20 Journal Prompts To Help You Go Inward
We’re here to talk a little about journaling. Most of you reading this love to journal. Some of you only journal from time to time. And a small number are reading because you’re intrigued about the journal prompts. I’m just happy you’re here! Before I list them off, I want to do a quick song and dance about why you should at least try journaling—in some capacity. For those that already love it, let this be a reminder of why you do it.
If you’re on the fence about journaling, just know that you don’t have to do it regularly or consistently if your schedule is tight. You can do it when you have the time or if something comes up that you want to work through. You don’t have to write it down. You can type in a document on your computer or in a note on your phone. You don’t have to spend a lot of time journaling. Setting a timer for 5 minutes and just letting the floodgates open for a brief moment can still be very effective. You don’t have to be a seasoned writer or even spell worth a damn. It’s a very private thing you do for yourself. No one else has to see what you write. If there’s an entry that you REALLY want to make sure no one sees, just burn it or delete it after it’s written (you already got what you need just by writing it out). Lastly, you don’t have to use prompts. You could totally free write—that just means writing whatever is swirling around in your head once you start journaling. The prompts just make is easy to choose what you’re going to write about. Your journaling practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s and can totally be a tool you use on occasion. You create the rules!
These are the main things to keep in mind about journaling:
The goal is to get it out of your head and onto some paper (or your device). It’s a way of organizing your thoughts and emotions when they seem to be scattered and chaotic in your head.
It can help you gain more clarity and perspective on your experiences.
It can reduce your stress and anxiety by providing an outlet for any overwhelming thoughts or emotions you may be having.
It’s a way to go deeper. You will be shocked at what comes up once you provide the time and space for your mind to just go there.
It can serve as a record of your personal discovery, growth, and development over time. Looking back to see where you were vs. where you are now can be validating and motivating!
I’m always looking for ways to go inward. These prompts most certainly help you do so. I hope you enjoy them and all that the awareness and clarity they can provide.
I feel happiest in my skin when . . .
For me, unconditional love looks like . . .
Who am I without my negative thoughts?
Positive thoughts are good for me in the following ways . . .
Today, I choose to let go of the things I can’t control, including…
If I could say anything to my Mother, I would tell her . . .
If I could say anything to my Father, I would tell him . . .
Take a selfie. Describe it using only loving, kind words.
I really wish others knew this about me . . .
What keeps me from standing firm and maintaining the boundaries I set for myself or others?
Am I living to my full potential? If not, why?
What does "letting go" really mean for me?
What would you say to your childhood self?
As a child, were you allowed to express your feelings or were you encouraged to suppress them? How does that affect you now?
What am I feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually at this phase of my life?
What do I need more of in my life right now?
What do I need less of in my life right now?
What are 5 things I love about myself?
What are the negative thoughts I have often that I need to release?
Define success. How is it different (or the same) from how I viewed it 10 years ago?
Last tip: Don’t be scared of what will come up. You will be better off allowing it to come up than you will be keeping it bottled up. You might think it’s safe deep down inside the vault that is the depth of your soul, but that’s not the case. It is affecting you subconsciously even if you don’t realize it.
“Don’t fight the darkness—bring the light, and the darkness will disappear.”
—Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Remember that journaling can be the light.
