“What if?” Journal Prompts
What if you won the lottery? What if you woke up in someone else’s body? What if you could fly?
What if you could open your imagination to a whole new world of writing ideas?
Today’s journal prompts encourage you to wonder. Some of them are based on reality. Others ask you to step outside the realm of possibility (or likelihood) and leave reality as we know it behind.
Journal Writing
Journal writing is excellent for birthing new ideas and fleshing them out. Journal prompts help by giving you a launching pad – a place to start your writing session.
Most writers keep a journal close at all times. Through journal writing, we can discover the unexplored areas of our imaginations. We can use our journals to jot down simple ideas and see where they could take us. We can find out if a story idea has potential or if a poem wants to grow out of an image or a few, key words.
While it’s not mandatory for all writers to keep a journal, it sure is helpful. Journal writing will keep you writing on a regular schedule, help you hone your writing ideas, and provide a sacred writing space. Take the journal prompts below into your journal and see what happens.
Journal Prompts
You can focus on one of these or give all of them a try. Let your mind wander as you work through these journal prompts. Avoid single-sentence responses. Provide detailed answers and descriptions.
- What if you suddenly came into possession of five million dollars cash?
- What if you could choose a superpower? What would you choose and why? How would you use it?
- What if there was world peace? What would the world look like?
- What if you could go back to school and study anything you wanted?
- What if you had an opportunity to travel to outer space?
- What if you could change careers? You get to choose any profession and will be highly successful. What would you choose?
- What if you could talk to animals?
- What if you had a chance to travel anywhere in the world, but you had to visit one location for a whole year? Where would you go and why?
- What if you woke up one day as a world (or local) leader? City mayor? State governor? President? Queen? What would you do for your community?
- What if you wrote a wildly successful best-selling novel? What would it be about?
Have fun with these journal prompts, and then come back and tell us how they worked out for you.
Do you have any ideas for journal prompts? Questions? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Where Journal Writing Meets Reading
Journal writing is something I’ve done on and off since I was just a kid.I’ve always wanted to keep a reading journal, but usually I inhale books, leaving little time between chapters to jot down my thoughts and reactions.
And by the time I finish reading, it’s often the wee hours of the night and time to fall asleep, which means I’m far too exhausted to post entries in a reading journal.
Next thing I know, I’m on to the next book without a minute to spare.
But lately, I’ve been trying to capture my reading experiences by writing down notes about what I’ve read, and I find it incredibly helpful.
Benefits of a Reading Journal
Keeping a reading journal:
- Increases retention
- Gives new insight to what you’ve read
- Helps broaden your understanding of the material
- Provides a space (in your writing journal) where you can note ideas that are sourced from what you’ve read
Most writers already practice regular journal writing. There’s no reason you can’t start including your reading entries there, or, if you like to keep things neatly separated, start a separate reading journal. Use a Word document, start a blog. The important thing is that you record your thoughts.
Creative Writing Ideas and Journal Writing
A reading journal can also help you grow as a writer, because you can note what works and what doesn’t. Which scenes in the novel were compelling? What character traits made you fall in love with the protagonist or loathe the villain?
You can keep notes about your all your reading, not just books and novels. Jot down your thoughts after reading a magazine article, news story, or blog post. If you really want to get all-inclusive, you can even include music lyrics, movies and TV shows. All of these are sources of inspiration.
Even if you don’t want to start a whole new reading journal, try writing down your reaction to whatever you read over the weekend. Look for articulate points, plot twists, brain teasers, and make notes on the writer’s style and voice. See if knowing that you’re going to make notes changes the way you read something, and see if those notes benefit your own writing.
Do you keep a reading journal? Is there another genre of journal writing that you prefer? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.
Appreciation Journal Writing: Five Reasons to be Thankful
There is no better time to discuss journal writing and gratitude than Thanksgiving.
Most writers enjoy journal writing. You might call your journal a notebook, or even a diary. It’s the handy place where you store your thoughts, ideas, experiences, and your work, either on paper or in an electronic file.
