Pearls of Wisdom

Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery

By Cheyenne Baker, Pi–Coe College

Young adults are often criticized for not having a life/career plan in place. So, how do you figure yourself out without trying a billion things that don’t work out in the end, leaving you feeling you’ve wasted time? Well, the answer is simple—and it’s not simple.

First, drop the notion that you wasted time trying new things. Having a curious mind and an adventurous spirit is not a crime. In fact, trying new things shows heightened emotional intelligence and resilience. Second, determine your values, then commit to doing things in direct alignment with those values.

If you're still searching for answers, try these journal prompts to get closer to the answer. Write the prompt at the top of your page, set your timer for 2–3 minutes and let the answers flow from your pen.

For Value Discovery

• What makes me feel the most self-respect?

• How do I honor myself?

• Are there behaviors from others that I find disgusting?

• Are there behaviors from others that I find darling?

For Romantic Relationships

• What do I desire from a partner?

• What do I do best for my partner?

What do I bring to the table?

• What do I not like in romantic relationships?

• How do I like to engage with my partner? (e.g. how often, calls vs. texts, etc.)

• How do I receive love? How do I show love?

For Monthly Goals

• What wins did I have last month?

• What opportunities do I have for improvement?

• What do I want to accomplish this month?

• Did I try anything new I would like to continue this month?

For Major Life Decisions

●What fears do I have about this opportunity?

●What excitement do I have about this opportunity?

●What positive consequences could come from this decision?

●What negative consequences could come from this decision?

●Is this in alignment with my values?

These questions get more specific so you can truly analyze what it is you want. Sometimes it can be hard to dig deeper when we are asked face-value questions like, “What are your values?” By asking ourselves more tangential questions, we can find different avenues we might not have otherwise discovered.

Remember, discovery is a process. You might not get the exact answer today or tomorrow, but the more you ask yourself these questions, you’ll get a little closer to your truth. Be empowered and encouraged!

Cheyenne is a performance coach who helps women end perfectionism and leap out of their quarterlife crisis. With a penchant for expressing her thoughts through writing and amusing rants on her Instagram stories, her an eclectic style, heart of service and zen vibe help her fully embrace life. Her signature program, The Graduate's School, is specifically geared toward recent college graduates trying to navigate the real world. Follow her on Instagram @amusing_millennial.

Raise Your Voice

By Elisabeth Lawrence, Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas State University

Political television ads, mailers, phone calls, text messages and social media posts seem to have multiplied this election cycle. While the constant reminders from Facebook and Instagram asking you to check your voter registration and countless emails from candidates requesting donations may seem excessive, consider them a reminder that women have not always had the right to vote. In fact, it was a full 16 years after our 1904 founding until the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. It was another 45 before the Voting Rights Act removed additional barriers that prevented Black and Native American women from voting.

As a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, I challenge you to look at voting in a different way this year and consider our Purpose. After all, when you cast your ballot, you are contributing to the world’s work— regardless of political affiliation. While the presidential election dominates most news cycles these days, it’s the results of local elections that can have the greatest effect on your day-to-day life and the lives of your family and friends. The roads you drive, the air you breathe, your access to equitable healthcare and quality education—all of these things are heavily steered by state and local election outcomes. Even a seemingly small issue like a 1-cent increase in sales tax can have a tremendous effect on your local economy or the vibrancy of your community’s culture. As you cast your ballot this year, I urge you to consider the following:

Take time prior to Election Day to review and research your ballot.

Visit ® ballotpedia.org to find out who and what will be on your ballot. Ballot measures can be especially confusing and often effect local funding, taxes or amendments to your state constitution, so it’s important to learn their intent and explore the possible outcomes. Verify your voting location. Even if you’ve voted in the same location for 20 years, it may have changed—especially in light of COVID-19. Visit ® usa.gov/election-day to find your current polling location and other Election Day information. Don’t let a long line deter you. As polling stations enact enhanced safety measures to limit the further spread of COVID-19, lines will be spaced apart and fewer voting stations may be available. This doesn't necessarily mean it will take long to vote. Consider early voting. If you feel unsafe or are unable to vote on Election Day, consider voting early. The process is nearly the same, but you will typically have a few more polling locations to choose from and wait times could be shorter. Dates vary by state, so visit ® vote.org/early-voting-calendar to learn more. Remember, your vote matters. It’s easy to talk yourself out of voting when you feel like your vote doesn’t matter. But it does matter. Women’s voices matter! We have a real opportunity to effect change—and it begins with a single vote. Use your voice and vote no matter what.

This November, I urge you to—not only vote—but to fill out your entire ballot. Seek candidates with a shared vision for your community. Consider the impact your ballot will have on the community where you are placed. ® Share your voting plan with another Alpha Gam. And, from one member to another, thank you for doing your part to fulfill our Purpose.

By Elisabeth Lawrence, Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas State University. Elisabeth serves as County Commissioner in Summit County, Colorado, which is host to millions of visitors each year. Her work is focused on supporting working families through attainable housing, quality early childhood education and a robust quality of life by protecting the mountain environment. She has previously served as Mayor Pro Tem and a Council Member for the town of Breckenridge, Colorado. Her daughter Zoe inspires her each day to do what she can to make the world a better place for girls and women everywhere.