Sample Journal Prompts to Get You Started
- My favorite way to spend the day is…
- If I could talk to my teenage self, the one thing I would say is…
- The two moments I’ll never forget in my life are… Describe them in great detail, and what makes them so unforgettable.
- Make a list of 30 things that make you smile.
- The words I’d like to live by are…
- I couldn’t imagine living without…
- When I’m in pain — physical or emotional — the kindest thing I can do for myself is…
- Make a list of the people in your life who genuinely support you, and who you can genuinely trust.
- What does unconditional love look like for you?
- What would you do if you loved yourself unconditionally? How can you act on these things whether you do or don’t?
- I really wish others knew this about me…
- Name what is enough for you.
- If my body could talk, it would say…
- Name a compassionate way you’ve supported a friend recently. Then write down how you can do the same for yourself.
- What do you love about life?
- What always brings tears to your eyes?
- Write about your first love — whether a person, place, or thing.
- Using 10 words, describe yourself.
- What’s surprised you the most about your life or life in general?
- What can you learn from your biggest mistakes?
- I feel most energized when…
- Write a list of questions to which you urgently need answers.
- Make a list of everything that inspires you
- What’s one topic you need to learn more about to help you live a more fulfilling life? (Then learn about it.)
- Make a list of everything you’d like to say no to.
- Make a list of everything you’d like to say yes to.
- Write the words you need to hear.
- What makes you feel powerful?
- What makes you feel calm?
- What makes you feel in control?
- How do you encourage yourself when you’re trying something new?
- What’s a choice you can make this week based on your needs?
- How do you shift your mindset if it isn’t working for you?
- How do you recharge?
- How can you celebrate yourself today?
- What does your situational best look like today?
- What helps you slow down and feel more present?
- What can you do today that you didn’t think you could do a year ago?
- What’s a goal you want to accomplish and why?
- How do you put yourself first without feeling guilty?
- How do you practice self-acceptance?
- How do you stay focused and steer clear of distractions?
- How do you trust yourself to make big decisions?
- How do you set boundaries and avoid absorbing someone else’s emotions and stress?
- How do you savor the time you get alone?
- How do you notice when you’re nearing burnout?
- How do you share your feelings with the people who care about you?
- How do you swap envy for joy when other people accomplish things?
- How do you advocate for yourself?
- How do you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
- How do you ask for help or support when you need it?
- How do you practice self-love and self-kindness?
- How do you calm your nerves in a difficult situation?
- How do you make the time you spend with people more intentional?
- How do you embrace your authentic self, even if it looks different from what others expect?
- How do you set and protect your boundaries?
- What new opportunities have come out of the challenges you’ve faced?
- How can you step outside your comfort zone to grow?
- How do you remind yourself that you’re enough?
- I am good because…
Sources:
(1-27) https://psychcentral.com/blog/30-journaling-prompts-for-self-reflection-and-self-discovery#1
(28-60) https://advice.theshineapp.com/articles/32-journal-prompts-for-self-reflection-and-self-care/