Looking for some journal prompts to help you start journaling? You have found the right place here.
Writing in diaries or journals was a huge thing for so many people. It was a secret place to clear your mind and write out all that was bothering you or keeping you awake at night. Writing is a form of therapy that is free (other than needing a pen and some notebook) We all have pens lying around and notebooks that may have been purchased a long time ago and just lying on a shelf or pushed in a box as you were not sure what to use it for.
In a world of social media and having to have everything public think of how amazing it is to have a private space that is just for you.
The demise of journaling
We used to want to write our personal thoughts in a diary or book and not have anyone see it. For our eyes only. A chance to clear the head and write out our thoughts. As the words started flowing the brain seemed to be racing ahead and the hand tried to keep up. That creativity and self expression was so therapeutic.
A way of getting it all out on paper and then the chance to leave it there hidden or private. Maybe you read it the next day or maybe not for a while. The magic happened when you had some time between writing it and re reading the passage. The words written down seemed to have given you some clarity and maybe a chance to see things from a distance. A way of processing the emotions or situation and moving on.
Somehow along the way it has been, ok everything in my personal life needs to be broadcast on social media for everyone to see and comment on. If strangers don’t comment on it then it did not happen. Why did it happen and who really benefits from it?
How to start a journal
Not sure where or how to start on that journey.
Find an empty notebook that has been lying there for so long or even a pad of paper. grab yourself a pen or some pens that feel comfortable to write with.
Make some time in your day when you are alone and can let yourself go. Get comfortable and ready to write.
If you have been wondering how to get into journaling then check out the collection of journal prompts to help you on your journey of self discovery. Release your inner most thoughts in a personal and private way. Learn how to have a conversation with yourself that is a safe space for you to sort things out.
Find the one that makes you stop and ponder. Write down the prompt at the top of your page and just let the words come out.
Tips for getting started with journaling
- Keep the bar low: Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, length or style. Just write the words down as they come to your mind.
- Pick one journal prompt at a time: Choose one that resonates with you right now and focus on that.
- Set a timer: Allow yourself 5 – 10 minutes or uninterrupted writing just to get the thoughts out on paper.
- No need for censorship: Write honestly. No one else is reading this.
- Build a routine: Pick a time that works in your everyday life. Morning pages, before bed time, daily or weekly which ever works for you
- Change things up: Use different formats to keep it fresh; lists, letters, bullet points, sketches.
- For your eyes only: Keep it private and allow yourself to feel the freedom of expression knowing that no one will judge you.
A list of journal prompts
Check out the collection of journal prompts below and find the one or ones that make you stop and feel inspired to start writing in your journal.
Self discovery journal prompts
- Who am I when no one is watching or listening?
- When do I feel most like myself?
- What are five things that I love about who I am right now?
- Is there anything I am not happy with about myself right now?
- What part of myself am I hiding and why?
- What beliefs or ideals did I inherit from my family?
- Do I want to let any of them go?
- If there was not fear of judgment, what would I do differently today?
- Who do I admire the most and what qualities to they have that inspires me?
- What do I tell myself about who I am then may not be true?
My emotions and self healing
- What emotions am I feeling right now and why?
- What am I grateful for today?
- What am I afraid of losing and why?
- What brings me peace and calm?
- What made me smile today?
- What do I need to forgive myself for?
- What hurt me recently and what have I learned from it?
- Do I tend to suppress certain emotions and why?
- Are there unresolved conversations that I wish I could have?
- If I could speak freely what would I say?
- What would comfort me right now?
Overcoming resistance
- What is stopping me from starting this project?
- If I knew I could not fail how would I proceed?
- What is the smallest first step I can make right now?
- Are there excuses I am using and why?
- What is the worst thing that could happen if I fail?
- Am I waiting for something before I begin and why?
- Would my future self thank me for starting today?
- How can I make it easier to start and more enjoyable for me?
- Is there something stopping me from believing in myself?
- What would I say to someone else if they were in my situation?
- Write a letter to myself encouraging me to just start.
Relationships and community
- Who makes me feel safe, secure and loved?
- Who uplifts and who drains me?
- Do I have boundaries with other people?
- What boundaries do I need to set up or reinforce?
- What qualities to I appreciate about someone special to me?
- How do I show up to others? Do I give too much or too little?
- What kind of relationships are important to me?
- Do I need to make an apology to someone?
- Is there an apology I need to receive from someone?
