What are you grateful for?

Published: Mon, 08/31/20

Hey ,

How are you coping with the constant changes and uncertainty?

I began commuting again a few weeks ago for work and everything feels so surreal.

So far I've been commuting outside of peak hours, which has been fine for the most part. However, I am feeling slightly apprehensive about moving into the autumn and winter months and returning to my regular commute.

It looks like we've seen the last of summer here in the UK and with the arrival of rain and cooler temperatures, more people will be using public transport.

Additionally, the possiblity of further lockdown restrictions being reinforced are always looming which just adds to the feeling of uncertainty.

I keep reminding myself to stay in the present. Anything could happen so I'm trying to focus on enjoying the here and now.

I'm also practising gratitude. Things are a lot worse for so many people around the world so I'm constantly counting my blessings.

This is really easy to do in your journal. Each day simply write the question: "What am I grateful for?" then list at least 10 things.

I find that this really helps to keep my fears and concerns from becoming overwhelming.

Some of the things I'm grateful for include - employment, a safe home, a few good weeks of summer that made it possible to meet up with friends and family, hair dye (my greys have been running rife), Butterkist sweet popcorn and quality time with people I love.

What are some of the things you're grateful for?

JOURNAL

Here are 8 journaling prompts for you to reflect on in your journal for September:

What am I grateful? ;)
How am I feeling about any uncertainty in my life?
What can I do feel more secure in my life?
What am I looking forward to?
This is the start of...
New seasons bring...
This month I intend to...
This month I commit to...

READ

The way we work has changed for so many of us over the past few months. Working from home has become the norm, however as a lot of us have come to realise, it is often very different from working at the office.

This new way of working was sprung on a lot of us which has lead to some of us falling into bad habits because we did not get a chance to consciously prepare ourselves or our homes.

Sitting for too long, skipping lunch and not drinking enough water are some of the common bad habits we've been doing at home.

If you are still working from home, the following blog post shares 8 ways to practice self-care, specifically when you're working from home:

8 Ways to Practice Self-Care When You Work From Home

I'm currently reading Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo, winner of the Booker Prize 2019. I'm really enjoying it so far. I've mostly been reading it in the garden (when the weather allows) and it feels like a good a good summer read.

Have you read the book? If so, what did you think of it?

WATCH

I would highly recommend watching Black is King by Beyonce. It has been praised and criticised for a variety of reasons but overall I think it is powerful and visually stunning.

Unfortunately, Disney+ is no longer offering a free trial but the subscription is rolling which means you can cancel after the first month.

It also means you can watch Hamilton, which I also highly recommend. I was lucky enough to see it at the theatre and it's one of my favourite theatre shows.

Have you seen Black is King or Hamilton? If so, what did you think?

LISTEN

Since watching Black is King on Disney+, I've had The Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce on repeat.

Similarly to Beyonce's first visual album Lemonade, I feel like watching Black is King really brought the studio album to life for me.

When The Lion King: The Gift studio album first came out, I liked it but I wasn't in a hurry to listen to it again and I definitely didn't have it on repeat. Now, I can honestly say it sounds completely different to me, in a good way.

Have you listened to the album? If so, are you a fan?

Solange Journaling Pack

The Solange journaling pack is a collection of themed prompts to inspire and enhance your journaling practice.

Whether you want to start, restart or simply get inspiration for your journaling practice, this journaling pack is for you.

The prompts included in this pack will encourage you to go a little deeper with your journaling while also helping you to develop and maintain a regular journaling practice.

This journaling pack is named after Solange Knowles (find out why in the pack) and the theme is IDENTITY.

What does the journaling pack include?

You'll get:

A 30-page workbook which includes one month of journaling prompts + links to additional resources
A one-month journaling challenge tracking booklet
A Spotify playlist that you can listen to alongside your journaling practice or to simply enjoy in your own time.

BUY NOW

Who is this journaling pack for?

Absolute beginners

If you've never journaled this pack has a range of journaling prompts you can use to get started.

It will help you to experiment with different ways of journaling and discover what type of prompt works best for you.

Occasional or regular journalers

This journaling pack will add variety to your existing journaling practice.

If your journaling practice has become inconsistent or lacklustre, the selection of prompts can act as a source of inspiration to reignite your passion for journaling.

Experimenting with your journaling style can also help you to express yourself in different ways, often revealing new thoughts, feelings and emotions.

So, whether you're completely new to journaling or OJ veteran journaler, this journaling pack will inspire your journaling practice.

How can this journaling pack help you to journal more regularly?

The journaling pack has been designed to include enough prompts for you to set yourself a daily journaling challenge for a month and includes a journaling challenge with tracking booklet.

Committing to journaling daily for a month can help you to make journaling a more regular practice in your daily life.

You'll definitely be able to see and experience the benefits of journaling after doing it daily for a month.

Is there a special offer?

For you, of course!

Using the code: solangenews20, you'll get 20% off the full price.

Also, the journaling pack is not officially released until Wednesday 2nd September, so you get to own it before anyone not on my mailing list.

BUY NOW

I really hope the resources included help you to maintain or regain positive vibes this week and throughout September.

I'll be back in your inbox in the not too distance future to let you know what's new on the blog and share more tips and resources related to journaling, self-care and personal growth to inspire you to live a happy, healthy life you love.

Until next time,

Leanne