A journal is an ongoing log, usually with dated entries. Some journals are topical (dream journals, travel journals, freewriting journals), while others are left open to explore just about anything. Many topical journals are meant to improve the quality of life. For example, people who are working to lose weight might keep a diet and exercise journal. Folks who are trying to better themselves might keep a self-improvement journal. Parents may keep a journal of their child’s development. But there’s another type of journal writing that suits just about anyone, writers and non-writers alike, and that is the appreciation journal.
Journal Writing with Gratitude
The appreciation journal is a daily log in which you write something, or a list of things, that you are grateful for each day.
Here are five reasons why documenting what you’re grateful for can be beneficial:
- A great way to start your day. It’s not always easy to roll out of bed and propel yourself into the daily routine. Some days it’s downright dreadful, like when you know you have to attend a long, boring meeting, or take a test, or see the doctor. If you write in your appreciation journal in the A.M., it will jump start your day on a positive note and a day that starts off good is less likely to turn sour.
- Good for the soul. The process of thinking about what you are grateful for and expressing your gratitude just makes you feel good. This could be contagious, and other people around you might absorb some of that positive energy. This makes life better for everyone.
- Encourages positive thinking. Because the things for which you’re grateful are the positives in life, when you focus on them you are directing your attention away from the negatives. According to some experts, the law of attraction states that concentrating on positive aspects of your life draws even more positively desirable things to you.
- Generates new thoughts and ideas about life. This is especially useful for creative people, like writers. Anytime you force yourself to sit down each day and think about something, the result is a string of thoughts and ideas. Some of these will be great fodder for articles and stories.
- A great way to end your day. When it’s time to wind down and shift into relaxation mode, thinking about the good things in life will help you clear your mind and put you in a light mood. That’s a great way to prepare for a decent night’s sleep!
I personally keep an appreciation journal. Though some days there’s not enough time to write down my thoughts. I try to start off each day by thinking about at least one thing that I’m truly grateful for. Since I started doing this last spring, I have found that my attitude is more positive, it’s easier for me to put a smile on my face (even when I’m dealing with adversity), and let things roll off my shoulder, and I just feel better overall.
Try it for yourself and see how beneficial journal writing can be!
Do you keep an appreciation journal or any other kind of writing journal? Have you ever written a list of things that you’re thankful for? Tell me, what are you grateful for? Do you spend much time on journal writing?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Journal Writing and Art
Journal writing is most definitely an art, but how can we use art in our writing journals?
Writers are passionate about journals and notebooks – sacred spaces where some of our best ideas are born and recorded.
So it makes sense to use our journals to turn up the creativity. Luckily, that’s not hard to do.
Let’s look at some ways we can fuse art with our journal writing for creativity and inspiration.
The Art Journal
Artists keep journals just like writers do. But instead of filling their journals with words, artists fill them with images – sketches and paintings. Like writers, artists let their ideas pour onto the pages, and treasure their journals as a sacred creative space.
You can open up your writing journal and invite art inside. Few things go together like words and images, which are perfect complements in the realm of creativity. And since writing is an art, writing and art can live side by side in your journal, coming together to keep you inspired and motivated.
Journal Writing and Art Fusion
Here are some ideas for bringing art into your journal writing:
- When words won’t come, doodle in your journal instead. You don’t have to be a trained or skilled artist to draw symbols and stick figures.
- Use your journal to sketch pictures of your fictional characters. Again, they can be stick figures. Use colored pencils to shade in their hair, eyes, etc.
- Start collecting images that inspire you. Get postcards and clip images from magazines, and then paste them into your journal.
- Use words to describe the images you’ve placed in your journal. Imagery is an important element in writing, and crafting descriptions will help you hone your imagery skills.
- Mix journal writing and art within the pages of your notebook. Draw a little, write a little. Let the words run over the pictures and vice versa.
You can add more art to your journal, too. Jot down your favorite song lyrics. Describe a favorite piece of music. Include your favorite photography. Allow all of the arts to come together by merging journal writing with other creative forms.
