The end of the year is approaching. It’s a time to reflect on the moments that made us who we are today. We remember all the ups and downs we’ve encountered, which have made us feel a sense of pride in where we are. Through these reflections, we usually acknowledge that healing and perseverance have helped us become stronger and completely different individuals from how we were when we started.
No matter how good or bad your year was, something about the upcoming new year encourages us all to look back before we continue forward. One of the best ways to look back on how far we’ve come is through journaling prompts.
Denise Francis, a wellness founder and owner of the Heal Sis App, knows how impactful journaling prompts can be on our journey. She has used journaling prompts to help guide her during a time of grief. “Grief feels like the ocean; it comes in waves. When those feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression would visit me, I would journal. I would write until my mind was clear and my thoughts didn't consume me,” says Francis.
Denise Francis, founder of the Heal Sis app
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Journaling was an outlet that allowed Francis to ease her mind. She would also indulge in other activities such as dance classes or hiking. These moments of presence allowed Francis to experience joy during life’s darkest moments. As she continued her healing journey, her creativity began to flow with a solution of healing for Black women. Francis authored her book, The Soul Study Self-Love Journal, filled with endless journaling prompts that connect us deeper to our soul's purpose.
The overwhelming response of the Self-Love Journal sent Francis from a healing journey to a journey of healing as a collective.
The Heal Sis app has become an extension of Francis's work to heal Black women. Francis explains, “I created Heal Sis because it was what I needed then. I needed therapy but couldn't afford it. I wanted to try meditation but couldn't find any that were made for Black women. Most importantly, I needed support but didn't have a community.”
The Heal Sis app covers three main areas: Community therapy sessions, meditations, and journaling sessions. It is a safe space for Black women to heal and find community. Self-reflection doesn’t always need to be with oneself; it can also be done surrounded by women who want you to win.
“There is something special about journaling together and hearing everyone's entries and growth! That’s why we host monthly virtual journal sessions on the Heal Sis App.” Each journaling prompt is intended to help you learn more about yourself while surrounded by community; however, if you want to do some self-reflection this year, that’s also possible.
Francis has provided a few journaling prompts to help you reflect on the year. We encourage you to take your time with each question and allow yourself to write with liberation. There is no right or wrong answer to healing.
Journaling Prompts:
- What type of relationships do you usually find yourself in?
- Do you know who you are, who you are not, and who you want to be?
- What are the promises you’ve made to yourself? Did you break them, or did you keep them?
- What or who do I have an unhealthy relationship with and why?
- What do I need more of, and what do I need less of?
- Every year is another chapter of your life completed. If you could write the intro to the next chapter of your life, what would it be?
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RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
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