6 Journaling Prompts to Explore Boundaries in a Re-Opening World

We're all in a process of exploring the boundaries of who we will become in a re-opening world.

This can be a process that fills us with hope or fear. More likely than not, it's a mixture of both.

This recent NYTimes Op-Ed inspired us to channel our hopes and fears into our journals, creating lists of things we hope to do as the world starts to open up again. Who doesn't love a good list?

Below, we've put 6 of our favorite prompts up on the blog to get you started:

1- What will I let go of?

When we went into lockdown last year, many of us were able to experience what life could look like without as many obligations, social engagements or “transition times” in our day. However, we likely filled these with other activities—some which serve and others which don’t serve us. This is a good time to ask: What will I let go of as I head into this new phase?

2- What will I say ‘yes’ to?

Just a few months ago, our options for activities, travels and even new friendships and relationships were necessarily limited. Now, as the world opens up again, our options are slowly becoming more diverse. Now is the time to dream. What would you like to do? Who would you like to meet? Where would you like to go? The timeframes for these ‘yeses’ can be short (next month) or long-term (in the next ten years). Let your imagination start to run free again.

3- How will I know when I need to move & when I need to rest?

Returning to a ‘re-opened’ life can be like breaking a fast. Your body is more attune to the inputs it receives so it’s a good time to pay attention to what feels good and what feels like too much. Ask yourself regularly: does this feel right or am I feeling overwhelmed? Do I need to add something to my agenda or do I need to remove something? Finding this balance can be key to achieving satisfaction rather than overkill.

4- Am I being responsible to myself and others?

We’re all going to need to take this at our own pace. It’s going to be natural for some people to feel ready to jump back into life at full speed, while others are going to take it more slowly. We need to honor our own needs for safety and comfort, as well as those around us.

5- What do I need right now?

These are testing times. You can use this time to test your personal boundaries through trying new things, or you can test by withdrawing from things that no longer work for you. Feel free to experiment, granting yourself the time and space to make mistakes and get back up again. Giving ourselves (and others) the grace to fail a bit forward is going to make this transition time more fruitful and fun.

6- What do others around me need right now?

Everyone’s journey through the pandemic has been different. Some have experienced more tragedy and upheaval than others. There was an outpouring of generosity in the early days of the pandemic, but this initial surge of goodwill has largely grown tired. For those who are emerging from this time with personal strength and resources, it is a beautiful time to find your personal way to give.