262804066 199. Strategic Gratitude Journaling for Thanksgiving | Journal With Me - Journal Entries

Episode 199

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Published on:

27th Nov 2025

199. Strategic Gratitude Journaling for Thanksgiving | Journal With Me

If you've ever written "I'm grateful for my family" in a journal and then felt... nothing... you're not alone.

Most gratitude journaling feels empty because we're listing things instead of tapping into feelings. And here's what I've learned: the goals you're chasing? They're always attached to an emotion you're craving. Maybe it's peace. Or freedom. Or feeling capable again. That's what we're digging into today.

I'm walking you through four prompts that help you identify the feeling beneath what you want — and then find ways to feel it right now. Not later. Not when everything's perfect. Today.

Strategic Journal Prompts:

  1. What are you working towards right now — and what's the feeling you're actually chasing beneath it?
  2. When was the last time you felt that emotion, even for five minutes? Get specific.
  3. What elements from that moment are already in your life right now but you've been overlooking?
  4. How can you feel that desired emotion today, in small ways?

You'll stop waiting to arrive and start feeling it now. That's the shift.

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About the Podcast

Journal Entries
Journal Entries is the podcast for ambitious women in business and leadership who want to stop bringing their work stress home.

Host Samantha Hawley, MBA and Clarity Coach, specializes in the ripple effect — how your internal state at work directly impacts your patience, presence, and peace at home with your family.

If you're making $100k+ but find yourself snapping at your kids after a tough workday, overthinking during bedtime, or feeling like you can't turn off "boss mode" — this podcast will help you master the transition from boardroom to living room. Because success shouldn't cost you your sanity or your family connection.
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Samantha Hawley