I think we have all heard the saying: “If it isn’t written down, it doesn’t exist”.
I have been working with goals for three years in therapy as I learn to live with more intention. I have short-term and long-term goals that I am working to achieve each day little by little.
Why not apply this concept to my general life, not just my mental health recovery?
It’s the beginning of a new month. With all the outside stressors of our current times, what a great time to organize my focus and my intentions for the next 30 days.
Here are the personal goals I hope to accomplish over the next 30-days:
Journal 3 times per week
I used to journal all the time as a teenager. I have books of diaryesque poetry spanning the years of my trauma as I tried to process and make sense of my grief. I don’t know if it helped me then, much of my connection to that time is nonexistent, but I am fully aware of what my writing here does for me now. I want that private space again to vomit all of my emotions and thoughts. I also want to encourage myself to journal with intention to capture this healing process for myself and my kids to look back on. I use the following prompts to help with that.

Move my Body
Exercise and I are friends from afar. I get it, exercise helps depression – but please try to understand what it takes for a depressed person to get moving enough to feel the benefits. It is hard to push out of that dark place sometimes. My goal is to move my body at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes: whether it be walk with the family, running around the yard with my kiddo, or breathing and stretching exercises. Whatever suits my mood that day, it’s time to start moving.
Become a More Consistent Writer
Writing here helps me process and it keeps me present. I have spent the last three years trying to figure out and stick to a consistent writing schedule. The current pandemic has created a new space for me to direct my energy. This has been a constant goal of mine; I will continue to work on it with intention.
Finish my Trauma Workbook
Over a year ago I purchased a trauma workbook from my counselor as part of a trauma support group that she was facilitating. I was not able to attending meetings due to my work schedule but I wanted to work along with the group in my individual sessions. It must have hit a deep nerve because I put it down and never looked back. Nearly every week my counselor references this workbook. It is time to put in the work – one chapter per week for discussion with my counselor.
I want to build my website
Advocacy is my passion and trauma is a huge part of my life. To marry the two for a good cause seems like a natural life’s path. However, to this point in my life, for me it hasn’t been. I want to change that. This site gives my pain purpose – it also helps support my family. There are many of us moving through life, working through our traumas, and healing our grief. No reason we have to do it alone! I want my site to grow, I want it to resonate, and I want it to provide comfort and resource.
Please like my post, follow my blog via wordpress or email, and share the articles that resonate most with you. If you feel so inclined, please donate. I provide all of my writing for free because it is so necessary for us to connect – but your financial support is very appreciated and it helps allow me to continue focusing on this while still supporting my family.
What are some of your goals for the next 30 days?
For more blog content visit my post index, for more poetry visit my poetry collection page.
For more posts from this writing prompt challenge click here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.