I don’t know if you are like me, but I am always on a quest to find what truly fulfills me and keeps me satisfied.
I’m not talking about food or even a deeper connection with others. What I am looking for is a stronger INNER connection — one that is unshakeable and so heart-filling that I no longer need to look outside for validation, love, or unsolicited support.
Below are several questions and prompts I’ve been playing with through writing, art, and movement.
I often explore these themes through different media because sometimes, the mind has no “out-of-the-box” answers to share. In those moments, I look for spaces where words are not needed and unconventional insights are provided.
Hence, beyond journaling, you might want to explore these questions through whatever medium calls to you. Let’s begin.
1. What truly nourishes you? Think of an activity that leaves you fully satisfied, where all your senses feel ‘fed,’ alive, and serene. When did you notice this happening in the past week? What were you doing, and how often? Was it enough to make you feel truly nourished?
2. What drains you? What takes your energy, angers you, or saddens you? Notice when you feel rushed or pushed. Is it a certain environment, a specific task, or perhaps certain people? List these things and look for the correlations between events and your emotions.
3. Looking at your draining list, what is one small thing you could do to bring about positive change? If a solution feels like a giant leap, break it into tiny, manageable steps. What is the next easy step you can take right now to move away from these draining states?
4. The Not-To-Do List: This should contain everything that abuses your energy field — things that need to go so your lifestyle can truly support you. What is one little thing you can let go of this week? What is one ‘big’ thing (a relationship, a habit, or a job) you can begin taking small steps toward leaving behind?
5. How can you bring more positive habits, hobbies, and pleasures into your life? You may first need to release any guilt around enjoying yourself. Regardless, keep moving forward by allowing more ease, joy, and self-love into your day. Give yourself the grace to let these activities nourish you.
6. The Sensory Bridge: A strong pillar of self-care is practicing contemplative activities. This doesn’t have to be meditation in the traditional sense; it can be anything that quiets the mind and lets the body enjoy the moment. This awareness builds a bridge between your logic and intuition — between your head and your heart. What activities could fill this role for you?
7. Creative Medicine: Creativity has a profound effect on the nervous system, releasing serotonin that reduces anxiety and depression. What are your preferred creative outlets? Is it cooking, painting, writing, sewing, or decorating? How can you weave these into your week?
8. How do you want to feel when you are truly nourished? If you aren’t sure, recall a memory where you felt deeply satisfied and dwell in it for a minute, using all your senses. This is a powerful, embodied way to experience your future self in the present.
9. Which books, poems, movies, or nature resonate with your desired vibe? Choose the ones that make your heart sing with gratitude. Plan to read, watch, or visit them soon. Simultaneously, begin a ‘life detox’ of anything that no longer fits this sense of nourishment.
10. If the unconditional love of the Divine were witnessing your process of discovery, what would it say to you? Let it speak through your pen and take notes. Whenever you feel doubt or guilt, return to these words to reconnect with that loving vibration.
Every evening, or at least every week, look at what worked and what didn’t. Notice what made you feel proud and supported. Plan your life around your needs, aiming to anchor your nervous system in the healthiest ways possible.
If you have already chosen a “word for the year,” imagine it as your compass. As you journal for self-nourishment, align your reflections with it. You may find the word changes — and that’s okay. Let the energy of your desired feeling guide the way.
Originally published at https://danielaroates.substack.com.
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