And don’t worry about artistry, except when it comes to words. Lots of writers enjoy other arts, but it’s impossible to master them all. Stay focused on writing if that’s your greatest strength, but allow yourself to be creative and childlike in your creativity.
And keep up your journal writing.
Do you have any journal writing tips? Any ideas to add or experiences to share? Leave a comment.
Journal Writing, Doodling, and More
These days, writers use computers for writing. But most will admit there’s still something about good old-fashioned pen and paper that just gets creativity flowing.
It’s difficult to brainstorm on a computer, or jot down notes and random thoughts, and it’s almost impossible to doodle in the margins. So, for journal writing, note taking, and brainstorming sessions, I like to do it old school.
Over the years, I’ve collected hordes of journals and notebooks. Some of them are pretty and whimsical. Others are simple and functional. I always go through lots of spiral notebooks for business, but when it comes to journal writing, I have learned (the hard way) that I have pretty basic but specific needs that my journal must fulfill.
Journal Writing Needs
It has to be hardbound so it can withstand lots of use. It can’t be too big or too small. Something in the 5×8 inch range is just right. The paper must be archival quality because there’s less yellowing and tearing with higher quality paper.
Most importantly, the pages have to be unlined. I like to doodle and draw when the mood strikes. Occasionally, I write sideways, upside down, or even in circles (a technique for breaking through writer’s block).
Sure, I can brainstorm and mind-map right over a line-ruled page, but why should I? Those lines are inhibiting and I need creative freedom.
Favorite Journal
So there is only one journal for me: the Watson-Guptill Sketchbook
The best thing about the Watson-Guptill is that if you are an artist and a writer, or someone who likes to paste photos or clippings into your journals, these are perfect because the pages thick and unlined.
I know that writers love to rave about Moleskines. My confession for today is that I’ve never owned one. I’m not even sure I’ve seen one in a store. One of these days, I’ll get one and do a little comparative analysis but for now, I’m sticking with Watson-Guptill because I’m just a fickle writer like that.
What’s your favorite type of notebook for journal writing?
The Watson-Guptill Sketchbooks come in several different colors including red, black, green, and purple. I’ve got one in every color! They are 5.5 by 8.5 inches and contain archival-quality paper. You can also get a larger size (about 8×10 inch) and landscape-oriented editions.
Share your favorite journal or journal writing techniques by leaving a comment.
My Writing Journal Made a Writer of Me
My first writing journal was a tiny diary that I received as a birthday present when I was a little girl. I regarded it as a log and wrote a few entries chronicling my daily life. It was boring, and I left most of the good stuff out for fear that someone in my family would find it and read my innermost thoughts. Soon, I gave up on it entirely.
Then, in junior high, which is really when the writer in me sprouted, I was required by my English teacher to keep a daily writing journal. We had about ten or fifteen minutes at the start of each class session to write in our journals. Sometimes we were given topics, or a question to answer pertaining to the literature we were reading (Flowers for Algernon, I remember well). Usually, we had free reign and could write whatever we wanted.
I really liked this particular teacher, who happened to be a student teacher, and I opened up a lot in that journal. I talked about my family, friends, boys, and the general goings-on in my life. Sometimes he would comment on my entries and he was always thoughtful and respectful of everything I had to say. Most days, I would prefer to spend the entire class writing in that journal. I could go on and on and on…
Keeping a Writing Journal
That was eighth grade, and during the following summer, I continued to keep my journal. The practice had stuck and I found that I couldn’t stop. I used a half-sized spiral notebook and it doubled as a repository for my poetry and an outlet for the teen angst I was experiencing on an hourly basis.
Later, in high school, another teacher had our class keep journals, almost always using topics and questions. Sometimes the questions were very general (What should happen to drunk drivers?), and other times they were very specific (Is MacBeth good or evil?) But about once a week we had “free topics” and I always reverted back to writing about my life. This teacher was the opposite of my eighth grade teacher – she was rude and confrontational. I remember once she actually insulted my boyfriend… in MY journal. But I secretly liked her too, because the insult was spot-on.
