Tag: journal writing

Journal Writing Prompts for September

Welcome to September! The month brings a 3-day weekend for Labor Day, the start of school, and the first day of fall. Cooler weather is a wonderful time to snuggle under a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and write in a journal. Do you need some journal inspiration? Check out the following list.

30 Journal Writing Prompts for September

  1. How did last month go for you and your family? Were you still under restrictions due to the pandemic in August? Go into details.
  2. What do you hope to achieve or finish in September? Make a list of at least 10 things.
  3. What do you want to finish by the end of the year? Have you been working on your year-end list? Why or why not?
  4. Labor Day weekend-do you have any plans? How will this 3-day weekend be different for you and your family?
  5. Describe 3-day holiday weekends from your childhood. Did you travel? Host a BBQ? Watch a telethon? Donate?
  6. Free write for 15 minutes. (Yes, set a timer).
  7. Happy Labor Day! How did your day go?
  8. Do you have a favorite flower? What is it? Why does this flower mean more to you than others?
  9. What is your favorite time of day? Why?
  10. Thinking back, what is the most romantic thing someone has done for you? Why does this memory stand out over the others?
  11. How would you describe yourself to others? List 10 positive attributes.
  12. What changes, small or large, would you like to make to your home, room, apartment, or other living space? Why do you want to make this change?
  13. Make a list of your current hobbies. Is there something new you want to try? Or do you want to restart an old one? What is stopping you?
  14. If there is one job you could do for a day, what would you pick? Why?
  15. What is your personal vision for the rest of 2020? The next 6 months? Year? 5 years? 10 years? Put a lot of thought and detail into each answer. Consider everything you would like to do for you and your family. Make a realistic action plan.
  16. Write a personal review of a book, movie, restaurant, or television show.
  17. What do you want to try? Do you have a bucket list? Make a dream bucket list.
  18. Write down 5 good thoughts about your day.
  19. Write about your siblings.
  20. What were you doing at 9 am, 2 pm, 7 pm?
  21. Happy First Day of Autumn! Did you get outdoors? Are the leaves beginning to change? Describe your little area of the world.
  22. What was your favorite fall activity as a child? Describe in great detail.
  23. Write about your inspiration.
  24. Describe your day from your dog or cat’s point of view. If you don’t have a real pet, you can always describe your day from the point of view of a stuffed animal.
  25. Write about your feelings about today.
  26. What one thing made you smile today?
  27. What is the most memorable activity you did over the summer?
  28. What was your best part of the day? Why?
  29. What excites you the most about fall?
  30. What are you hoping to achieve in October?

31 Days of Journal Prompts for August

Are you staying close to home due to the pandemic? Do you need an outlet to write your concerns, joys, or memories? Pick up a journal, Composition book, or a simple spiral notebook and start putting your thoughts down on paper.

If you are looking for daily inspiration for August, check out the following journal prompts.

  1. How did the month of July go for you? Did you learn anything new about yourself? Your family?
  2. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in August? Make a detailed list.
  3. What is your current “stay at home” status due to the recent coronavirus pandemic? Expand on your concerns over the virus in your area, if any.
  4. What plans did you have to give up this summer due to the pandemic? What was your alternative?
  5. Do you have school-age children? What are your concerns about returning to school? Are you going to homeschool, attend online, or face-to-face? What do you feel is the best option?
  6. What is your biggest hope for your children for the upcoming school year?
  7. What is your best school memory?
  8. What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
  9. Who was your favorite teacher? Why did this person make such an impact on you?
  10. Are you still in touch with your childhood friends? Why or why not?
  11. Did you go to football games, school dances, or other after school activities? What was your favorite one? Why?
  12. Did you participate in sports or other after school activities? What did you learn from the experience?
  13. Do you miss anything about your school days? Why or why not?
  14. Write about the most memorable summer vacation from childhood? Why is this one different from the rest?
  15. Did you go to college? Write about attending your first college class.
  16. What are your plans to celebrate the end of summer?
  17. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Why?
  18. List 10 things you want to accomplish before the end of the year.
  19. Think about a famous person you would like to meet. Who did you pick? Why did you choose this person?
  20. Describe your entire day. Go into great detail.
  21. If you could step into a fictional world from a book, television series, or movie, where would you go? Why did you pick this particular universe?
  22. Write down one thing that made you smile today.
  23. What is your one bad habit? What can you do to change this particular behavior?
  24. What are your best attributes? Try to list at least 5, ten would be better.
  25. What craft or hobby would you like to learn? What is the biggest obstacle?
  26. Middle of the week-free write for 15 minutes.
  27. If you could write a book, what would the storyline be? What is stopping you from writing your first novel?
  28. Happy Friday! What are your weekend plans?
  29. Describe one thing that brought you complete joy from this last week, month, and today.
  30. What were you doing at 11 am, 2 pm, 7 pm? Describe each time slot with great detail.
  31. What are you looking forward to doing in September?

