131. Journaling Through Hard Seasons: 5 Min Journal Prompts for When Gratitude Isn't Enough

Are you tired of being told to (or feeling like you should) "just be grateful" when life feels overwhelming? In this powerful 5-minute journaling episode, I'm challenging the culture of forced gratitude that keeps so many ambitious moms stuck in cycles of denial and disconnection.

If you've ever caught yourself saying "I should be grateful for my job" or "I should be grateful for my family" while secretly feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled—this episode is for you. I believe it's time to stop masking what you truly feel with gratitude statements that keep you from addressing what's really going on.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why traditional gratitude journaling might be keeping you stuck
• How to honor the difficult parts of your life instead of glossing over them
• A powerful 3-prompt journal flow to reconnect with what truly matters
• My quick guided visualization technique that builds genuine self-trust

I walk you through each prompt step-by-step, complete with a calming breathwork exercise to help you integrate these insights and trust that everything you desire is already within you—you just need to clear away the distractions and expectations.

1. What feels hard for you right now and what's really shitty about it?
2. What is this telling you that is important to you?
3. What are you already doing to work towards that important thing, or what could you start doing?

• Free Calm Mind Blueprint: My 5-day journaling challenge with daily prompts and voice guidance via private podcast: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-podcast
• 1:1 Coaching: Currently accepting applications for 4 open spots: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/assessments/2148353310

Take these few minutes for yourself to break free from the "gratitude trap" and reconnect with your inner wisdom. You don't need to hide behind gratitude—you can acknowledge what's hard AND create the life you truly want.