Journaling continued to pop up as I made my way though college. I kept literary journals, chronicling the many books, stories, and poems that I read as well as my reactions to the works. There were idea journals, dream journals, art journals, and eventually I drifted away from personal diary-type journaling. My need to use writing for expressing the frustrations of my teen years pretty much dried up, and I found a host of other things to journal about. I wrote about my thoughts on culture, politics, religion, and ideas for everything under the sun: books, films, websites, and more.
A Place to Write
I’ve gone through many writing journals since that first one, and I always have notebooks tucked away in every nook and cranny – they remind me that I always have a place to write, somewhere I can jot down my thoughts, flesh out my feelings, or work out the details of a story, poem, or blog post.
Writing poetry at a young age planted within me a love for wordplay, but journaling harnessed that passion and triggered a lifelong need to flesh out my thoughts on the page (or on the screen, as the case may be). Whenever I reflect on my many writing journals, I smile when I remember that student teacher from eighth grade, and send him thoughts of gratitude for being second only to my mother in making a writer of me.
Do you keep a writing journal?
Seven Different Types of Journal Writing
Every expert in the world thinks you should keep a journal. Physical trainers say keep an exercise journal and nutritionists say keep track of your meals. Oprah insists on a gratitude journal and business consultants recommend journaling workplace activities.
How much journal writing can one person do?
Of course, journals are, first and foremost, the forté of writers. Journal writing provides a sacred space where thoughts, ideas, stories, and poems can be recorded. It is where we turn for inspiration, or where we write down the things that inspire us, tucked away for future use.
Some journals are topical while others are a hodgepodge of entries. You might use several different journals, each for different projects or topics, or you might use one journal for everything. There’s no right or wrong way, and there are no limits to the types of journals or topics that you can use to inform and inspire your creative writing projects.
Journal Writing Ideas
These seven different types of journals foster creative thinking and promote regular (daily) journal writing. Some are great for keeping track of your ideas. Others are good for solving problems or keeping yourself inspired and motivated to write. Try one or try them all, or just create one journal for all your creative work.
- The Dream Journal
- Art Journal
- Freewriting Journal
- Idea Journal
- Inspirational Writing Journals
- Life Events or Diary
- Reader’s Journal
The subconscious is a wondrous thing. Artists and geniuses alike have attributed some of their best work to the messages they received while dreaming. A dream journal is useful for anyone interested in exploring the subconscious mind, where creativity often lives and breathes. This type of journal writing is also ideal for folks who are interested in dream interpretation or trying to achieve lucid dreaming. For writers, journals that hold dreams will provide a myriad of images and plots that the waking creative mind simply can’t drudge up. Keep your journal near your bed and make sure you jot down your dreams as soon as you wake up, otherwise with each minute that passes, you’ll lose chunks of your nighttime imaginings.
Even us writers have to admit that a picture is worth a thousand words. Symbols are particularly powerful and speak directly to the subconscious, which is where your muse might be hiding. Like a dream journal, an art journal is a clever way to get in touch with the deeper recesses of your mind, where some of your most creative ideas are lurking. You don’t have to be a fine artist to use an art journal. Doodles and stick figures will open up your right brain too! An art journal is also perfect for sketching your characters, scenery, and maps of the worlds you are creating for your fiction.
Sometimes called stream of consciousness writing, freewriting is a way to clear your mind of clutter. If you keep at it long enough, some pretty interesting stuff will start spewing out. Yes, it’s yet another way to tap into your creativity. If you can stop your conscious thinking and let the words flow, you’ll be amazed at the creative stew that is brewing just beneath the surface. You can do straight freewriting, or try topical freewriting. It’s a great way to hash out conversations with your characters, accumulate raw material that can later be honed into poetry, and brainstorm for just about any writing project that you’re planning or working on.
How many ideas have you lost? If you make it a point to note your ideas through daily journal writing, there’s a good chance you won’t lose any at all. This is why so many writers keep a journal or notebook with them at all times. In fact many writers use miniature notebooks for this very reason – there’s nothing worse than coming up with a brilliant idea when you’re at a party, in the middle of a phone conversation, or trying to fall asleep. Keep your journal near your person at all times, and you’ll never lose an idea again. Or, pick up several miniature notebooks and keep them in convenient places – your nightstand, purse, car, office desk, even the bathroom!