31 Self-Care Ideas for July

Self-care is being aware of your own needs and taking the necessary steps to meet them. The demands of work, parenthood, and other commitments often lead to stress. With the added health crisis, social media, and daily news, you may quickly be overwhelmed. Take a step back, breath, and remember to take time for yourself. Do you need ideas for self-care? Check out the following list for July.

  1. Hydrate: Staying hydrated is essential for your health, especially in the summer. No, you don’t need to give up your morning coffee, just remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  2. Don’t Forget Your Fruits and Veggies: Often, in the summertime, quick meals lead to unhealthy choices. Remember to get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
  3. Go Outdoors: Yes, social distancing and other restrictions are still in place but even get outside. Go for a hike, walk around the block, stroll through the city park, or take an extra trip to the dog park. Being outdoors, even for an additional hour, is good for your well-being.
  4. Happy Independence Day, USA! Watch the fireworks. Due to the coronavirus, many events have restrictions or canceled. Watching fireworks from your own vehicle is a safe way to enjoy the holiday. If you do not want to leave home, many PBS stations host 4th of July concerts with fireworks. Enjoy the show from your own couch.
  5. Make a Summer Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
  6. Start a Journal
  7. Create a Vision Board: Fill your board with anything that personally inspires or motivates you. Then, take the necessary steps to transform your goals into reality.
  8. Unplug: Step away from your computer, cell phone, or other electronic devices. Turn off the news. Unplugging for an hour, an afternoon, or a day can positively impact your mood.
  9. Buy Yourself Flowers
  10. Declutter Your Closet
  11. Take a Long Bubble Bath
  12. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Treatment
  13. Make Your Favorite Meal: Yes, it can be a dessert.
  14. Call a Friend
  15. Meditate or Pray
  16. Do Morning Yoga or Stretching Exercises
  17. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
  18. Take a Long Afternoon Nap
  19. Go on a Picnic: If the weather is uncooperative, host a picnic in your living room.
  20. Read a Book
  21. Go to the Farmer’s Market: Great place to get your fruits and veggies while supporting your community.
  22. Go for a Ride: Fill up your car and just drive.
  23. Set Goals for the Second Half of 2020
  24. Do Crafts on a Rainy Day
  25. Learn to Say, “No”: Too many commitments can lead to added stress.
  26. Spend an Evening (or Entire Weekend) Binge-Watching: Re-watch your favorite television series or discover something new.
  27. Paint or Draw: Bringing out your inner artists does not have to break the bank. Head to your local dollar store and buy some necessary supplies.
  28. Listen to a New Podcast
  29. Buy Yourself Something New: Treating yourself can be as simple as trying a new type of cracker to purchasing an entire outfit. Just do something new for yourself.
  30. Send a Friend or Family Member a Letter: Or join a pen pal organization and write to someone new.
  31. Make a Goal List for August

31 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for July

Are you looking to start journal writing? Or perhaps you are just looking for some inspiration to continue your daily writing? Keeping a journal is a beautiful way to get your thoughts and memories down on paper. Check out the following list of prompts for July.

