Beginning a Creative Journey this 2026
The start of a new year is a special time, a chance to reflect, dream, and set intentions for the months ahead. Think of it as stepping into a blank canvas, ready to be filled with colors, patterns, and meaning unique to your journey. Through mindfulness practices like journaling and art, you can nurture self-discovery, clarity, and creativity in ways that feel both intentional and deeply personal.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 reflective journaling prompts and a powerful art mandala exercise to help you visualize and embrace your intentions for the year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, these activities are designed to meet you wherever you are, inspiring both calm and clarity as you move forward.
The Power of Reflection
Before setting new intentions, it’s helpful to pause and honor the experiences of the past year. Reflection is an invitation to celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and recognize the moments of growth that have shaped you. It’s not about perfection or critiquing what went right or wrong, it’s about honoring the fullness of your story.
Grab a journal or a favorite notebook and explore these prompts:
What am I most proud of accomplishing this past year?
What are three things I would like to release or let go of?
What are three things I’d like to invite into my life this year?
How can I contribute to creating positive change in my world?
What small, consistent actions can I take to make progress toward my dreams?
How can I nurture self-care and self-compassion this year?
What creative project or dream have I been longing to explore?
What beliefs or habits no longer serve me, and how can I gently shift them?
How can I show up authentically and vulnerably in my creative practice?
What support, resources, or guidance will help me thrive this year?
Don’t overthink your responses. Let your thoughts flow naturally, giving yourself the grace to write freely. These prompts can be revisited throughout the year as a grounding practice, especially when you’re looking for clarity or inspiration.
Setting Intentions Through Art: The Mandala Exercise
“Mandala” is a Sanskrit word for “Circle”, and is a spiritual symbol that represents all aspects of life.
For those who feel drawn to visual expression, this “Meaningful New Year” Mandala Exercise offers a beautiful way to set intentions. Mandalas are not just artistic designs; they are tools for meditation and reflection, often used to represent wholeness and connection. This mindful art activity transforms your intentions into a vibrant, symbolic roadmap for the year ahead.
What You’ll Need
A blank sheet of paper
A pen or pencil
Optional: Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin with Mindful Stillness
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Feel the rhythm of your breath as it grounds you in the present moment.Draw Your Center
On your paper, start by drawing a small circle in the middle. This represents your core, where you are right now at the start of the year.Expand with Six Circles
Surround your center circle with six evenly spaced circles. These represent different areas of your life, such as relationships, work, creativity, health, personal growth, and home. Feel free to label the circles or leave them open for interpretation.Visualize Your Intentions
Take a moment to reflect on each area of your life. What would you like to nurture or invite in? Imagine these intentions vividly—what they might look like, feel like, or even sound like.Add Meaningful Details
Using words, symbols, or colors, fill each circle with representations of your intentions. For example, you might draw a heart in the "relationships" circle to symbolize love and connection or a sun in "personal growth" to represent optimism and energy.Step Back and Reflect
Once your mandala is complete, take a step back and observe. How do the circles connect? Is there an overarching theme or feeling that emerges? Consider naming your mandala with a word or phrase that encapsulates your vision for the year.
The beauty of this exercise lies in its flexibility. There’s no right or wrong way to create your mandala. Trust your instincts, and let the process unfold naturally.
Exploring Creativity in Everyday Life
Mindfulness and creativity are deeply interconnected. Engaging in creative practices allows us to slow down, tune in, and express our inner world. But creativity doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming, it can thrive in small, everyday moments.
If you’re seeking more ways to nurture your creativity, here are some inspiring podcast episodes to explore:
Art Activities for Busy People (Mindfulness Mode Podcast)
Creativity through the Lens of a Mindful Art Teacher (Sustaining Creativity Podcast)
Grieving Creatively (Restorative Grief Podcast)
How to Thrive in Life and Avoid Burnout (Living Life Naturally Podcast)
Mindfulness Art Activities (Education on Fire Podcast)
These conversations delve into topics like balancing creativity with a busy life, using art as a tool for healing, and integrating mindfulness into your daily routines. They’re perfect for listening during a walk, while cooking, or as part of your self-care ritual.
Permission to Create Freely
One of the most liberating aspects of mindful art and journaling is the freedom to create without judgment. The process is what matters most, not the outcome. When we release expectations and focus on the present moment, we open ourselves to new possibilities and deeper self-understanding.
If you find your inner critic creeping in, remind yourself that there is no such thing as “ugly” or “wrong” in art. Every mark you make is a part of your story. Allow yourself to explore, experiment, and simply be.
Your Year, Your Masterpiece: Join us at Mindful Creative Muse
As you step into the new year, remember that you are the artist of your life. Each day offers a new opportunity to create, reflect, and grow. Through mindful practices like journaling and art, you can cultivate clarity, peace, and a sense of purpose that carries you through the year.
If you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level, consider exploring our online courses, retreats, and teacher training programs. These resources are designed to support you in living a mindful, creative life—whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or share your passion with others.
P.S. Dreaming of becoming an Internationally Accredited Mindful Art Teacher? This could be the year you make it happen!