What inspires you? A sunset? A day with friends and family? A great movie or inspiring song? Quotes from the greats? You can record all the things that inspire you in an inspiration journal, taking notes from some of the world’s most successful creators. You can even paste photos and clippings, using images to capture moments that were especially inspiring. Then, when your creativity meter is running low, you can flip through your inspiration journal to harvest ideas.
A diary is pretty straightforward — you simply record the goings-on in your life. Some people start writing journals in diary format for special times or events in their lives, such as when they are getting married or having a baby, traveling, or moving to a new place. This is a great place to start if you’re interested in writing a memoir or autobiography. It’s also a perfect place to record the real experiences that you’ve had even if you plan on fictionalizing them later. Some of the best dialog, descriptions, and scenes come straight out of real life!
If you want to be a writer, read. Read a lot, then read some more. You just can’t read enough. If you keep a journal, writing about what you’ve read, you can capture what worked and what didn’t work from a writer’s perspective. You’ll pick up neat writing tricks, jot down techniques that you think miss the mark, and of course, as you read and get ideas for your own projects, you can include those as well. Best of all, you’ll have a place where you’ve listed everything you’ve read and by keeping notes, you’ll retain all of it much better.
Journal One, Journal All
Not all writers keep a journal. Especially with advancements in technology, writers are more and more likely to turn to their computers or handheld devices for all their writing needs. Don’t let technology stop you! You can always create writing journals using your computer. Start a document or blog and keep it up electronically. Traditionally, journal writing is done with pen and paper but that’s not a hard and fast rule.
But there is something to be said about putting pen to paper, something that the computer just can’t mimic.
What types of journals have you kept? Do you think journal writing is beneficial? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
The Benefits of Journal Writing
Practice makes perfect, right?
That’s exactly why journal writing is essential for writers.
Do all writers keep journals? Of course not. But most of us have kept journals at some point and for most of us, journal writing has been instrumental in generating ideas, developing a strong voice, and learning how to flesh thoughts out onto the page.
Journal writing is an excellent way to improve your writing by taking a little time out of each day to hone your skills. It’s perfect for stashing all those creative writing ideas that you just don’t have time to develop right now, and journal writing gives you an opportunity to explore your thoughts in greater detail, and to access those thoughts that are somewhat elusive.
Morning Pages
Probably the most famous application of journal writing comes from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way
Writing morning pages is like boot camp for your muse. By writing every day at the same time, you train her to show up when you say it’s time to work. Cameron’s methodology also involves turning off the inner censor, that little voice that berates every sentence.
The key is to simply let the words flow.
Think about this — if you write three pages a day, then in seven days, you’ll have twenty-one pages. In a month, you’ll have about ninety pages and in one year, you’ll have well over a thousand pages. That’s a lot of creative material to pull ideas from. And that’s why journal writing is a great tool for all creative people.
Get on the Writer’s Express
If you’re new to writing or want to explore writing as a career or hobby, then journal writing is your ticket onto the expressway to becoming a writer. You can use your journal to draft stories, sketch characters, jot down poems, or just record the events of your daily life. Maybe after one year and over a thousand pages, you’ll be able to do some editing and publish your memoirs.
Journal writing is also great for us freelance writers, who spend all day crafting and editing copy for clients. This type of writing is a lot different than writing stories or poems, so journal writing can help to get your head out of business and into more creative pursuits. I find blogging is good for that too.
Then again, for many of us, our blog is much like a journal.
Sticking to a Schedule
Even if you don’t stick to a rigorous schedule, it’s important to journal somewhat regularly. This helps keep ideas and language flowing and helps you to build the journal writing habit. You may only be able to journal on weekends or on certain days of the week. While I do think sticking to a schedule (preferably daily) is the best way, it’s not always realistic.
