Winter Solstice Journal Prompts to Pause and Welcome a Fresh Start

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Last Updated on September 18, 2022

The Winter Solstice happens every December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere (in 2022, it will be the 21st). This marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. But this is good news, because it means the end of the darkest half of the year and the start of the lightest half of the year! Things are only looking up from here, and these Winter Solstice journal prompts make it even better.

Take this Winter Solstice as a time to slow down, reflect, and tune into yourself. This season is the perfect time to practice this, before the new year comes around and hits us in full swing. These Winter Solstice journal prompts will help you do exactly that, as well as prepare you to manifest your goals and dreams for the year ahead.

Now is your time to identify what to let go of and what to welcome going forward. Set the intentions that best serve you.

Table of Contents

Winter Solstice Intentions

Any time you reflect on anything in life, it’s really helpful to set intentions. Your intentions will serve as the overarching theme that guides you toward your goals. They help you get clearer on where your priorities lie.

Some themes, focuses, energies, and intentions to focus on during Winter Solstice:

Reflection
Revival
Adaptation
Rebirth
Opportunity
Resting
Listening
Releasing
Grounding

Why Winter Solstice Journal Prompts?

With the Winter Solstice marking the first day of winter, this timing is perfect for self reflection as it relates to the previous season and moving forward into the new season.

This time of year is also especially important for introspection and inner spiritual work. It’s meant for setting intentions, gaining perspective, and setting yourself up toward resolutions for the new year.

With the night starting so early on Winter Solstice, I highly suggest cozying up with some candles, soothing lighting, and journaling under your favorite blanket! You want to be as in tune with the mood as possible as you go through these Winter Solstice journal prompts.

20 Winter Solstice Journal Prompts

Prompts for Reflecting on the Past Year

What was the overall mood or theme of the past year?
Did you set any intentions at the beginning of the year? How well did you stick to those intentions in the end?
What came up in the last year that was totally unexpected? How did you respond?
What did you learn about yourself and the type of person you are?
What did you discover about your capabilities?
What affirmations, thoughts, or ideas were your driving force?
How did you do when it came to setting and enforcing your boundaries?
What is something you wish you did differently?
What is something you wish you worried about less?
In what ways did you feel most vulnerable or pushed outside your comfort zone?

The easy way to practice gratitude this Winter Solstice

Gratitude is a super important (and mood-boosting!) part of reflection. Want gratitude journal prompts conveniently bundled just for you? My printable gratitude journal has everything you need to practice gratitude each day and develop life-changing positive habits!

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Prompts for Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

Describe the person you are stepping into the new year as. What qualities, priorities, or traits does he/she have?
What is your number one priority or intention for the new year?
What are you choosing to let go of as you enter the new year?
What would make the upcoming year a huge success for you?
In what ways do you need to better protect yourself this year?
Which area of your wellness will you focus on more? (Emotional, mental, social, spiritual, physical, or financial?)
How will you invest in yourself this year?
What are 10 things you’re grateful for at this point in your life?
Name 3 things you’ll be manifesting this next year.
What is something you need to forgive yourself or others for before moving forward?

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Final Thoughts on Winter Solstice Journal Prompts

These prompts are split up evenly into 10 prompts for reflecting on the past year and 10 prompts for considering the next year. This way, you can spend equal time and thought on reflecting on the past and planning for the future.

It’s important to note what went well, what served you, and what you want to keep up and continue into the new year. Additionally, don’t dismiss what you should change as you step into the next chapter of your life that will best encourage your personal development, self care, and overall growth!