First Annual Lunar New Year Journaling Challenge
Day One: On Shedding
Dear beloved readers,
It’s day one of our Lunar New Year Journaling Challenge, and I am so humbled and happy that you are here with me.
I recently came across this poignant and striking poem, The Layers, by Stanley Kunitz, the tenth poet laureate of the United States whose work concerned the themes of simultaneity of life and death and rebirth.
Kunitz’ poem offered a profound moment of reflection for me on the way we lead many lives in our singular existence. And while his words are embedded with searing moments of truth, they also contain a beautiful and much needed retrospection.
How fitting for the first part of our challenge which is centered on the theme of shedding.
So we begin with our first journaling prompt. A gentle reminder to find a quiet, cozy place with your pen and journal (a cup of tea or coffee is a plus), and journal without hesitation for ten minutes.
Day One Journaling Prompt:
Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breathes. Imagine yourself as a tree in autumn, shedding old leaves to make space for new growth. What parts of yourself—habits, beliefs, identities, relationships—no longer feel like they belong to you? What are you ready to release, and how does it feel to let go?
You can explore this metaphor deeply, writing about what shedding means to you in this season of life. Does it feel freeing, scary, bittersweet? What might emerge in the space that’s left behind? Or you can focus on the imagery above and just write what comes up for you.
As always, I am here to guide you. Happy journaling my dears.
Love,
Summer