Four Everyday Journaling Prompts
I’ll be honest, journal prompts always felt wrong to me in the beginning. When I was just starting to journal regularly I would collect lovely prompts. But when it came down to actually responding to them in my journal it felt sort of phony.
At a certain point I challenged myself to just write. I was in a place where I knew journaling would make me feel like I got my head straightened out, but I also felt like I had too many things to write about. No one topic could be covered so I just wrote nothing. With too many tabs open in my mind I just decided to write. Write about everything or nothing, it didn’t matter.
Well, of course I sat down to write and froze up. I am so glad I thought to try a prompt in that moment. I wrote out my response and instantly felt lighter. It had nothing to do with all that was swirling around me but I now realize, that wasn’t the point. The writing is what brings me joy. The free space. The time alone. The quiet.
The next day I pulled out another prompt. And I do every time I feel like writing but have far too many things to think about and unload. Works every time.
I get that sense of relief and accomplishment that I am looking for. I usually also get the mental room to breathe and focus in on whatever is most pressing. Let these simple prompts do the same for you. I kept them so easy that hopefully you wont even need to write them down once you’ve tried them once or twice.
1. Wins & Lessons of the Day
We’ve all heard the saying “you either win or you learn” and this is sort of a quick take on that. Write out something positive that happened today. Even if the best thing you can think of brushing your teeth. Next write out a lesson you learned in your day. This could be a lesson about yourself, your surroundings, some random fact of trivia you may never, ever use. Doesn’t matter.
2. Three Selves
This one is a fun one, and I wish I could remember where I first heard it. You are going to imagine (and write out) yourself one year from now. Do this through three lenses: your most ideal version of yourself, the true and realistic you that will likely be there, and the version of yourself you are sure you do not want to be. So you are writing out your Ideal Self, True Self, and Feared Self.
3. A Memory You Want Your 88-Year-Old Self to Remember
As you may know, I am a scrapbooker. But there usually isn’t time for that. So instead I started writing out basically what I would write as a caption for a photo in my scrapbook. Once in a while they make it over into my scrapbook. But when they don’t I still love being able to look back and see these little moment memories in my journal. Give it a shot, write out a memory you don’t want to forget in your old age.
4. Letter to Your Past/Future Self
I think we have all done some version of this exercise through school or work environments but this time, be honest. Truly write to the person you hope you are becoming. Share your newfound wisdom with your past self and let go of things you’ve been holding onto for too long.
Related: Journal Layouts Ideas to Use On Repeat
Journaling does not have to be complicated, it just has to work for you. Whatever that looks like, sometimes the simple journal prompts are the ones that bring the most clarity and peace of mind.
These four prompts are designed to be easy. The act of writing itself brings relief. Lean into that when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start.
The next time you feel stuck, please give one of these a try. If you find them useful—or want to share your take on a simple journal prompt— come back and let me know!
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