Tag: journal

Journal Writing Prompts for November

Writing in a journal eases daily stress, promotes creativity, and improves your writing skills. Take 10 or 15 minutes out of your day to write a few lines. If you need some inspiration, check out the following journal writing prompts for November.

  1. How did October go for you? Your family? Your work? Or your school
  2. What do you hope to accomplish this month? And for the rest of 2020?
  3. Election Day! (USA) Did you vote? Why or why not? Did the election turn out the way you wanted?
  4. What is your current situation with the pandemic? Describe.
  5. How do you measure success for yourself? Your family? Your career?
  6. Write about a personal experience that no one else knows about.
  7. What aspect of your life feels overwhelming right now? Why? What are you doing to alleviate stress and stay positive?
  8. Did something or someone make you smile or laugh today? Describe in great detail.
  9. Set the alarm and free-write for 10 minutes. Write down anything that comes to mind.
  10. If you could go anywhere or do anything right now, what would it be? Why?
  11. Make a list of positive ways you have changed over the last year, five years, or ten years.
  12. What major life decision brings you the most joy when you think about it?
  13. Describe your current weather from the point of view of an animal.
  14. Write down the best piece of advice that someone gave you? Why was this so important? How did it affect your life?
  15. What were you doing at 11 am and 3 pm? Provide details.
  16. Describe in detail your current view. Remember to use your senses.
  17. Write down a minimum of ten things you like about yourself.
  18. Do you have a guilty pleasure? What is it?
  19. Do you have comfort food for the colder weather? What is it? Why does this provide comfort?
  20. Do you have a friend who is always there for you? Write that person a letter giving thanks for his or her friendship.
  21. When the weather is cold, rainy, or snowy, how do you like to spend your time?
  22. What Thanksgiving traditions did you have growing up? Do you still practice them?
  23. What are you most thankful for this November?
  24. What is your best childhood memory of Thanksgiving?
  25. What are your plans for the Thanksgiving weekend?
  26. Happy Thanksgiving! (USA) How did your day go?
  27. Do you have lots of leftovers from your Thanksgiving meal? What do you cook or bake with your leftovers? Or do you just eat them?
  28. Now that Thanksgiving is over, what do you need to do to get ready for the Christmas season?
  29. Have you started your Christmas shopping? Why or why not?
  30. What are you looking forward to in December?

Journal Writing Prompts for October

Whether you are just beginning or been keeping a journal for years, writing your thoughts and feelings down on paper is good for your well-being. Do you need some writing inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts for October.

  1. How did September go for you, your family, your loved ones, and your co-workers? Write about your best and worst moments from September in detail.
  2. What are you looking forward to the most in October?
  3. What do you hope to accomplish in the last 3 months of 2020?
  4. What are your thoughts on the pandemic? Are you still under restrictions for your area?
  5. Make a list of 10 things to get done by the end of the month. Put a star by the most important one.
  6. Write about that made you smile today.
  7. If you could have lunch with any writer, actor, or actress, who would you pick? Why?
  8. Are you decorating for Halloween? Why or Why not?
  9. Write about what you were doing at 10 am, 3 pm, and 7pm.
  10. Write a restaurant review.
  11. October is Family History Month. Write about your family’s beginnings.
  12. Write about your grandparents or other older family members. Describe their appearance, personality, and different mannerisms that make them stand out.
  13. Write about your name. How did you get your first and middle names? What does your surname mean? Are you named after anyone in your family?
  14. Write about your favorite memory with your grandparents or other older family members.
  15. Wo in your family inspires you? Why?
  16. Write about your current family status. (Yes, your dog counts as a family member).
  17. What does the word family mean to you?
  18. What is the one thing you would to do before 2020 is over? Why is this important to you?
  19. Write about your entire day from the perspective of your pet. (Yes, a stuffed animal counts).
  20. Free write for 15 minutes.
  21. Describe your current weather condition. Does the weather affect your mood?
  22. Write a book review.
  23. What are you currently reading or watching? What is the attraction?
  24. Whare are your thoughts on Halloween this year?
  25. What is your favorite spooky movie? Why?
  26. Did you have Halloween parties at school? What do you remember the most about the celebration?
  27. Did you celebrate Halloween as a child? Did you go trick-or-treating? What is your best Halloween memory?
  28. What are your Halloween plans?
  29. How does this Halloween differ from last year?
  30. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or Why not?
  31. Happy Halloween! How did your day go?

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 Days of Self-Care for May

Whether your essential worker or following the stay-at-home restrictions, self-care is vital to your overall health and well-being. Self-care is taking the necessary steps to care for your own health. The process of self-care does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Just remember, take time out for you.

