5 Autumn Journal Prompts to Help Reflect on 2024 so Far
Noticing Changes Within Yourself & in Nature
It’s so important that we have seasons. Seasons remind us that change is necessary to break out of the ordinary and start a new routine, a hobby, or enter a new chapter in our lives. In nature, notice how nothing is ever the same for too long. Nature never stays in stagnation, if it’s stagnant, then it’s lifeless.
As the leaves change color this season and we say hello to cooler weather, think about the changes you’ve gone through this past year. What aspects of your life have you willingly let go of, and what can’t you let go of? Are there any new traits or skills you’ve embraced? How do you feel about these changes? How do you feel about change overall?
Harvesting Personal Achievements
Autumn is a time of harvest. This is a crucial time where vintners are harvesting their grapes that they’ve been tending to all year, when farmers are gathering the last of their crops, and when gardens are thriving with the full bounty of the season. What are you harvesting this year? Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and moments of personal growth this year. How have these “harvested” achievements nourished your spirit of improved your life?
Prepare to Nest for the Winter
Just as animals gather food to sustain themselves through the cold months when resources are scarce, you too can take proactive steps to build reserves in various aspects of your life to help navigate through your own challenging times. How can you prepare yourself for the “winters” in your life? What mental, emotional, or physical reserves are you building to help you through challenging times?
Could it be to continuously seek new knowledge and skills so that you’re equipped with tools to solve problems and face challenges more effectively? What about to build and maintain supportive relationships so that you have emotional comfort and practical help in times of need? Lastly, perhaps it’s keeping up a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet to strengthen your body and make you physically capable of handling stress better.
By considering these questions and exploring areas for growth, you can prepare to thrive in the winter, rather than just surviving it.
Practicing Gratitude
With autumn comes a time to give thanks for the life that we lead. Not just because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but because this is the time in between the hectic summer and hectic holiday season, that we can finally sit down and breathe for a second. Autumn makes us sit still in the moment and makes us feel so appreciative for the simpler, cozier moments of life. Take the time to write about the everyday aspects of your life that you’re grateful for. How do these smaller components contribute to your overall happiness and well being?
Embracing Solitude & Fostering Connection
While autumn can be a time of embracing rest and getting back in touch with yourself, it’s also a time of deepening your connections with the people that you love. There’s Halloween and Thanksgiving, of course, but there’s also cozy movie nights with your close girlfriends and scenic drives with your beloved. Take the time to think about how you can balance solitude with social interactions. What have you learned about yourself through times of solitude and times of connection this past year?
I hope these autumn journal prompts help you embrace the new season and beyond.
These prompts are designed to mirror the reflective and transitional nature of autumn, helping you to explore your thoughts and feelings as the season changes. Wishing you a warm and safe autumn season ahead!
