595 Warrior Wellness

Set Goals to Address a Struggle

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Theme: Break challenges into actionable steps.

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Grim’s Journal Entry:

One small action I can take today deals with navigating PTSD and the tendency for me to shut down or avoid emotions.

Small Action: I am going to take five minutes today to acknowledge what I am feeling without judgment or the need to push it away. I will do this through journaling and just sitting with my thoughts. If it feels overwhelming, I will remind myself that I am safe at this moment.

Follow-Through: If emotions surface, I will not fight them, just observe them. Afterward, I will reflect on how this small act of acknowledgment made me feel. Over time, facing emotions in manageable doses can help me regain a sense of control instead of them controlling me.

My journal reflection:

One struggle I want to address is my tendency to feel unseen and unheard in relationships. This pattern has shown up in diverse ways throughout my life – whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or even professional settings. I have often found myself in situations where I give more than I receive, listen more than I am listened to, and accommodate others at the expense of my own needs. When I do try to express myself, I sometimes feel dismissed or overlooked, reinforcing the belief that speaking up is not worth it.

I want to break this cycle. I know that in order to be seen and heard, I need to first believe that I deserve to be. That means identifying my needs, expressing them clearly, and setting boundaries with people who do not respect them. It means recognizing that my voice is just as important as anyone else’s. Addressing this struggle will not be easy, but I know that learning to advocate for myself will lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships, ones where I feel valued, not just for what I give, but for who I am.

My three actional steps are as follows:

1. Identify and Acknowledge My Needs

I am going to time to reflect on what I truly need in a relationship, whether it is emotional support, quality time, validation, or clear communication. I am going to write them down, so they become clear to me, rather than just a vague sense of dissatisfaction. Finally, I am going to recognize that my needs are valid, no matter how small or “inconvenient” they may feel.

2. Communicate Your Needs Clearly and Confidently

Instead of assuming others should “just know,” I will express what I need using “I” statements (e.g., “I feel unheard when my concerns are dismissed, and I need space to express my thoughts without interruption.”). I will then choose a time when emotions are not running high to have these conversations. Last, I will be direct but open, avoiding blame and focusing on solutions.

3. Set Boundaries and Observe Responses

I will pay attention to how people respond to your needs. Do they listen, adjust, and show they care? Or do they dismiss and invalidate you? If someone ignores my needs, I am going to consider whether that particular relationship is healthy for me. Last, I am going to be willing to walk away from dynamics where I am not valued.

How These Steps Will Improve My Life:

• Greater Self-Respect: By acknowledging and expressing my needs, I reinforce my own worth and show myself that my feelings matter.

• Deeper, More Fulfilling Relationships: Clear communication fosters healthier connections, allowing others to understand and support me better.

• Emotional Freedom: Instead of feeling frustrated or unseen, I gain control over my interactions, making intentional choices about who deserves a place in my life.