Today is anything but “normal”. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic, economic unrest continues, and we are in the midst of the largest series of civil rights protests in history. A LOT is happening and a LOT is changing. Change, even when it is for the better, is almost always accompanied by confusion, anxiety, and discomfort. I have heard from quite a few people that this week has been particularly difficult to navigate and has resulted in emotional and mental “flooding” leaving them feeling disoriented and dysregulated.
One practical way to help you dissect everything you may be thinking and feeling at this time is writing. I’ve talked before about the importance of journaling (check out my blog post about the benefits of writing your feelings down HERE) and I think it’s time for another reminder.
I have put together a series of writing prompts intended to help you process the variety of emotions and thoughts you may be experiencing at this time.
You may want to use these prompts as a way to communicate your thoughts and opinions about this week’s events to family and friends publicly. Or, you may simply need to use them as a personal way to sort through all of the “messy” feelings you have in a safe and non-judgemental private environment.
However you choose to use them - publicly or privately - I would encourage you to take some time to sit quietly and really digest each prompt in order to allow your psyche to fully be heard.
However you choose to use them - publicly or privately - I would encourage you to take some time to sit quietly and really digest each prompt in order to allow your psyche to fully be heard.
Writing Prompts
- Describe what is happening around you, be as specific as possible.
- One word to describe how I feel is ______, and where I feel that in my body is ________.
- One thing that is true for me today is _________.
- One thing that has to change for me is _________.
- One step I can take to improve my environment is _________.
- One commitment I make to myself today is ____________.
- The piece of positive encouragement that I will hold onto for today is ________.
If you find yourself having a difficult time finding your own answers to these prompts or if you simply need someone to listen as you process this week’s events, I would love to help. You can email me at leemiller.therapist@gmail.com or call my office at (310) 614-0323 to set up a time to connect.
