Reflect, Release, Reset: Journal Prompts for a New Year
Happy New Year! As we head into January, we want to take a moment to reflect on your past year, acknowledge the wins, acknowledge the lessons you learned, and reset for a new year ahead. We’re choosing kindness and gentleness, as we head into this new year. Hopefully you’ve done some intention setting (as we talked about in our last blog post), but if not, that’s okay, as we’ll have some journal prompts to help you get into that headspace. While everyone around you might be talking about resolutions and focusing on their bodies, we want to encourage you to focus on your recovery, your mental health, and on what matters to you.
Below are some journal prompts and affirmations to help you reflect and release last year, and reset for a new year. You don’t need to be a new version of yourself- you are perfect exactly how you are right now. These are a way to add some mindfulness to your recovery and start the new year off well. Choose what feels right for you, spend as much or as little time with them as you want, or bring them to your therapist or dietitian to talk through.
Try engaging with these prompts and affirmations in a new way. Instead of writing your answers, can you draw them? Can you put affirmations on post-it notes and put them on your mirror so you’re surrounded by helpful phrases and words? There is no right or wrong way to reflect and release last year or to head into the new year. Try something new, try something different, or try something familiar, just keep trying. Eating disorder recovery is not meant to be perfect or linear, so keep showing up. You got this!
To Reflect on the Past Year:
What helped me last year, even on my toughest days?
What are examples of when I showed courage or resilience that I might not have noticed at the time?
What did my body do for me this past year that I’m grateful for?
What beliefs about food or my body am I ready to question or let go of?
What went well in my recovery last year? What felt difficult?
What new habits were helpful to me that I want to continue to use?
To Reset for the New Year:
How do I want to feel in my body this year (not how do I want to look)?
What does recovery mean to me in this moment?
Who or what helps me feel supported in my recovery?
What are some small and realistic ways I can support my healing this year?
What is something I’d like to incorporate into my recovery this year?
Body Image Affirmations:
My body deserves care, nourishment, and respect
Recovery is not linear, and that’s okay
My worth is not measured by my appearance or size
I am learning to trust my body again, one step at a time
Rest is productive
Nourishment is necessary
I am allowed to take up space exactly as I am
I am inherently worthy and lovable
It’s okay for my body image to change
I will respect my body
I deserve to enjoy food
I deserve to wear clothes I like
I deserve to wear clothes that fit
I am grateful to have a body
I accept my body as it is right now
My body is the least interesting thing about me
I am more concerned with progress rather than perfection
I view my body without judgment
A nourished mind, body, and soul are the foundations for a full life. Learn more about our team and get the support you deserve. Reach out to us today!