Welcome to the first installment of Calm & Collected: Weekly Journaling with Tea—a new series where we dive into guided journal prompts. Each week, we’ll explore a prompt designed to help you clear your mind, build inner peace, and set intentional, calming moments into your routine. So, grab your favorite tea, find a quiet space, and let’s get started on this peaceful journaling journey together.

This Week’s Prompt:

“List the thoughts that fill your mind when you experience stress, worry, and fear.”

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to feel like our thoughts are racing out of control, amplifying our stress, worry, and fear. But there’s something powerful about putting those swirling thoughts down on paper. In this episode, I guide you through a reflective exercise to explore what occupies your mind during those moments of anxiety and uncertainty.

This is an opportunity to give yourself space to sit with your thoughts and acknowledge them—without judgment. By identifying and naming these thoughts, we can begin to release their hold over us and create a more peaceful mindset. And the best part? No one is judging your list—it’s your own personal map to understanding where your stress comes from.

How to Get the Most Out of This Guided Journal Prompt:

1. Set the Scene:
   Before we dive into the writing process, make sure you’re in a quiet, comfortable space. Prepare your favorite cup of tea—something calming like chamomile or lavender can help set the tone. Get your journal and pen ready, and make sure you have a few moments to yourself.
2. Reflect on the Prompt:
   As you begin reflecting on your thoughts, take a deep breath. Close your eyes for a moment, allowing yourself to let go of distractions. Think about the times when stress, worry, or fear have felt the most overwhelming. What thoughts cross your mind? What worries do you constantly return to in your moments of anxiety? Write those thoughts down freely. You might notice patterns, or maybe new fears that you’ve been holding onto.
3. Release and Acknowledge:
   After you’ve listed your thoughts, take a few moments to read through them. Acknowledge that these thoughts are valid—they are part of the human experience. But also remember that they don’t have to define you. These thoughts can come and go, but you have the power to not let them control your state of mind.
4. Embrace the Calm:
   Reflect on how you feel after writing down these thoughts. Do you feel lighter? More in control? By confronting the sources of our stress, we allow ourselves the opportunity to move through them and make room for peace. If you’re still feeling a bit tense, take a few slow breaths, sipping your tea, and remember: You are more than your thoughts.

Why This Practice Is So Powerful:

Writing about our stress is a form of release. It’s like unloading a heavy bag you’ve been carrying for too long. By putting your worries on paper, you’re able to step back and look at them with clarity. This process helps you see the situation from a new perspective and understand where your anxiety stems from—empowering you to take action to reduce it.

As we go deeper into this series, you’ll find that journaling in this way is not just about listing your worries. It’s about exploring, reflecting, and discovering your inner calm. And over time, you’ll begin to notice the power in these weekly check-ins. Not only will they help you find peace, but they will also provide insight into how you can better navigate your feelings and emotions.

Join the Conversation:

Have you tried this journal prompt? What thoughts came up for you when reflecting on stress, worry, and fear? I’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, or connect with me on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #CalmAndCollected when sharing your reflections. I can’t wait to read what you discover.

Stay Calm & Collected:

Thank you for joining me on this calming journey today. I hope this week’s prompt gave you a moment of peace and introspection. Tune in next week for another guided journaling session from 52 Lists for Calm. Until then, take care of yourself, breathe deeply, and remember: Calm is a choice we make, every single day.