How to Start Journaling

Step one. You bought a journal. Step two, you put pen to paper. Step three…you are lost. Fear not, I have some journal prompts that will help you write, dictate, or type pages.

  • Tell me about your day, this past week, or month
  • What do you want to gain from journaling?
  • Is this a new period in your life? If so, why?
  • Are you upset about anything in your life right now?
  • Are you excited about anything in your life right now?
  • Do you think someone has done wrong by you?
  • If you are in a marriage or relationship, how is it going?
  • How do you feel?
  • When is the last time you cried or broke down? What prompted it?
  • Are you upset with yourself? Why?
  • Who is supporting you? 
  • Tell me about your (insert person)…
  • Is there a phrase or mantra that has been on your mind? 
  • Tell me more…
  • And then….
  • Is today a special day? Why?
  • Is there anything from the past you are having trouble letting go?
  • If you could reimagine your life, what would be different?
    • You could start with your space. What is your ideal space/home/etc.?
    • Career
    • Relationship with yourself
    • Relationships with family and friends
    • Intimate relationships
    • Relationship with money
  • Goals for the next year, month, or day
  • Reflect what happened yesterday
  • Read your horoscope. What rings true for you? (I recommend AstroStyle)
  • Have you been inspired by a writer, speaker, or social media account? 
  • Review a book or podcast. What did you learn?
  • Who do you hate? 
  • Who do you love?
  • If you could be honest with yourself, what happened?
  • What is something you are afraid to tell your loved ones?
  • What do you want your life to look like in a year, five years, etc.?
  • What is your side of the story? What is his/her side of the story?
  • Imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes? What is he/she feeling?
  • Reread an entry in your journal from at least a week ago. What has changed? Do you feel differently?
  • Reread an old journal. What are your reflections?
  • Share a memory of someone who has passed
  • Share a memory of one pivotal experience in your life and how it has changed you.
  • Everything happens for a reason. Can you connect the dots between some of the hardest events in your life and how they have moved you forward?
  • List five things you are grateful for each day. Try this each day for a week or a month. End of week/month reflection. How do you feel?
  • Has your perspective shifted on an event or interaction?
  • Are you judging others or yourself? If so, why? What is this judgment saying about you?
  • What would your friends and family be surprised to learn about you?
  • What is your hidden talent?
  • If you could choose a passion project, what would it be?
  • Have you ever felt ashamed of your actions or words?
  • Do you have any regrets? How can you move through them?
  • What do you love about yourself?
  • How can you create more positive self-talk?
  • What are your morning or evening rituals?
  • Who do you admire?

And the list goes on and on. I often find inspiration from books, podcasts, or daily interactions. The important thing is to capture this inspiration right away. If you cannot write or dictate it immediately, create a daily inspiration list in your reminders on your phone or in Evernote. Find a way to make things as easy as possible on yourself!

Sending love,

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