Reflection Organizer

When it comes to life, a lot of things can happen in a short amount of time.  Our brains are drawn from one thing to another faster than we can transition.  To help with processing the events of everyday life, I created a Reflection Organizer to help with, you guessed it, reflecting.  There is something about writing things down and verbal processing things that help to truly piece together what we are learning.

            To understand this organizer, let’s start at the top left box.  This box says, “What is inspiring me?”  Think about books, podcasts, songs, sermons, or even people that you have come across recently that have pushed you to act.  Maybe a section of scripture inspired you to step out of your comfort zone.  Or, an individual could have motivated you to begin a project to share your ideas with people.  Whatever it may be, whether work and school related, or just simply an inspiration of how to better clean your house, this is the section for it.

            Next, look over at the top left.  This rectangle has space for you to write down what in your life is challenging you.  What is it that is happening right now that is difficult in your daily life?  For instance, this semester has been loaded down wit busyness for me.  This has been challenging because while it has been hard to be motivated to continually put my best effort in it, I have learned so much about responsibility, hard work, and commitment.  Something that is challenging you will be hard to overcome, but it always stretches and grows your abilities.

            Now, go down to the bottom left section.  This is titled, “What is encouraging me?”  You may be wondering how this is different from the inspiration section.  The reason I separated these two topics is because I wanted to create a space for both inspiring aspects of your life (what is pushing you to try new things) and encouraging parts of your life (what is uplifting you during trials).  Majority of the time, this section will include what the Lord is using to encourage you.  This could be scripture, or it could be a friend that you shared life with in the week.  This box is for you to reflect on the things in your life that are lifting up your soul.

            Then, move over to the bottom right.  This last box is for verbally processing what is going on in your life.  Specifically, write down the events that you are doing.  Are you taking tests, starting a new job, beginning a Bible study, or meeting a friend for coffee?  This section was placed after the other boxes to avoid letting it be filled with trials and excitement.  In the previous boxes, there was space given for these things.  This little rectangle is solely for the general happenings in your life.  Through this box, you may realize that an overloaded schedule is the reason for what is challenging you.  Or, you may discover that the time you spend with friends is what encouraged you.  This helps to tie the four outer boxes altogether.

            Lastly, focus on the center.  You’ll notice this is also a different shape than the rest.  I made this one a circle because it is a culmination of the four rectangles.  All of what you have already written on the paper comes together to show you what you are learning.  For instance, a lack of something may be challenging you.  But, a friend may be sharing scripture to encourage you in that.  Therefore, you could be learning how blessed God has made you with the people in your life.  In this box, you may just have one big theme you are learning.  Or, you could have a list of small things you have learned over the past month.  It is completely flexible to fit what you are being taught through your daily life.

            Overall, this organizer has a structure to follow, but it is truthfully designed to also allow for the ability to fit different types of people and their lives.  It was made to provide an outlet for reflecting on your life as a whole.  If you choose to you this organizer, I hope it greatly assists with thinking through your personal life.  Feel free to print it off and share it with others!