Journaling Prompt: The Alchemy of Change
Transforming experiences into growth
It’s February, and you know what that means! We're getting into this new Moonflwr rhythm, starting with journaling prompts to get your inspiration flowing and your inner world ablaze with inquisitive reflections.
How to use: These journaling prompts have two parts. Feel free to write (in a journal, on a virtual page, or even in the comments below!) to both or one. Use them however you like; this is yours. I’ve also included my responses as open arms to welcome vulnerability and embrace courage in this endeavor.
Part I: Describe a period of transition or upheaval in your life. What did it take from you, and what did it give in return?
Part II: Imagine this change as a form of alchemy, turning something raw into something precious. What “gold” did you uncover?
My transition period had to be when I sought help for my mental health. I grew up thinking how odd I felt compared to my peers. Simply going to school or even being approached by the neighborhood kids to go outside and play shot electricity through my heart. My nerves paralyzed me to the point I barely had any energy.
Most days, I hid in my room, drawing or writing, just trying to breathe and relax. And just when I felt better, dread would seep in because I had to be pulled out of my inner world and thrown back into reality. Another day of school, another day of torture, I’d think. Every day, my skin felt on fire; almost every night, I’d cry myself to sleep.
But any time I’d experience what was supposed to be a “happy” moment—going on vacation to the lake, getting a new sketchbook or toy, beating a video game—it wouldn’t feel that way. I just felt…empty. And I knew that wasn’t me.
The moment I finally decided to seek help was when I couldn’t stop feeling utterly hopeless. Deep down, I was worried I’d be told my behavior was normal, that there’d be no solution, and I’d have to keep feeling a way that began to scare me.
Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. A giant wave of relief crashed over me, and I finally had answers. All the pieces of my childhood and early 20s no longer felt like an unsolvable puzzle.
I struck gold in a way because I reconnected with myself. My life experiences since treatment have been unlike any I’ve had before. I can now respond to situations with regulated and rational emotions.
Happiness comes easily, and my vision is no longer clouded by darkness. It’s as if I’m living for the first time—a realization that sometimes makes me sad because I waited so long to acknowledge something wasn’t right, but I also know I needed to be in a place to receive help and at my discretion.
Even though my timeline doesn’t follow another’s, I wouldn’t change anything. I’m experiencing life on my own terms and at my own pace, which works for me.
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I'm so happy you're finally at a place that you can enjoy every aspect of your life. See you guys in May.