These journaling prompts were compiled by Sherrill Ghilardi Pierre @ ScrapJazz.com
- Have you ever experienced bottling up your anger or pain? What happened when you couldn’t contain anger or pain anymore?
- What bugs you?
- How do you deal with anger?
- How easy is it for you to forgive those who have caused you pain or made you angry?
- Do you harbor resentment towards those who have done you wrong?
- What are the types of projects you procrastinate about?
- What thoughts come to you as you’re procrastinating?
- What do you do instead of the project you’re avoiding?
- How do you feel when something is unfinished?
- How do you decide if your work is good enough?
- What do you do after you make a mistake?
- When is the last time you really tried to succeed?
- What’s your first reaction when someone lets you down?
- What’s your first thought if someone hesitates before giving you their opinion about your creative project?
- How do you feel when you imagine an upcoming performance?
- What’s your first reaction to a blank page or canvas?
- What do you have to do for much needed silence?
- How do you express your love? To yourself? To other people?
- How do you appreciate yourself?
- What is your tolerance level towards someone you love or value whose opinions, values and/or personality differ from yours?
- Name everything you’ve done that you’re proud of (things you’ve been able to attain that bring you happiness):
- Places you’ve visited that you’ve enjoyed
- People you’ve met that you gained the most from
- Character traits you think others admire in you.
- Character traits you admire in yourself
- Things you’ve done you never thought you could do:
- What’s your favorite color?
- What color car do you drive? What kind of car is it?
- In your house what are the predominant colors?
- What’s your favorite outfit and color?
- Color of eyes, hair, skin?
- What color is your nail polish and make-up?
- What color accessories do you prefer? (purses, jewelry, etc.)
- What color are most of your clothes and jackets?
- What color is your birthstone?
- Right now, what is on your mind?
- Your 10 greatest joys
- When you’re on top of the world…
- Nobody knows that you…
- What age were you most inspired?
- If you had to evacuate your home because of a natural disaster, which of your possessions would you bring with?
- Five places you would like to visit are:
- If you could pass on a piece of advice that meant a lot to you when you received it, what would it be?
- Name any life changing books you’ve read.
- 10 of my very best ideas:
- There was a time when you almost gave up on something. Write about that experience.
- What would be the perfect autumn day?
- Do you have reoccurring dreams? What are they about?
- A world event that is causing you distress is…
- You are going to make tomorrow different by…
- Do you like progress?
- If you could choose a different time period to live in, when would it be?
- If you were a flower, you’d be a…
- Why do you think you were born into this world?
- Who do you miss the most from your past?
- 10 types of food or dishes you’ve never eaten that you’d like to try
- Would you work for someone who stresses you out even if the money was good?
- Who inspires you?
- In the next year you plan to…
- What keeps you going?
- What’s the most important thing to you?
- What are you pessimistic about?
- What was your first car?
- How do you feel when you are by yourself?
- You look up to ______________ because…
- Did you have a bicycle? What was it like?
- Work through a painful memory. Describe it. Feel it. And see if you can let it go.
- One thing you want to change about yourself is…
- Are you sad? Why?
- Write a letter to someone you need to forgive..
- Are you depressed? Why?
- How do you treat the people that irritate you?
- What is the nicest thing you have done for someone?
- 10 of your absolute worst pet peeves
- If you had one week to live, you’d…
- What needs cleaning in your house?
- If the phone were to ring right now, who would you want it to be?
- What do you think happens when we die?
- Everything happens for a reason, right?
- Write about a question that looms large in your mind right now.
- Your first pet was a _____________. Write about it.
- Do you have regrets?
- My top favorite songs right now are…
- Make a list of five ways you’ve changed in the last five years. What changes do you wish to make in the next five years?
- Friday makes me…
- Happiness is…
- Which countries you would love to visit?
- What things do you expect in a good friend?
- Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and you’re going to…
- If you disappeared today, who would be affected?
- You are 20 years in the future. Write a letter to your today self.
- Places I have lived, in order
- What are some unfinished projects hanging over my head?
- Your dream job would be…
- One thing you want to accomplish TODAY is…
- Who is one person who changed your life?
- What is your legacy?
- What would you do if the sun didn’t rise tomorrow?
- What are some relationships have had the greatest impact on your life?
- Right now you should be doing ______________ instead of ________
- Write about an old resentment or unhealed hurt.
- You forgive _______________ because…
- If you had to donate one million dollars to any charity, which one would it be and why?
- What have you accomplished in the last five years?
- Do you think nobody understands you?
- Joy is…
- If you could have three wishes, what would they be?
- Do you believe in love at first sight?
- You need other people because…
- Famous people make me…
- You’re truly afraid of…
- What did you do before we had the Internet?
- Injustice in the world makes you feel…
- Isn’t this moment the most important thing?
- What did you accomplish last year?
- What superpower would you choose to have?
- Did you go to college or have vocational training? Where and when?
- Are you happy with who you are? What do you feel right now?
- You feel ___ years old inside because…
- Name three reasons why you should get out of bed tomorrow…
- What is changing in your life right now?
- Write about your favorite pet.
- List 10 things you want to accomplish before it’s too late.
- What was you favorite vacation or trip ever?
- How important is rest and relaxation to you?