  1. Unplug: Simply turn off your cell phone (or set to vibrate), step away from the computer, turn off the news, and relax.
  2. Hot Bath: Pamper yourself with a long hot bath or shower. Soaking in a bubble bath is an easy way to relax.
  3. Binge-Watch: Spend an evening or the entire day binge-watching your favorite television show or movie series.
  4. Get Outdoors: Take your favorite four-legged friend for a walk, go hiking, or just sit in your favorite outdoor chair.
  5. Garden: Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables is a great way to unwind. Even if you can only set a container in the kitchen window, enjoy the process of plant growth. Playing in the dirt is always fun.
  6. Read: Relax in your favorite comfy chair, grab your reader or book, and just fall into the story. Yes, graphic novels and comic books are perfectly acceptable reading material.
  7. Draw or Paint: Art supplies do not need to be expensive. Stop at your local dollar store or order supplies online. Practice drawing or painting. Yes, stick figures drawings and paint by numbers count.
  8. Craft: Invest in some craft materials. Or purchase craft kits that have step by step instructions for creating a specific item.
  9. Create a Family Tree: If you have ever been interested in your family roots, create a tree. Discovering genealogy is a fun and rewarding activity with many benefits.
  10. Happy Mother’s Day: Call your mom. Make a homemade card or have a meal delivered.
  11. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
  12. Eat Proper Meals: Eating healthy is essential during stressful times.
  13. Mediate: Spend some time meditating or praying. Either activity can provide a sense of inner peace.
  14. Exercise: Try low-impact yoga or other exercise routines.
  15. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Day: Spending the day focused on you, soak your feet in warm water with lavender. Paint your nails a new color. Give yourself a facial.
  16. Go on a Virtual Tour: Many museums, art centers, and other establishments are providing virtual tours. Spend an afternoon touring new places.
  17. Make a Bucket List: Write down everything you want to try this summer. Make a local and dream bucket list.
  18. Listen to a Podcast: With all types of podcasts available, you can easily find one or several for your listening pleasure.
  19. Wash Your Bedding: Wash all of your blankets, sheets, and comforter. The smell of clean linen is a great way to relax.
  20. Light a Candle: Purchase a candle in your favorite scent.
  21. Play Games: Online games are popular. Find one that matches your interest. Spend an afternoon playing a new game.
  22. Clean: Tidying and cleaning your living space can provide a sense of accomplishment.
  23. Journal: Write all your thoughts down on paper.
  24. Make a Grateful List: Create a list of gratitude. Recognizing all the positive things helps you concentrate on the good.
  25. Write an Accomplishment List: Sometimes, you can get too focused on current events, you fail to recognize your accomplishments. Make an accomplishments list. Jot notes by your successes and write future goals.
  26. Sleep: Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in. Getting extra rest during stressful times is right for you.
  27. Turn Up the Music: Turn on the radio or other listening device. Sing along. Dance. Enjoy yourself as the music plays loudly.
  28. Call Friends or Relatives: Is there someone on your mind lately? Take the time to call.
  29. Write Letters: Grab your favorite pen and write a letter to a loved one. Or write a thank you note someone from your past that has made a difference in your life.
  30. Try a New Recipe: Cooking something new provides a sense of accomplishment.
  31. Do Nothing: Yes, sometimes the best you can do for yourself is nothing. Do not be afraid to just relax without any goals for the day.

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?

31 Journal Writing Prompts for December

December focuses on the holiday season. Christmas decorations, parties, dinners, and other activities quickly fill your schedule. Taking the time to write in your journal is good for you. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts.

December Journal Writing 

  1. What do you plan to accomplish today? This week? This month? Go into details to help you plan and organize your December activities.
  2. What does the holiday season mean to you? Do you decorate for Christmas?
  3. What are you looking forward to the most during the holiday season?
  4. What is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas?
  5. What family traditions from your childhood do you incorporate into your Christmas celebrations?
  6. What do you miss the most from your childhood at Christmas time?
  7. What was your favorite Christmas gift? Why was this gift so important to you?
  8. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve? What type of planning do you need to do to accomplish your activities?
  9. List 10 activities you would like to add to your family’s Christmas season celebrations?
  10. List 5 community activities you would like to add to your Christmas season celebrations?
  11. What is the best part of the holiday season for you? For your family? Why?
  12. What is the worst part of the holiday season? Why?
  13. What Christmas craft would you like to try?
  14. What new recipe would you like to attempt?
  15. What is your favorite holiday recipe of all time? Why does this recipe mean so much to you?
  16. What was the best part of your day? Why?
  17. What are your five favorite Christmas movies? What one is your all-time favorite? Why?
  18. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
  19. Today is National Hard Candy Day. What is your favorite hard candy flavor? Why? Have you ever tried to make homemade rock candy? Describe the experience.
  20. Only four days to Christmas Eve and five days to Christmas Day? What do you still need to do? Write out lists to help you achieve your goals.
  21. Today is the Winter Solstice. Describe the current weather outside, go into great detail, write a poem or a short story about the changing season.  Are you planning to do anything special for the Winter Solstice?
  22. The Sunday before Christmas Did you attend church? Did you attend an early Christmas dinner? Write about your day. What was your favorite part?
  23. Are there any last-minute preparations that you need to do before Christmas?
  24. Christmas Eve, what was the best part of the day?
  25. Merry Christmas! Write about your day. Did everything go as planned? How was your dinner? Did you have guests? Or a quiet day? What was the best part of the day? What was your children’s favorite part?
  26.  Are you having a party for New Year’s Eve? What do you need to do to prepare?
  27. What is your favorite New Year’s Eve memory? Why?
  28. What was your favorite personal memory of 2019? Write why the event was so important?
  29. What was your favorite family memory of 2019? Ask your children to tell or write about their favorite part of 2019.
  30. Did you accomplish all of your 2019 goals? What are you looking forward to trying in 2020?
  31. New Year’s Eve, what are your plans? Did you set any New Year resolutions for yourself? Your family?