  1. How did June go for you? What was your best moment? Add lots of details.
  2. What do you hope to accomplish for the second half of 2020? Be specific on your goals.
  3. How did you and your family celebrate the 4th of July? What is your best memory of the holiday from your childhood?
  4. Happy Independence Day, USA! Did you celebrate today? What did you do?
  5. What does freedom mean to you?
  6. What are your biggest fears with the coronavirus? Are you still social distancing? Are you wearing a mask in public places?
  7. What has the coronavirus taught you?
  8. Make a current gratitude list of at least 10 things that make you feel grateful.
  9. Mid-Week Smiles! What made you happy today? What made you smile?
  10. At this particular time in your life, what do you feel are your best traits? Why?
  11. Take a moment to think about a time in your life that was a significant transition. What was it? How did you handle the situation? What did you learn from the experience?
  12. In your opinion, what is the best or favorite part of summer? Go into details.
  13. Free write for 15 minutes.
  14. Is there a hobby or other activity from your childhood that you would like to try again? What is stopping you? Why was this activity important to you?
  15. Who is your inspiration? Why does this one person mean so much to you? Has your role model changed over the years?
  16. Name a person who you trust above anyone else in your life? Why do you trust this person?
  17. If you change your community, state, region, or even the world, what would you do? Now, write one thing that you can do to help promote this goal.
  18. Write about a summer job from your teen or young adulthood. What did you learn from the experience? What did you like and dislike about the job?
  19. What would you do if you won the lotto jackpot?
  20. Describe your entire day in great detail.
  21. What makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
  22. If you could walk out your door into a fictional world or a different timeline, where would you go? Why?
  23. Did you have a favorite book, comic book, television series, or movie as a child? Why was this particular media so important to you?
  24. Is there someone from your past that you need to forgive? Write that particular person a letter. No, you do not have to send it. Getting your feelings out on paper is a great letting go experience.
  25. Where would you like to be in five years in terms of finances, housing, family, or any other large scale changes? How do you plan to accomplish your goals?
  26. What was the scariest or dangerous moment in your life so far? What was the situation? Describe your experience.
  27. Is summer your favorite season? Why? If not, what is your favorite season?
  28. Write about your favorite summer vacation as a child? What was the best part?
  29. Describe your perfect summer day.
  30. Where is one place you want (or already went) to this summer? Why was this place a “must-see” for this summer?
  31. What are you or your family looking forward to in August?
  • Bonus: What is your favorite summer outdoor activity? Why?

30 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for June

Journal writing is an excellent way to explore your personal feelings. Write about the world around you, the news, or past experiences. Do you need inspiration? Check out the following prompts for June.

  1. How was May for you? What was your most significant achievement? Were you still under the stay at home orders from the pandemic? How are you and your family handling the restrictions?
  2. What are you looking forward to the most in June?
  3. List 5 things that bring you joy daily.
  4. Pick a news topic from today’s headline or news channel. How did the headline make you feel? Does the news affect you or your family?
  5. Write about your day from the point of view of your dog or cat? If you do not have a pet, use a stuffed animal for inspiration.
  6. What is your favorite color? Do you know why that color is your favorite?
  7. How was your day? Did everything go as planned? Was your day happy or stressful? Write about your day in great detail.
  8. Write about your favorite place. Why is this place so special to you?
  9. Write about someone you miss. Why is/was this person so important to you?
  10. Describe your dream kitchen, home, or outdoor living space?
  11. If you ever won a million dollars, what would you do?
  12. What is one place you would like to visit? Imagine yourself there. Write about how you would like to experience your dream destination.
  13. Write about the first book you remember reading from your childhood. Why does that book stick out the most?
  14. Today is Flag Day in the USA. Write about your feelings about your country. (If outside the US, do the same thing). Describe the best aspects of your country.
  15. If you could step into any movie or book, where would you go? Why?
  16. What was the most exciting part of your day?
  17. Free write for 15minutes.
  18. What is your favorite season? Why do you like this season over the others?
  19. Describe your favorite childhood memory about summer?
  20. Today is the first official day of summer. How is your summer going to be different for you and your family? Do you still plan to travel or stay close to home?
  21. Happy Father’s Day! (US) Did you do something to celebrate the father figures in your life today? What did you do?
  22. Write about your favorite childhood memory about your dad or other father figures in your life.
  23. Did you have a family dinner today? Or do another activity as a family? Write about your day in detail. Yes, your dog counts as your family.
  24. Write about your religious views. What do you believe? Do you think your beliefs are different than other members of your family?
  25. Happy Friday! Do you have any weekend plans? Write down 5 things you hope to accomplish this weekend.
  26. Write about your favorite childhood meal. Do you still eat the food? Is the food still your favorite? Why or why not?
  27. If you could go to space, would you go? Why?
  28. Look out your window right now, what do you see? Describe the scene with great detail.
  29. What July activity are you looking forward to participating in? Why is this event important to you?

