I can’t believe we are up to #JournalinginJuly Challenge Week 4. Doing a challenge certainly makes the month seem to go faster. This week the prompts have been more geared to self-reflection.
Although some of the prompts have almost stumped me throughout the process, they have made me think and I’ve surprised myself that I’ve written something for each day. This week the prompts include some self-evaluation and introspection such as writing ‘What I’m Good At…’ and also ‘What I don’t want in my life’.
Don’t forget to join Deb from Deb’s World and I and link up your post at the end of this post, if you are participating in the Challenge. If you aren’t, then you can read the thoughts of others and their take on the daily prompts.
Day 21 – I’m good at…..
Well what a prompt to start the week, actually having to talk about myself and what I’m good at. Many of us don’t like to highlight our talents for fear of showing off. For some misguided reason we feel we can promote ourselves or our talents. Is it because we don’t feel good enough? or we feel we are bragging which we were taught as children not to do? I need to get over that feeling and be proud of my achievements and the qualities that make me who I am. So here goes: I’m good at……
- showing kindness and caring for others
- being a Nan – I think I’m much better at this job than I was as a Mum
- friendship – I’m always there for others, I’m steadfast and loyal
- never giving up even though sometimes I think it would be easier to – a friend I worked with used to say I was like a ‘dog with a bone’
- being on time – I like to be punctual and expect others to be the same
- motivating and inspiring others
- decorating birthday cakes for my grandchildren – not perfectly done but decorated with love
- loving
- being Me
I asked my husband what I’m good at and he said I have a ‘gigabyte brain’, whatever that means! He said that when I put my mind to something I usually achieve it and I have the mental capacity to keep going until I have. He also said I have the ability to remember even the most trivial things – which I continually surprise him with.
Day 22 – I’m thankful for……
Everything really. My husband, my children and grandchildren, friends and life in general. I’m thankful I have freedom of choice to live my life as I choose (even though I don’t always adhere to that). Living by the ocean, clear blue skies and sunshine. My health, my body which keeps me strong enough to be active and energetic.
I’m thankful for times that I share with my grandsons – looking at aeroplanes in the sky or a bird flying past and experiencing the look of wonder on Elliot’s 1 year old face. I’m thankful for walks to and from school with Ethan and having conversations about life seen through a 5 year old’s eyes.
I’m thankful for so many things but guilty of letting life take over and not always appreciating and taking the time to be thankful.
Day 23 – My favourite season
I wrote about this in a prompt in #JournalinginJuly Challenge Week 2, so I’ve decided to write about my favourite season of life. Our life is like the cycle of Seasons. Spring is the beginning from when we are born and is a time of growth and maturity. Summer is when we are in full bloom, Autumn is starting to slow down and prepare for Winter. We move through the seasons of life and I truly believe that although I’m in the Autumn of my life with Winter not far away, I’m still feeling like I’m in the Summer of my life but with the advantage of having life experience.
My BBB (best blogging buddy) Leanne from Cresting the Hill wrote a post Embrace your Season of Life which sums up how I’m feeling.
I also wrote a guest post for Debbie from Deb’s World which will be published next week, with yet another view on The Seasons of Life. I must be feeling inspired today.
Day 24 – What I don’t want in my life
I actually wrote a post What I Want and Letting go of what I Don’t so I went back and reviewed what I wrote to see if it was still how I felt. Yep nothing has changed and I might have a couple of extras to add. It also takes courage to implement changes in our lives especially if it involves other people.
- Removing self-imposed pressure – I am so guilty of this and find it difficult to overcome
- Stop trying to please other people and getting myself into situations where I haven’t said ‘No’ and then stress because I’ve committed to something I don’t have time for.
- Keeping my dreams and goals alive but not being disappointed in myself if they don’t happen
- Being in so many social media groups, because we are told that’s what we need to do to promote ourselves but which no longer add value to my life
- Negative people who try to bring me down rather than supporting and encouraging me
Day 25 – I’m excited about….
I’m getting excited now as it is only six weeks until our Alaska Cruise and Tour of the Canadian Rockies. I’m extra excited because I will be meeting up with some blogging friends.
Day 26 – The best thing about today
Today I really had no schedule and that was the best thing about today. Waking and watching the sunrise with a coffee on the balcony, spending quality time with Mike and also finally finishing my second Assignment in my Certificate III in Fitness. It is hard studying online and also finding volunteers to be my ‘clients’ but I’m determined to complete the Certificate and just keep working towards that goal.
Day 27 – My favourite movie and why
My grandson, Ethan asked me this question earlier in the week and I couldn’t answer immediately. He could however – it is Cars 1 but he doesn’t like Cars 2 because it is scary! I simply can’t come up with a favourite – my head hurts just thinking about it. Some of my favourites are:
- To Kill A Mockingbird – such powerful performances by all the actors and Gregory Peck played the perfect Atticus Finch. I think this movie was brave and courageous with a strong message.
- The Sound of Music – I can remember Mum taking us to the movies to see this when it was first released. Who doesn’t know all the songs from this movie and I still laugh at the Von Trappe children prancing around in clothes made from curtains. We all need feel good movies don’t we? When we visited Salzburg of course I had to re-create “I am 16 going on 17” even though I was in my mid 50s at the time.
- What About Bob? – an oldie but a goodie that always made me laugh.
- Disney movies – just love them and looking forward to reliving my childhood watching them with my grandsons.
I hope you enjoyed another week of my #JournalinginJuly Challenge. If you missed previous ones and want to learn more about me I’ve listed them below. I’ve also included the full month with prompts for each day. If you missed the challenge, no problem, why not try it yourself in August?
27 Comments
Your blog is looking so lovely, Sue. I loved the clean white space and the use of soft color. Visiting is a bit like going to the spa.
