Journal Ideas on the Eve of a New Year

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."— Eleanor Roosevelt

If you know me well, you’ve probably heard me joke that Eleanor Roosevelt (and previously, Shonda Rhimes) is responsible for many of the bold moves I’ve made in recent years. After listening to Shonda’s Year of Yes and reading the book, I challenged myself to say “yes” to more things that scared me, stretched me, or simply felt new.

In January 2021, I started journaling daily prompts to help me figure out what I really wanted to say yes to. It became a ritual of reflection, courage, and curiosity — and those questions shaped the way I moved through the year.

As we approach another new year, I’m returning to this practice — not from a place of pressure, but from a place of intention. If you’re looking for a way to get grounded, centered, and more aligned with who you want to become in 2026, these questions might be a good place to begin.

✍️ My Favorite Year-End Journal Prompts:

• What was my favorite memory this year?

• What did I do that was outside of my comfort zone?

• Where did I fail hardest — and what did it teach me?

• What was my greatest accomplishment — and what did I learn?

• Did I make space for fun? What did that look like?

• What relationships did I show up for as my best self?

• Where did I fall short in relationships, and why?

• What challenged me the most this year?

• What felt like my biggest win — and my biggest loss?

• Did I try anything new? (A class, a recipe, a friendship, a risk?)

• Did I make a difference in someone’s life?

• Did I care for my health the way I intended?

• Did I read or watch anything that shifted my perspective?

• Did I spend quality time with people I care about?

• Did I explore — locally or through travel?

• Did I give generously — through time, energy, or donations?

• Did I express gratitude to the people who matter most?

• How did I show that gratitude in my actions?

• What are my intentions for the coming year?

• What one word describes how I want to feel — or who I want to become — in 2026?

Whether you’re starting a new chapter or closing a hard one, journaling can help you reconnect with yourself and make meaning of where you’ve been.

✨ How do you plan to show up in your life this year?

✨ What questions are you asking yourself as the calendar turns?

I’m wishing you clarity, compassion, and courage in the year ahead.

Want support in setting your intentions?

Join me for a workshop to reflect, release, and refocus for the new year!