30 Days of Self-Care for June

Self-care is essential for your physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Whether you are working full time, practicing social distancing, or staying at home, you must take the time for yourself. If you would like some inspiration on self-care ideas, check out the following for June.

  1. Go for a Hike: Check out a new trail, get outdoors, and do not forget to take along your favorite 4-legged companion.
  2. Photograph Nature: You do not need a fancy camera to snap a picture of the sunrise or sunset. Spend some time enjoying nature. Photograph your journey.
  3. Video Chat with Friends or Family Members on Zoom
  4. Take a Long, Bubble Bath: Soaking in a warm tub with lots of bubbles is a great way to relax.
  5. Write a Letter: Put pen to paper and write a traditional letter.
  6. Buy Yourself Flowers or Chocolate
  7. Turn Up the Music and Sing
  8. Binge-Watch Something New
  9. Draw or Paint
  10. Try a New Craft
  11. Meditate or Pray
  12. Try a New Recipe
  13. Start a Journal
  14. Read a Book: Step outside of your usual reading genre and find something new to read. Yes, comic books and manga count as reading material.
  15. Listen to a New Podcast
  16. Clean, Declutter, and Reorganize Your Living Space
  17. Take a Long Nap or Sleep In
  18. Listen to an Audio Book
  19. Call a Friend from School
  20. Listen to the Sounds of Nature: If you cannot open your window to hear nature, find a live cam on YouTube or other platforms. Turn up the volume and just listen.
  21. Watch YouTube Videos
  22. Make a Video of Your Pet
  23. Do an In-Home Spa Day: Paint your nails, soak your feet, do a facial, and hot oil treatment for your hair.
  24. Sip a Cup of Hot Tea, Coffee, or Cocoa
  25. Birdwatch
  26. Print Photos from Your Phone: Make a photo scrapbook, buy frames to hang photos on the wall, or send prints to friends and family members.
  27. Go for a Nature Walk: Collect rocks, pine cones, or other material for crafts. Paint the rocks and hide around your neighborhood. For example, paint thank you or quotes on the rock and place in front of the hospital or other medical facility.
  28. Get Take Out: Whether you order a meal for yourself or your family, take a break from cooking. Yes, pizza does count.
  29. Burn a Nice Smelling Candle
  30. Spend an Evening Looking at the Stars

Journal Writing Prompts for May

Writing your feelings down is a perfect way to handle everyday stresses. Right now, with social distancing and self-isolating, getting is an ideal time to start a journal. If you need some daily inspiration on writing topics, check out the following list of May journal writing prompts.

