of the year and I absolutely love it.
I love the promise of longer days ahead, the returning of the light, the chance to pause and reflect and renew.
I’ll be attempting to make lanterns with the kids and going for a little walk in the dark, something we’ve done for the last few years. I’ll be honest, the kids are mainly there for the hot chocolate, but I do find if you add in the odd torch that they can shine in each others faces, that does giddy things along nicely. Plus, I tend to only mention the heading out bit last minute. They love a bit of spontaneity, avoids the, “urgh not ANOTHER walk” vibes.
It’s also a perfect day for journaling. Lighting a nice candle and getting yourself a favourite drink. On the 22nd of December you say? When I am knee deep in wrapping paper and have suddenly remembered that I said I would buy a present for the kids from my Great Aunt twice removed and so am now having to redistribute my own shopping that I thought I had finished? Yes, especially on 22nd of December. Push that paper to one side and sneak yourself off to a quiet place.
It’s an especially good moment to do some journaling that remembers, reflects and contemplates the future. Using this time of darkness to steady yourself and regroup. Starting to scribble a few things down will lead perfectly into some further reflection as we move into January (paid subscribers I have a guide I’ll send out in the coming weeks for this).
Here are a few ideas of journaling prompts to choose from:
How do you feel about this being the longest night of the year, the point after which the light will slowly start to return?
Is there anything you want to do to mark the Winter Solstice (if you don’t already)?
Are there things that you now wish to let go of?
Are there things that you are hopeful for in the months ahead?
What things you are deeply grateful for from the past year?
What are a few of your proudest moments from the past year?
What has brought you the most joy?
What have you learnt about yourself?
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Where would you like to make a difference to others next year?
What are some initial sparks or ideas or even dreams that you are playing with for the months ahead?
Whatever you are doing today, I hope that you are able to find even just a few minutes to look up at the sky and notice the change that is occurring.
I’ll leave you with a poem I wrote about this day about three years ago.
Happy Winter Solstice all,
Nelly x
x
I always think of the phrase "halfway out of the dark" on this day. We're at the beginning of the end, but not quite there yet, thank you for the reminder that it's a perfect time to reflect on what's been and what's to come 💕💖❄️🌑
These are great prompts! Thank you for sharing!