Sunday Journal Prompt

What’s on your ta-da list?

So often our inner voice tells us what we’re doing wrong, what we should’ve done or what we need to do. Let’s counter that by writing a ta-da list. What are you doing well?

The “old Jenny”—the part of me that relied on external validation to define me—would embark on a resume-style list of publicly recognized accomplishments and stop there. Perhaps you start with some of those, especially if they were hard-earned. Then keep going.

Next record what you do for others: making soup for your family, supporting a friend through her divorce, driving carpool for children of parents who work long hours, doing the dishes at your in-laws’ house after a holiday meal.

Finally, write down your inner-life ta-das such as praying, writing in your journal, slowing down to savor a moment such as a cat watching falling snowflakes, giving silent thanks before a meal, making the decision to have patience with someone who frustrates you. These are the things that no one sees overtly. Yet they take time and focus, and contribute to who you are. I encourage you to be especially proud of your invisible ta-das.

Counter negative self-talk with a list of what you’re proud of—the things people see and the things they don’t. Each time that negative voice resurfaces, bring to mind this list.