Journal Prompts
Hi friend! I’m so glad that you’re here. Journaling is such a sacred practice in my own life and it’s my joy to share it with you. I’ve been a journal-er since I was a young girl. I started off by following a diary-based approach, recalling each days’ events, and now it’s matured into a tool that I use to process thoughts & feelings to help keep me grounded in a fast-paced world. It’s the number one thing that I do to take care of my mental health.
Journaling is an incredibly powerful tool that works to enhance our mental health by lessening stress, anxiety, and depression through gaining control and understanding of our emotions. There are so many studies that support the health benefits of journaling (Google it, I dare ya).
I encourage you to make your journal a safe space, a pressure-free zone. There isn’t a “right” way to journal - it’s just unpacking your thoughts so you can better process them.
Below you will find some prompts to help guide your journaling practice. Scroll to the bottom for faith-based prompts. If you have a Hustle Sanely® Peacefully Productive Journal, these prompts are great for the “On My Heart” daily pages. Happy journaling!
Looking for a journal to get you started?
1. Who is someone that you’re grateful to have in your life? What makes them special to you?
2. What are 3 things that you’re proud of? What are 3 things that you’d like to improve?
3. If you could plan out your perfect day, what would you do? Describe the whole day from waking up to going to sleep.
4. If you sat down for lunch with your 16-year-old self, what would you say?
5. What are 5 things that bring you peace?
6. What is your biggest dream? What is the biggest thing holding you back from pursuing it?
7. What are 3 qualities that you look for in a friend? Do you display these qualities in friendship?
8. Write about a time when you helped someone through something they were struggling with.
9. What are 3 memories you cherish? What are 3 things you’re looking forward to?
10. Write a quote that you find impactful. Why does it resonate with you?
11. What does success mean to you? Describe what being successful looks like.
12. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
13. Is there something that is weighing your heart down? Writing it out can be the start of the healing process.
14. Write a list of songs that pump you up. Think of it as your power playlist! Bonus points if you actually make the playlist.
15. Write about your most memorable celebration. Was it a birthday? Graduation? Why is it the most memorable?
16. What is your favorite part of the day? Why do you enjoy it? What’s your least favorite part of the day? What’s something you can do to make it more enjoyable?
17. What are some things that people often ask you for help with?
18. When you meet someone new, what 3 words would you want them to use to describe your presence? Why?
19. What are 3 thoughts that you’ve had that have held you back from pursuing your dream? Combat these limiting beliefs by writing 3 affirming truths.
20. Where is your favorite place to be? What makes it your favorite? Describe what you see and how you feel when you’re there.
21. When was the last time you had a belly laugh and what caused it?
22. What are 3 things that are important to you? Do your daily actions reflect their importance to you?
23. Write a letter to someone you admire. What have they taught you? What makes them inspiring?
24. Write about a time that you learned a hard lesson. What is the good that came from that situation?
25. Do you feel like you are living in your calling? Why or why not?
26. What are 3 words that describe how you’re feeling right now? Are you content with those or is there something you’d like to change?
27. What are some ways that you’ve given back to the community? When was the last time you did one of those?
28. Think about your life - are you happy with the direction you’re heading or do you need to make some changes?
29. What kind of boundaries do you have in place to protect your mental health? What boundaries do you need to set?
30. What is something that you need to ask for forgiveness for?
31. Have you ever taken a big risk? How did it pan out?
32. What is your favorite gift you’ve ever received? What is your favorite gift you’ve ever given?
33. What is something that you’d like to see change in the world? What is one thing you can do to help?
34. Does how you spend your time reflect your priorities + values or do you need to make some changes?
35. What is your favorite way to show up and support your loved ones?
36. What do people do that make you feel seen and loved?
37. What activities make you lose track of time?
38. How do you define joy?
39. What is your biggest fear? Why does it scare you?
40. What are you holding onto that you need to let go of to make room for new things?
41. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it to you?
42. What are 3 things that make you feel overwhelmed? What are 3 ways that you can healthily handle feeling overwhelmed?
43. Describe what your life looked like 5 years ago. Does your life now look how you thought it would?
44. What is something that you want to learn more about?
45. What are some things that make you feel rested?
46. What are 3 things that you couldn’t live without? Why do they matter to you?
47. What are 5 books that have helped you grow? What lessons did you take away from them?
48. Describe a morning routine that would make you feel energized for the day. What can you do to make your mornings look more like this?
49. What are 3 habits that you consistently do? How have they made your life better?
50. Write out your bucket list - what are things, big and small, that you want to do in life?
51. What are 3 things that you wish people knew about you?
52. Is there anything that you are avoiding thinking about right now? Why are you avoiding it?
53. Write down 20 things that make you happy - big things, small things, and anything in between.
54. What kinds of things fulfill you? What things make you loose track of time?
55. What is the strongest emotion you are feeling right now? What does it feel like in your body?
Faith-based:
01. Write out a scripture that is meaningful to you? Why is your heart drawn to it?
02. Be still and close your eyes for 5 minutes. Do you hear God speaking anything to your heart today?
03. Write about a time one of God’s promises came to pass in your life.
04. Is there anything on your heart that you need to confess to God?
05. Write about a time you felt God’s presence with you.
06. Is there anyone on your heart to pray for today? Write a prayer for them.
07. Are you cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Which of these do you need to seek the Lord on more?
08. Are you holding any grudges that you need to surrender?
09. Write about a time that you chose to be obedient to what God was calling you to do. How did it turn out?
10. The last time that you were angry or upset, how did you handle it? What does your response say about the state of your heart?
11. Make a list of God’s promises that you are expectant for.
12. In what ways did you notice God working in your life this week?
13. Right now, do you feel like you are drawing near to God or away from Him? Why?
14. Imagine that you are sitting across from God, what do you think He would say to you? What would you say to Him?
15. Write a prayer for your partner and/or children.
16. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to Jesus?
17. What is your favorite way to spend time with God? When do you feel the most connected to Him?
18. How are you serving your community in this season?
19. Write a simple prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude for what God is doing in your life right now.
20. Write about something you are currently learning about God’s character.