The most important thing is that you commit to journal writing and then proceed to keep your journal with you or nearby at all times. You can also carry smaller notebooks or scraps of paper and either glue or tape them into your journal later.
You’ll Need a Journal
I’ve been writing a journal on and off for more years than I care to admit that I have under my belt. Throughout all those years, I’ve tried every type of journal under the sun, and finally, I found my favorite for journal writing.
Technically, the Watson-Guptill Sketchbook
Some writers can journal using anything — composition books, legal pads, napkins. I can do that too, but I don’t feel the connection to it as when I have my own sacred space especially for journal writing.
When I journal, I usually do freewrites or describe the goings-on in my life. Sometimes I write about my goals or beliefs. Other times, I draw, and I usually do that with Crayola Markers
Journal Writing
Recently, I’ve got it into my head that I’ll start journal writing on the computer, now that I’ve got a shiny new Mac. But it’s just not the same as having that book and pen in my hand. It’s almost like I’m closer to my creativity or my subconscious when I’m using a pen. I’m not sure if that’s true or even possible, but it sure feels that way.
Have you ever kept a journal? Do you keep one now? Let’s talk about how journal writing has impacted our writing or even our lives. And don’t forget to mention what type of book or paper you prefer to use for journal writing — or do you do it on the computer? Online? Is your blog your journal?
Journal Prompts for Aspiring Writers
Journal prompts are a great way to kick off a writing session when you’re feeling uninspired.
We all have days when creative writing ideas are nowhere to be found, but that doesn’t mean you have to go a day without writing.
In fact, on those days when my muse is being elusive, I like to take some time to either work on writing exercises to stretch and strengthen my writing muscles – or I evaluate my writing goals.
Often, this means I spend time making notes about my writing goals to see how far I’ve come as well as where I’m going and how much work I have to do before I get there.
By looking over some of the writing I’ve done about my goals, I was able to come up with ten journal prompts, which are perfect for assessing your goals and aspirations. Do you know what kind of writer you want to be? Have you set any writing goals yet? How close are you to reaching them? And, what projects are you working on?
These and other questions form the basis for the following journal prompts.
10 Journal Prompts for Aspiring Writers
- As a writer, my dream come true would be…
- The difference between my dreams and my true goals as a writer is…
- The number one goal I want to achieve as a writer is…
- To reach my main writing goal, I need to…
- In order to reach my writing goals, I have done the following things in the past week…
- During the past month, I have worked toward my writing goals by…
- Things that have been interfering with my goals include…
- I can eliminate these interferences by…
- In one year, I will be closer to fulfilling my writing ambitions. I will have…
- Finally, write three journal prompts for next time building on what you’ve already written…
How to Use Journal Prompts to Reach Your Goals
By revisiting these journal prompts on a regular basis, you can consistently assess your goals to see how much you are accomplishing in terms of reaching your writing goals.
Some of these journal prompts are useful every year. Others would be worth revisiting on a monthly or weekly basis.
Next time you’re not sure what to write about, or whenever you’re feeling like it’s time to take a hard look at your goals and accomplishments, set aside twenty or thirty minutes and start tackling these journal prompts one by one.
You’ll learn a lot, and you’ll keep on writing.
Got any ideas for assessing your goals or suggestions for journal prompts? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Journal Prompts from Outer Space
It’s the final frontier, the last unexplored open space, and the ideal setting for futuristic fantasy tales.
Outer space has captured many imaginations, attracting scientists, philosophers, adventurers, and of course, writers.
Has the soft glow of a full moon ever inspired you to write a poem? Have you ever imagined what it would be like if we earthlings could colonize far-off galaxies? Ever just stopped to wonder where life began?
Then you’ll love these journal prompts.
Journal Prompts
Writers are hard pressed for inspiration, even though it’s all around us. In fact, all you have to do to kick your imagination into high gear is lie beneath a night sky and let your curiosity take over. That’s good writing fodder.
Journal prompts help you launch a writing session by giving you questions and unfinished sentences that you can explore further through journal writing.
Peruse these prompts and then open your journal and start writing. Step aside and let your writing flow freely. Try writing from your subconscious. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. See if you can connect with the great beyond through these journal prompts.