August Journal Writing Prompts

Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to record memories, express ideas, and release emotions. A journal does not need to be fancy. A simple spiral notebook is just as good as a leatherbound journal. Writing is the most important aspect of keeping a journal.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for August

  1. What are your personal or family goals for August?
  2. Name 10 things you want to accomplish before summer ends.
  3. Describe a funny moment from today. Did someone tell a joke? Or did your toddler do something that made you laugh? Write why the moment was funny to you.
  4. Today is Friendship Day. Write about your best friend in elementary, junior high, and high school? Did you have the same friend all the way through your school years?
  5. Write about your grandparents or older family member. What was their occupation? Where did they live?
  6. Create an August Bucket List for last-minute fun before school begins.
  7. How did you spend your day? Go into detail.
  8. What do you need to accomplish to get your children ready for the new school year?
  9. Are you healthy? What habits do you need to change in your routine to make healthier choices?
  10. What was your favorite Saturday activity as a child?
  11. Write a letter to your future self.
  12. Write a letter to your past self.
  13. List 5 long term goals.
  14. Write a review of your favorite restaurant.
  15. Describe your childhood bedroom. What posters did you hang on the wall in highschool?
  16. If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
  17. What is your favorite show on television? Why do you like the program?
  18. What was your favorite show during childhood?
  19. What are 10 things you could do to help the environment?
  20. What would be your ideal vacation or getaway to end the summer?
  21. What is your current pet peeve?
  22. What is your guilty pleasure?
  23. What makes you feel peaceful?
  24. Name a person you miss. Why?
  25. What family activity would you like to try? Why?
  26. Today is National Dog Day. Describe your favorite dog or other pet.
  27. List 5 things you are grateful for at this point in your life.
  28. Describe yourself in ten sentences.
  29. Describe in detail an item or recipe you made.
  30. If you could visit a fictional world, where would go?
  31. Write a memoir or letter saying goodbye to summer.

Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong answer when writing in a journal. The experience is a personal pursuit. Always, remember to have fun when you write.

Journal Writing Prompts for April

Writing in a journal is a creative endeavor. Each passage provides you with a chance to express your own personal feelings and wishes. April’s warmer weather is a new beginning toward sunnier days after a long winter. Each day provides you with a chance to connect with your inner self.

  1. 5 goals for the month of April
  2. If you could change one aspect of your life, what would it be? What steps do you need to take to make this change a reality?
  3. What is your favorite movie (or book)? Why?
  4. What new skill would you like to learn? How do you achieve it?
  5. How would you like others to describe you?
  6. What is your favorite smell? Why?
  7. What was your first job? Describe your typical workday.
  8. If you could write, email or call anyone in the world, past or present, who would you pick? Why?
  9. Start a bucket list. Make one for your family and yourself.
  10. What are five things that currently bring you joy?
  11. What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why does the quote inspire you so much?
  12. What was your typical Friday night as a teenager?
  13. Write a letter to yourself. Describe your accomplishments. Be positive.
  14. What new activity would you like to try this summer for yourself or your family? Why?
  15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
  16. What brings you peace?
  17. What was your favorite pet as a child? Why?
  18. What are you planning for your Easter weekend with your family or friends?
  19. Write your childhood memories of Good Friday and the Easter weekend. What one is your favorite?
  20. Describe coloring Easter eggs with your family. What did you talk about? Do you have a favorite moment from the activity?
  21. Did your Easter Sunday go according to plan? Why or why not?
  22. Today is Earth Day. How do you plan to celebrate? What can you do to help the Earth?
  23. Write about 3 of your friends. How did you meet? Do you still stay in contact?
  24. How would you describe your first date?
  25. Who was your favorite teacher in grade school, junior high, and high school? Why do these teachers stand out over the others?
  26. What annoys you about your family, your life, or the world?
  27. Write about your favorite family outing as a child?
  28. What are your feelings on this Sunday?
  29. Write about the world’s current events. How do they make you feel?
  30. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in May?

Have fun writing in April. Remember a journal does not need to be fancy. A composition book or a spiral notebook is perfect for containing your thoughts.