Part 5: Journaling to Discover Your Inner Compass

One of the most powerful ways to begin this journey is by reconnecting with your inner compass by journaling. Take a few moments and try this journaling exercise

DISCOVER YOUR INNER COMPASS

Samantha I'Anson

7/16/20251 min read

A table with a pen and notepad on it
A table with a pen and notepad on it

From Roles to Soul: A Journaling Exercise to Discover Your Inner Compass

One of the most powerful ways to begin this journey is by reconnecting with your inner compass. What truly matters to you, independent of external roles or expectations? This isn't always easy, as decades of living for others can obscure your own inner compass. I’m a HUGE journaling fan by the way! Try this this journaling exercise and enjoy a few minutes of quiet reflection:


Take some quiet time and a few deep, grounding breaths and reflect on moments in your life when you felt most alive, most fulfilled, and most authentically yourself.

What were you doing?

Who were you with?

What values were being expressed in those moments?

Take a moment to pause and then think about times when you felt drained, frustrated, or out of alignment.

What values were being violated?

Write down words or phrases that describe these feelings and situations. As you do this, patterns will begin to emerge, revealing your deepest values. For example, if you felt most alive when helping a friend, perhaps 'compassion' or 'community' is a core value.

If you felt fulfilled when learning something new, 'growth' or 'curiosity' might be central. This exercise, inspired by values clarification techniques, helps you build a foundation for your next chapter, ensuring your actions align with your true self.

Benefits of Values Clarification in Journaling:

  • Increased self-awareness:

    Understanding your values leads to a deeper understanding of yourself.

  • Improved decision-making:

    When decisions are aligned with your values, you are more likely to feel satisfied and authentic.

  • Greater sense of purpose:

    Living in accordance with your values can create a sense of meaning and direction in life.

  • Enhanced well-being:

    When your actions are aligned with your core beliefs, you experience greater happiness and fulfillment.

  • More effective goal setting:

    Journaling about values can help you set goals that are truly meaningful and motivating.

When you're ready to move on here's: Part 6. Igniting Your Spark: Exploring New Hobbies and Lifelong Learning Opportunities

hold your heart gently