  1. What is the most significant change for you during this pandemic?
  2. Write a paragraph describing your new routine with social distancing and self-isolation?
  3. When the mandates are lifted, what is the first thing you want to do? Why?
  4. Create a summer bucket list. Have the items changed on your list since the start of the pandemic?
  5. Fill a page or two in your journal with your favorite quotes, poems, or Bible verses.
  6. Free write for 15 minutes. Simply write whatever comes to your mind.
  7. Write about your latest dream in detail. What do you think the dream means?
  8. If you could have one superpower, what would your gift be? Why?
  9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
  10. Happy Mother’s Day! (US) Write about being a mother. What is your most significant moment? Or write about your mother. Write about your favorite childhood moment with just you and your mom.
  11. Write a gratitude list. Strive for at least 5 items on your list.
  12. What is one development in your life that is causing you the most anxiety? Can you change it? Or can a different approach help you deal with the issue better?
  13. What are the three things you accomplished today? Go into detail. (Even if one is just binge-watching Netflix.)
  14. Make a list of your top 5 strongest qualities.
  15. Write about a happy moment from today.
  16. How have you changed in the last month? Six months? Year? 5 Years? 10 Years? Go into detail.
  17. If you could have a dinner party with any 5 people (past or present), who would you pick to sit at your table? Why?
  18. Name a person who made the most significant impact on you this week?
  19. Write about your day from your pet’s point of view. Go into detail.
  20. What would you like to tell your future self about this past week?
  21. Write down 5 of your favorite childhood memories.
  22. What would you do if you did not have to worry about money?
  23. List 10 facts about yourself, your spouse, your children, or your pet.
  24. What is the best childhood memory of Memorial Day weekend? Did you travel? Stay home? Have a cookout? Planted flowers on gravesites?
  25. Happy Memorial Day! How did you spend your day?
  26. How do you think other people describe you? How do you describe yourself?
  27. Interview a family member.
  28. What is your biggest regret from your school years, adulthood, relationships, or current situation? How did the situation make you grow?
  29. List 5 things you want to change about yourself, your family, your finances, your job, etc.
  30. Write about something that you love about this particular time in your life right now.
  31. What are you looking forward to in June?

March Journal Writing Prompts

Keeping a daily journal has numerous benefits. You can write about your fears, concerns, and memories. The creative outlet provides a way to rid your daily stress. Journal writing offers valuable insight.

Journal Writing Prompts for March

  1. What do you have planned for March? Did you accomplish everything from last month?
  2. If you could enter into any fictional world, where would you go? Why?
  3. What are you doing to take care of yourself? List all the self-care activities.
  4. What is an unforgettable memory from your childhood? Your teen years? A recent one?
  5. Look at your camera or phone. What was the last photo you took? Describe the picture in great detail.
  6. When you were a child or teen, who was your role model? Why was this person important to you?
  7. Who is your role model now?
  8. Happy Daylight Savings Time! Does the extra hour of light affect your mood? Why or why not?
  9. When asked for a book recommendation, what one do you tell people to read? Why?
  10. Write about anything for approximately 15 minutes. Freewriting is a wonderful creative outlet.
  11. What was the best part of your day?
  12. What were you doing at 9am? Noon? 4pm?
  13. Happy Friday the 13th? Are you superstitious?
  14. What can you do to make the rest of the weekend special? For yourself? For your family?
  15. What is one activity you would like to try? What is stopping you?
  16. What is one goal you can achieve by the end of the month?
  17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Did you do anything to celebrate the holiday?
  18. If you could meet any of your ancestors, who would you pick? Why?
  19. Happy First Day of Spring! Create a spring bucket list for yourself, your family, or friends.
  20. What spring-themed recipe would you like to try? Why?
  21. If you were given a superpower, what would it be? Why is this power vital to you?
  22. Write, in detail, about your last vacation or day trip include your favorite or least favorite parts.
  23. Write a local review of a restaurant or cafe.
  24. Draw a picture of a fantasy creature. (No, the drawing does not have to be perfect.) Write a short story about the creature’s life.
  25. Write 3 good things about your day.
  26. Write a list of upcoming movies you want to watch.
  27. What is your favorite song that is out right now? What were your past favorite songs?
  28. Write about a challenging time in your life? How did you work through it?
  29. What is your earliest memory? Why is that memory so vivid for you?
  30. Write about your current feelings.
  31. The third month of 2020 is almost over. What do you plan to accomplish in the remaining months?

Rebecca’s Journal Writing Prompts for February

The second month of 2020 is here. Are you ready to continue or start your journal writing? Do you need some inspiration? Try out the following journal writing prompts for February.

