Keeping a journal can help you reflect on the past and prepare for the future and, above all, it can remind you to live your life in a “learning mode.” Taking time to process experiences and learn from mistakes is a helpful habit to establish when working towards any goal, and is of great importance for practicing intentional parenting.
Among the many responsibilities of being a mother, you may not have time to keep a daily journal. However there is still benefit to recording your thoughts and reviewing your short-term goals, even if it’s only once every few weeks.
[quote type=”center”]Set before thine eyes God’s unerring Balance and, as one standing in His Presence, weigh in that Balance thine actions every day, every moment of thy life.[/quote]
-Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 236
We have put together a Feast Journal with one half page to fill out on each Feast day (plus a few extra pages for Ayyam-i-Ha and next Naw Ruz). The questions in the journal will help you think about the past month, decide what your priorities will be in the coming month, and remind yourself to focus on getting spiritual sustenance on a regular basis.
Actually this resource would be applicable to anyone, mother or not, so feel free to share with your non-parent friends.
How to make your Feast Journal:
- Download the file using the links below, making sure to select the type of paper your printer uses (“A4” for most countries outside the USA, or “Letter” for the United States)
- Print the document
- Fold the stack of papers lightly in half (or just fold the first page) to mark where the middle of the paper is
- Cut the pages in half being sure to keep them in the same order as they came out of the printer, in two separate piles
- Put the left pile on the top (covered by the Title Page) and the right pile on the bottom (this will make the months fall into order)
- Staple all the pages together to make a booklet (or you can use a hole puncher and use string or brads to connect the pages)
[box type=”download”]Download the Feast Journal: A4 Size or Letter Size[/box]
Please note that if you would like a more in-depth resource to help you figure out specific goals and map out some more direction for your life, you may like to check out our Dream and Scheme Booklet. This resource was designed especially for reflection during the Fasting period and in preparation for the Baha’i New Year, but can be useful year round to review priorities and set goals for the future.
Th Feast Journal will be a lovely resource to use alongside Radiant Hearts, as you will be learning about a new spiritual quality each month and will be preparing for the new month’s lesson a few days before Feast anyway. You can always jot down extra notes on the blank page for each month, about your family’s experience with the materials – such as “Everyone memorized the prayer!” or “We gave the Monthly Letter to the neighbor who really appreciated it” – so you can keep a record of what has been working for you or what you may like to try later.
We hope this journal will help you stay intentional with your spiritual growth and in meeting your spiritual goals throughout the year.
What other tools for reflection and “bringing thyself to account” do you use?
Wishing you all a very Happy Naw Ruz and a wonderful year ahead!