- Are there any patterns that repeat in my relationships?
- How do I handle conflict. Do I fight, flee or freeze?
- Are there any communication skills I need t develop?
Goal and dreams
- Where do I want to be in one year?
- Where do I want to be in five years?
- What does my ideal day look like?
- What small win can I celebrate today?
- Which goal feels exciting or forced?
- A list of steps I can take this week toward my main goal?
- What habits do I need to build to reach my goals?
- If money and time was no issue, what would I pursue?
- What am I avoiding that I know I need to confront?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
- What resources or support do I already have that I am overlooking?
Journal prompts for creativity and expression
- What sparks joy or curiosity in me?
- What would I create if nobody saw it?
- What beauty did I notice today?
- Imagine a world where…
- How do I recharge my creative energy?
- Did I let my inner child out today?
- Is there a message I want to share with the world?
- What inspires me visually or emotionally?
- Are there any creative blocks right now?
- What stories would I want to tell?
- If I could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
- What hobbies or interests make me smile?
My emotions and self healing journal prompts
- What emotions am I feeling right now?
- Where do I feel them in my body?
- Did something hurt me recently? What lesson did I learn from it?
- Am I grateful for something positive today?
- Do I need to forgive myself for something?
- Am I afraid of losing something? Why do I feel that way?
- What brings me inner peace and calm?
- What unresolved conversation do i wish I could have?
- Who am I becoming?
- What regrets am I carrying right now?
- What kind of comfort do I need right now?
- Am I suppressing emotions and if yes why?
- What would I love to say to someone? (don’t have to send it just write it down)
My responsibilities
- Am I blaming others instead of taking charge of certain areas of my life?
- What power do I have in this situation?
- How do I react when things go wrong- acceptance or attribution?
- What commitments am I keeping only because others expect them?
- What would I change if I stopped waiting for permission?
- If I owned 100% of my life outcomes, what would I change today?
- How can I become my own advocate?
- Who is responsible for my happiness?
- Have I made decisions that align with my values?
- Am I avoiding makes some choices or decisions in my life?
Self reflection journal prompts
- Write a love letter to yourself
- Name ten things you like about yourself
- What about your health are you thankful for?
- When do you feel most alive?
- What do you love about your home?
- List the favourite things about where you live
- What qualities do you most admire about yourself?
- A list of your strengths and values.
- Where there major events in your life that have shaped you? what were they and how did they negatively and positively affect you?
- Describe your ideal day
- Write a letter to your past self at a time or age when you would have needed some mature advice or support.
- What were your hobbies and interests as a child? Do you still have them?
- If you would write a book what would it be about?
- What achievements you have made are you most proud of and why?
- Are you grateful for something that you have done in the past that may have been a real challenge at the time but you achieved it?
- Do you share the same values as your parents?
Quick five minute starters or prompts
- List ten things around you right now
- Write down whatever comes to your mind for 5 minutes. Don’t edit it just let it out.
- What did you eat today? Describe the food.
- How do you feel right now?
- Describe the weather right now? Do you like it?
- What do you need more of in your life?
- What are three words that describe how you feel right now?
- Where would you like to go on holiday right now?
- Write down three wins from today or this week?
- What do you need less of in your life?
- What song has been going through your mind lately?
- Where would you want to be right now and with whom?
More journal prompts
- The best part of the day was….
- I learned that…
- A moment of peace I noticed…
- The hardest part of today was…
- Something that surprised me today was…
- What is weighing on my mind?
- I am frustrated by…
- What do I need to let go of?
- My top priority for tomorrow is…
- One thing I can improve is…
- I am committed to…..
- How can I be more productive?
- A dream I had was….
Find the journal prompts that inspire you
Journaling is a private thing. It is a practice or habit to build that is just for you. A form of therapy and a way of sorting things out in your life. The best prompt is the one that sticks in your mind right now and seems to speak to you. It is a statement or question that you want to find out what your true feelings are.
Read through the list again and just go for it.
A great way of using the empty notebooks that are lying around the place.
If you are worried about anyone else finding the journal then keeping it in a secret place is a must.
I know over the years I have written letters to myself or others and once they are finished I have hidden them and then got a good night’s sleep. The following day I read them and then I burn them to cleanse myself of the topics. A small therapy just for me. That way there is no chance of anyone seeing them or showing them to others. When you are writing in your journal do so without editing. It is not for a competition or public viewing. What better way to find out what you are really thinking about.