  1. Did you accomplish everything on your goal list in January? What was your biggest obstacle or achievement from last month?
  2. What goals do you have for February?
  3. Describe an activity that brings you complete joy?
  4. List the 3 top things in your life right now that you are grateful for.
  5. What quote from a book or movie brings you the most inspiration? Why?
  6. What do you do for self-care? Why is this activity so important for your overall well-being?
  7. What do you do to show kindness to others?
  8. Who is your current role model? Why is this person important to you?
  9. How do you define love? For your significant other? Family? Friends?
  10. What was your first date like? How old were you? Did you end the night with a kiss?
  11. What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
  12. What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date? Family time?
  13. Did you have Valentine’s Day party at your school during your childhood? Did you hand out Valentine’s cards to your classmates? What was your favorite part of the celebration?
  14. Describe you Valentine’s Day in detail.
  15. What obstacle is holding you back from moving forward with improving your self. How can you overcome it?
  16. Describe your entire day in complete detail. What were you doing at 9 am? Noon? 4 pm?  7 pm? Or at bedtime?
  17. What is your definition of happiness?
  18. If you could change your current job to your dream career, what would you do? Why?
  19. What can you do to improve the environment? What changes do you need to make in your daily routine to help the planet?
  20. Write a letter to your childhood friend. What makes your friendship so memorable? (It’s entirely up to you if you want to send it or not).
  21. Visualize your life in a year, 5 years, 10 years. Write your vision in detail.
  22. Who is your current celebrity crush? Who was your celebrity crush as a teenager? How have your tastes changed? Why did you pick the celebrity?
  23. What is your greatest fear for yourself? Your family? Your friends? How can you overcome the fear?
  24. What was your favorite cartoon as a child? Why did you like the program?
  25. If you could have lunch with any person living or dead, who would you pick? Why?
  26. If you could meet any person or character from a book, who would you pick? Why?
  27. What is one personal achievement that makes you proud? Why?
  28. What do you want to achieve in the next ten months of 2020?
  29. Leap Day-What did you do with your extra day in 2020?

January Journal Writing Prompts

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to keep a daily journal? Do you need some inspiration to get you started? Consider the following journal writing prompts for January.

  1. What did you do last night for New Year’s Eve? Did you go to a party? Or did you stay in to relax and watch the ball drop? What was your favorite part of the evening? Why?
  2. What are your personal goals for 2020? What steps do you need to take to accomplish those goals? Go into details.
  3. What goals do you have for your family? Why are these particular goals vital to you?
  4. What goals do you have for your apartment, home, or personal living space?
  5. What was your most significant achievement in 2019? Why did achieving this goal make you happy?
  6. Looking back on 2019, what was your favorite family or friend’s moment? Why is this particular memory so important to you?
  7. What is one thing you would like to do with your family or friends this year? What do you need to do to make this particular activity happen?
  8. List 10 activities you would like to do this year as a family or with a group of friends.
  9. List 3 personal qualities you want to improve 2020.
  10. Over a week has passed, are you keeping your New Year’s resolutions? What is the most challenging part of keeping your resolutions?
  11. What activity did you do to take care of yourself today? Remember, self-care is essential.
  12. How was your local weather today? Was the day ideal? Did you spend time outdoors?
  13. A new week, what are your plans for work, home, school, or other commitments?
  14. What is your favorite time of year? Why?
  15. List 5 books you would like to read this year.
  16. List 5 movies you want to see this year.
  17. If you could do anything in 2020, what would you do? Why?
  18. Describe your day in detail. What was your favorite moment? Why?
  19. What is one thing you learned this past week? Provide details.
  20. Write a memory from childhood? Why did this particular memory come to mind?
  21. What is your favorite television show at the moment? Why do you like this program?
  22. What is one negative behavior about yourself that you want to improve in 2020? What steps are you going to take to correct it?
  23. Write in detail about your dream vacation.
  24. Where are you in life right now? What is your age? Are you married? How many children do you have? What is your career? Do you have pets? Provide numerous details.
  25. What is your biggest fear right now? Why?
  26. Write one word you would use to describe the past workweek? Or a particular day last week? Why did you use that specific word?
  27. What is one book that had the most significant impact on your life? As a child? A teenager? An adult?
  28. Write about the person who inspires you? Why?
  29. What are your favorite family activities in the winter? Why?
  30. Write about a funny moment from today.
  31. The first month of 2020 is over, what was your favorite part? Why?