Journal guide for 2026

Another year has come to a close, we naturally start to look inwards and reflect on the year that has passed. We also have many goals and ideas for the new year ahead. It can be a time of uncertainty, high energy with emotions array. The time between Christmas and New Year is optimal for journalling, reflecting and setting intentions for the new year. It is important to be honest with ourselves, really assess what we don’t want to bring into the new year- so that, any goals we hope to achieve are not weighed down with old patterns and habits.

Start by settling down somewhere quiet and complete 5 cycles of deep breathes. This will help clear your mind from all the racing thoughts. Start by thinking about the year that has past, if you had to sum it up with 5 words, what would they be?

From the 5 words, expand on each one. Why have you chosen that word? Was it a specific event or situation that it reflects? Summarise each word.

Now look at them, they may naturally fall into triumphs/more positive aspects of the year. You may also have a few themes that suggest sadness/loss. Focus on the less positive words, it could even be something as small as spending too much time on your phones. If there is anything that is within your control, spend some time thinking how you want to make some intentional changes for the next year and beyond. Focus on how it will make you feel, use phrases such as, ‘I am’/ ‘I will’.

Now reflect on any positive themes that were highlighted in 2025. How do you plan on bringing them into the new year? How much did those moments mean to you ?

After reflecting on the past, now focus on the future. If you have done a vision/action board, write about each aspect of it. If not, summarise a few goals/aims for the new year. again, don’t forget to also focus on how you want to feel as well as what you want to achieve.

Now it’s time to focus on the present. How are you as you are writing this? By centering ourselves in the present, we can assess on what are need to focus on to get where we want to be. What changes can you make today, tomorrow to create new habits that will allow the change to occur.

Sign off your journalling practice, this may be the last journal entry of the year. It is sacred and a piece of your history. Treat this journal practice as such. Remember to give yourself grace. X