Try one or try them all.
- On a clear night, the full moon…
- The galaxy we live in…
- How did the universe begin?
- The stars in the sky are…
- Will humans ever settle on another planet?
- The sun is…
- A spaceship is hurtling through the galaxy…
- If an asteroid and a meteor collided…
- Would you ever take a trip to the moon?
- If humans could breathe in space…
Have fun with these journal prompts, and keep on writing!
Did you enjoy these journal prompts or get any use out of them? Do you have any ideas for future prompts? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Journal Prompts for Giving Thanks
Journal prompts can be used in a number of ways. Are you looking for a writing challenge? Want to push yourself as a writer? Do you need ideas to trigger a good writing session?
Journal writing is excellent for stretching and tightening your writing muscles, and journal prompts can help you use your journal creatively and effectively.
Recently, I shared the benefits of keeping an appreciation journal. In keeping with the theme of November (at least here in the U.S.), today I’d like to present a set of journal prompts for giving thanks.
Journal Prompts
You can use one of these journal prompts of use all of them. You might even want to start a journal just for gratitude. Such a journal is a great way to remind yourself of all the things in life for which you are grateful, and to keep your mind in a positive space.
Choose just one of these journal prompts, or use all of them over the next few days to write entries in your journal about what you’re thankful for.
- One of the best experiences of my life was… I am grateful for that experience because…
- Appreciating little things like a sunset or a delicious meal is important to me. Some of the little things that I appreciate are…
- People aren’t perfect, but even with all their flaws, they bring much happiness to my life. I am grateful for the presence of people I love because…
- There are lots of things I can do to make sure I feel grateful each and every day. Some of those things include…
- Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I have much to be thankful for. I can remember those things through journal writing, and by…
You can also simply make a list of all the things and people that make you feel grateful.
Feel free to use these journal prompts to inspire a comment. Tell us what you’re grateful for! And keep on writing.
Got any journal prompts to share? Leave a comment!
Journal Prompts for the Fearless
Fears. We all have them, and we all have to face them sooner or later.
Some people are plagued by fears that interfere with living. Others dance around their fears, cleverly avoiding those things that give them a nervous twitch. Still more people simply live day to day with minor, almost meaningless, fears that are a source of mild irritation.
But how often do we sit down and ask ourselves: what am I truly afraid of? And why?
Today’s journal prompts might not get you over your fears, but it will certainly make you more aware of them and how they might be benefiting you or holding you back.
Fear and Courage
It’s important to note that fears are vast and numerous. Some fears seem rather silly, such as fear of little, tiny spiders. Others are somewhat reasonable – like fear of war or death. And there are many more fears in between – fears that are rational, irrational, dangerous, or helpful.
You could boil all fears down into two types: those that protect us and those that inhibit us.
The fears that protects us keep us safe from danger. When you’re walking alone on a dark street and hear a rustle in some nearby bushes, your fear might prompt you to cross to the other side of the street. Fears like this keep us safe, so we should heed them and keep them intact.
But the other fears – the ones that inhibit us – those are the ones that we can work on eliminating. We can identify them, analyze them, and finally, dismiss them and move past with a brave smile – the smile of victory.
Journal Prompts
Today’s journal prompts ask you to sit down and examine your fears. You don’t need to face them — yet. You just need to identify them and ask yourself a few questions about why you’ve adopted them and how they affect your life and your goals.
This exercise might make you a little nervous, depending on how deep your fears run, and how willing you are to dig within yourself to unearth the littlest or greatest of your fears.
- What are five things that make you nervous or uncomfortable?
- What is it about each of those five things that bothers you?
- Where does this discomfort come from?
- Write down one thing that truly terrifies you. Is it keeping you safe or preventing you from living the life you want?
- How likely is it that this thing will happen?
- Why are you so frightened of this thing?
- If this thing happened, what would happen next?
Try to put on a brave face as you work through these journal prompts. Good luck, and keep on writing!
Got any ideas for journal prompts? Post them in the comments!