I haven’t written a response to every journaling in July prompt but have been playing along quite frequently. Hope to gather all of my responses into a single post at the end of the month. Thank you for this opportunity.
Yay for your upcoming Alaskan cruise. Should be a delightful time of year to visit the 49th state. I have always dreamed of taking a tropical cruise but recently switched that thinking and have decided maybe a cruise to a colder clime might be more fun. Will be anxious to share in your trip!
Oh thank you Leslie, I’ve been trying different looks for the blog and am always changing it up! I do love it now though. Gathering your responses in a single post is a perfect way to end #JournalinginJuly and I hope you can link it up with us. I’ve looked at the temps and it will be COLD!! Living in Queensland where the winters are very mild I don’t have many warm clothes that will be suitable for those conditions. Might have to do some shopping when I arrive – now that would be a shame wouldn’t it? LOL:) xx
Hi, Sue – I’ve greatly enjoyed following your Journaling in July – and I’ve learned a lot!
Thank you for sharing this with us so openly and candidly.
Thank you Donna for always being so supportive and such a great blogging friend. I can’t wait to see you xx
I found this week’s prompts very interesting Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your responses. We answered similarly on some which isn’t too surprising. I found it funny you also asked your husband but got a very different response to mine!! I live jesting more about you through your reflection, it adds another dimension. Not long to go now until the end of July!!
Hi Deb, even though I came up with the list of prompts I had forgotten some of them. The month has flown and I’ve really enjoyed the experience and reading what your thoughts have been. I’m looking forward to August but I’m also thinking of returning to the ‘prompts’ theme in the future. It has certainly made me think! Have a fabulous week, my friend. xx
I’m loving this exercise and these prompts, Sue. I love how all 3 of us – Debbie, you and I asked our family for their responses. It’s been fun learning more about you.
Likewise Jo and I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts as well as the others who have joined it. It really has been a very enlightening experience for me and perhaps I need to have this theme more often. Have a lovely week and thanks for joining in. xx
I like how you were able to acknowledge so many things that you’re good at. That is something that I think too many of us find too hard to do.
I especially like how you and Leanne wrote about the seasons of our life. Perfect!
It wasn’t easy, Trisha but if I’m encouraging others to sing their praises I need to lead the way. Glad you liked the seasons of life approach and I’ve written yet another approach to the topic as a guest for Deb’s World this week. xx
I loved reading your answers to these questions Sue and I can certainly resonate with many of them. I love the question about what I don’t want in my life and it’s one that I had to answer in one of my coaching sessions with you. I found it very revealing and helpful. For me some of the things I DON’T want in my life are ill health, financial insecurity, living with regrets, worrying about too many things which may never happen and caring too much about the opinions others have or me. X
You have come so far Christine and I’m very proud of you. It isn’t easy letting go but I think once we start it becomes easier. I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed the monthly theme. It has been a learning experience for me too. xx
Hi Sue – I’ve greatly enjoyed reading your responses. Thank you for sharing with us so openly. July does seem to go by quickly and soon you’ll be visiting Canada! #lifethisweek
I know it is getting closer Natalie only about 6 weeks until we leave Australia 🙂
Wow! I’d love to see Alaska. I hope you post a lot of photos!
You seem good at sorting out your thoughts with this journaling. I guess that’s the point?
I’m looking forward to Alaska very much as it has been on our bucket list for quite some time. I have improved with the journaling but I think it is because I have had prompts. If I just had to sit down and write my thoughts it wouldn’t be so organised. Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by x
Sue, every time I read a post like this one I am more and more convinced that we’re sisters who were separated at birth! So many of these things are the same for me – all the stuff you’re good at, the things you enjoy, and the thank you for linking to my seasons of life post – it’s a favourite of mine xxx
I know I feel the same BBB whenever I read your posts or coffee catchups. Maybe we are sisters???? 🙂
Love this series! The Sound of Music is such a classic. I think it’s great to journal what you’re good at, promotes self-belief!
Di from Max The Unicorn
Yes the Sound of Music is a classic, Di and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the series. x
I think I’ve enjoyed your Journaling in July theme the most out of them all Sue. It’s been fun reading your responses to prompts and that of others. I agree with all the things you’re good at – but you forgot your running! I’m a stickler for being on time too. I always am and can’t understand people who are late (unless for good reason). I’m sorry I haven’t been able to participate in your Journaling in July. I sat next to Chantelle from FMS at a recent Bupa conference in Brisbane and told her I’d be playing along with the July FMS Photo a Day challenge which was one all about ourselves. I didn’t know about your Journaling in July then. Your upcoming cruise (and meeting up with blogging friends!) is exciting!! Have a great week. xo
Thanks Min, I think it was a popular theme although some of the prompts I set myself weren’t easy! Yes I’m looking forward to the holiday I’m overdue for a break. xx
I’m excited about your holiday for you – that sounds awesome! Although I haven’t been journalling in July, I have joined in Fat Mum Slim’s photo a day challenge which weirdly has many of the same prompts so I guess I have been journalling but digitally and with words and pics! I love your take on the seasons, I might just have to “borrow” that for my photo prompt!
Yes I can’t wait for the holiday Sammie, I feel tired. You may borrow my seasons prompt for your photo for sure. x
Wonderful prompts that encourage you to reach inside yourself for answers – thus bringing back precious memories!
Thank you, Pamela it was a learning experience for me and hopefully others to explore their inner thoughts. x
What good news is that all this journalling is giving me more to learn about you. Good on you for this initiative. I loved reading about being a better Nan than Mum. I put my hand up for that one too.
Lovely that you have the cruise to look forward to and to meet up with bloggers! A win/win for sure.
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is 31/51 Gratitude 5/8/19 I hope you can come on over and join in. Denyse.