WRITING PROMPTS
Monthly Theme For January
Out with the old. In with the new
For the month of January, the theme here at Promptly Written will be
Out with the old. In with the new.
Since the times of Julius Caesar and the creation of his Julian Calendar, January has been viewed as the beginning of a new year. People around the world make resolutions that few keep. They promise themselves things they may never be able to fulfill. They set themselves up for failure from the very beginning of a new year and then berate themselves at the end of the year should failure be the conclusion.
So you may be asking yourselves, why is the theme then ‘Out with the old. In with the new’? Isn’t that the same as setting resolutions? No, it isn’t. Before you can make outer changes in your life, you must make inner ones.
So, the ‘Old’ here is your old paradigms — negative thinking that no longer serves you. The ‘New” here is new paradigms — positive thinking that creates joy and a sense of well-being.
During the month of January, I want us all to focus inwardly. And I hope that the Monthly Theme Writing Sparks will help us all to do just that.
How To Use Monthly Themes
- Write specific poems, fiction, essays, or articles related to the theme — try using the Writing Sparks.
- Choose a Daily or Weekly prompt, or select a Writing Spark, and center your piece around the theme.
- Remember to tag your work appropriately and if you wish, use #monthlytheme as one of your tags if your work is centered around the theme.
Writing Sparks
- Choose a concept for the month that will spark inner reflection and write an essay about it. Your concept could be one of the following — self-love, trauma-healing, self-awareness, spiritual awareness, kindness, generosity, open-heart, compassion, etc. Whatever concept you choose, ask yourself — ‘How can I make this a part of my life every day?’
- Write a poem or fiction piece based on ‘Clutter’ or ‘Declutter” or use both. Did you know that cluttered thoughts can affect your overall health? Maybe it is time to take out the trash!
- Write a daily affirmation or choose one from an online or book source. Louise Hay has a website where you can receive daily affirmations. Once you have your daily affirmation, write a poem or essay based upon it.
Have a great January everyone! Let’s start the new year with positivity. Do not stress yourselves out by attempting to keep up with the writing prompts here at PW. They will be available whenever the inspiration strikes!
~Ravyne Hawke, EIC
