The February journaling theme in the membership was about responding to life differently. It was a challenging month, but looking back at my self-development journey, I can confidently say I’ve come a long way. For me, learning to respond to life differently began with a simple yet profound decision—to choose different thoughts.
I used to carry negativity like a well-worn backpack, taking it with me everywhere—even on vacation. It wasn’t intentional, but my mind had a habit of focusing on what I didn’t like, what frustrated me, and the people I silently blamed for one thing or another. Even when I was physically away from the stress, my thoughts kept me tied to it.
One day, after returning from what should have been a beautiful, soul-replenishing holiday, I had a shocking realization: I barely thought about the experience once I got back. Instead, my mind had effortlessly slipped back into its usual pattern—replaying frustrations, grievances, and problems. It was as if the joy of the vacation had no lasting imprint, while negativity had a permanent seat at the table.
That’s when I decided to audit my thoughts. I started paying attention to what occupied my mind throughout the day, and the imbalance was undeniable—negative thoughts were my constant companion. Joyful moments, on the other hand, felt fleeting, easily dismissed, and rarely revisited.
I knew something had to change. So, I began a simple but powerful practice: writing down my happy memories. If I experienced a moment that made me feel light, free, or deeply satisfied, I captured it—no matter how small. The scent of fresh morning air, a spontaneous laugh with a friend, the feeling of the sun on my skin during my trip. I made it a habit to revisit these memories often, retraining my mind to hold onto the good just as naturally as it clung to the bad.
And the shift was undeniable. The more I intentionally chose different thoughts, the lighter I felt. My past vacations weren’t just forgotten moments anymore—I could mentally relive them, feel the warmth, the excitement, the peace. My life didn’t change overnight, but the way I experienced it did. I was no longer a prisoner of my own thoughts.
Journaling Prompt for You:
- Do a thought audit: What occupies your mind most of the time?
- What joyful moments have you experienced recently that you haven’t given much thought to? Write them down.
- How can you start choosing different thoughts when negativity creeps in?
I’m still a work in progress, which is why I continue to journal about responding to life differently. It keeps me focused, grounded, and aligned with the person I aspire to be and how I want to show up in the world.
Engaging in these exercises and working through the journal prompts have been transformative, helping me understand myself on a deeper level. Here are a few key insights I’ve gained:
- I need to pause before responding to emails when I’m emotional or making major decisions.
- I thrive when I have space and quiet in the mornings and evenings to reflect and recharge.
- I must prioritize activities that make me feel truly alive.
- If I expect a thank you, it’s best not to do it.
- Preparing my response to tense situations in advance helps me handle them with more grace.
This journey has been one of awareness and growth, and journaling continues to be my guide.
With all my heart,
Salima
