

Now that 2021 has come to an end, I have to admit that I have had to do some personal readjusting. I have had to reprioritize career goals, friendships, and figure out what my purpose in life is going to be. If you know where I'm coming from, there may be some self-discovery work to do. What exactly does self-discovery look like? Self-discovery can be an exciting opportunity of reflection and it can be a reality check of letting go of things that no longer serve you. Both ways are beneficial for self-care and personal growth. I am here to tell you that it is OK to get a little bit uncomfortable with yourself and ask those deep questions to get in touch with who you are.
Self-discovery is about tapping into your potential, your purpose, and allowing yourself the space to create what your future self may look like.
I have come up with a list of 18 daily journal prompts that you can do to start your self-discovery journey for the new year. Whether you journal in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening, it is up to you how you set that intention for yourself. Self-discovery is a life-long journey of exploration, so there's no need to rush. Take your time sis. Set your own pace. You can even reuse these prompts as much as you want to. There is no limit to figuring out all of the parts that make you, YOU. There are always going to be times of change, so getting to know yourself will shift just as life does.
Just remember, it is all about taking that first step. This first step is writing it down. I hope these self-discovery journal prompts are useful and beneficial to you on your journey.
Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery
- What does your ideal day look like?
- In my journey I am _____________, to be at a place where _______________.
- What do I know to be true today that I didn't know a year ago?
- In this moment, what are four things you are grateful for?
- Inventing possibility: I've been pretending that (negative thought about yourself), when in fact (positive thought about yourself).
- What distractions are hindering your productivity? How can you reduce them?
- If my money could talk, what would it say about me? What would I want my money to say about me a year from now?
- When do I feel most in tune with myself?
- What are your top 10 goals for the year?
- Describe in great detail what five years from now looks like for you. Where do you live? What's your ideal job?
- How can you feel more fulfilled in your life?
- If you could be your own superhero, what type of person would you be? Think about ways to bridge the gap between who you are now and what being your own superhero looks like.
- If you could live in another time period, what would it be? What would you be doing?
- What's one toxic thing or person in your life that you need to let go of?
- What fears do you have that may have been holding you back from living your best life?
- If someone could write a book about your own success story, what would they say? Write down everything that comes to mind.
- How can you take better care of yourself? Write down five self-care practices you like to do or would like to try.
- What makes you feel alive? And when was the last time you felt that way?
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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