- If I were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 10 items would you want in your pockets?
- The perfect personality is…
- What are your 10 deepest sorrows?
- Who do you envy and why?
- What are the values you cherish even though they run counter to societal values?
- Describe the perfect winter day. Tell about an activity you would do on that day.
- You meet a homeless person on the street. Do you give them money? Why?
- Describe the most serious illness or accident that you have had.
- A time you want to experience again…
- What five relationships have had the greatest impact on your life?
- What would have happened if you didn’t leave the house this morning?
- What do you sense you’re supposed to do before your life is over?.
- If you were to publish a book about yourself, what would you title it?
- Could you live without that one special person in your life?
- 10 unforgettable moments in your life
- 10 things you really like about yourself
- You’re going to make tomorrow different by…
- What is your earliest memory? Why has it stayed with you?
- How did you meet your closest friend?
- Do you get upset when people don’t do what you tell them to? Why?
- You’ll never do _______ again because…
- Do you do anything to help the needy?
- The book you’re reading right now is teaching you…
- List the jobs you’ve had during your life.
- Crowds make you feel…
- When you’re over-stressed, you…
- Words that hurt you…
- Something comfortable is…
- Do you believe that what other people think is any of your business?
- Are you pleased with what you look like? If you could change any part of yourself what would it be?
- Are you afraid of death?
- Name five things in your refrigerator.
- If money didn’t matter, what job or career would you go for?
- Is writing a form of self therapy?
- When you’re around too much negativity, you…
- 10 things you think are crucial for you to be happy
- What is the most frustrating part of who you are?
- What is the best thing about being you?
- Use five adjectives to describe yourself, expand on each one.
- Do you lie to yourself?
- Do you excuse behaviors you know are wrong?
- What do you really, deeply want from life?
- What are you doing today to get you what you want?
- What is the last thing you did just to make yourself happy?
- Have you ever felt bliss? What was that moment (or the last time you felt it) like?
- Describe a perfect spring day and activities on that day.
- How do you feel about winning? Losing?
- What is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to you? The worst?
- What can frighten you the most and why?
- What is the most exciting place that you have ever been to and why?
- Tell how, when, where you learned to drive and any memorable experiences.
- What are your most deeply held values?
- Who do you miss the most from your past?
- What sound is most comforting to you?
- What sound describes you?
- You love the sound of.
- What’s your favorite smell? What do you associate with your favorite smell?
- Five books that changed your life.
- What are your favorite sounds?
- You forced to give up one of your senses. Which one will it be?
- What was the last CD you bought?
- 10 types of food or dishes you’ve never eaten that you’d like to try:
- What are your food preferences and how did they come about?
- What don’t you accept about yourself? What don’t you accept from others?
- What is your personal secret of happiness?
- What is the most important lesson, message, or advice that you have learned?
- What personality trait do you admire and why?
- Tell about your civic or political activities.
- What are your favorite movies and why?
- If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why?
- What do you think brings good or bad luck?
- Tell about all the places you have worked.
- What are your simple pleasures?
- What is your most valued possession?
- What rules have you broken?
- When’s the last time you laughed at yourself?
- When’s the last time you made a new friend?
- What are Sundays like for you?
- What secrets do you have?
- People see you as….
- You feel at peace when….
- The best gifts you were ever given…
- What monopoly figure do you usually use?
- What do you love about your job? Hate?
- What is your job now?
- What bores you?
- You like being female/male because….
- Do you live a high-tech or low-tech lifestyle?
- Do you visit your local library? Do you remember to have books back on time?
- How often do you read?
- What assumptions would a stranger make about you based on the books you read or have read?
- What are your favorite topics?
- What are the last 10 books you’ve read?
- If you could write a book, what would it be about?
- People are surprised to learn that you…
- Words you hate; words you love.
- What books or movies have changed your life?
- Celebrities you’re sick of:
- The first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning was…
- Do you like taking naps?
- What kinds of things are you working on right now?
- Foods you never get tired of eating:
- Your favorite snacks:
- What do you like on your pizza?
- What are your comfort foods?
- What are your favorite desserts?
- What fruit is your favorite? Least favorite?
- You never get sick of:
- How do you know when you can trust someone?
- What does someone have to do for you to call them your friend?
- What do you love to buy? Hate to buy?
- What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done with your hair?
- What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done with your hair? Do you like your hair now? What’s the style, color, etc.?
- What are the best compliments you’ve ever received?
- What music do you listen to the most?
- What are your most embarrassing moments?
- What gives you the creeps?
- What do you collect?
- How did you choose your pets’ names?
- What brands of toiletries do you HAVE to have?
- What is your hair care routine? How about your routine in the morning when you get ready?
- What should you change about yourself?
- What has been the most touching image you’ve seen recently?
- What are you truly passionate about?
- What is your big dream currently?
- What makes you excited?
- What do you need to feel successful?
- What do you do in your spare time?
- What would you like to be an expert in?
- What do you do that you lose track of time while doing?
- If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
- Who are your favorite actors?
- What are some events that have happened in your life that you wish you could relive or erase?
- What are some places you’d like to visit?
- List all the things you’re grateful for:
- What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?
- Do you own an object of sentimental value?
- What is your idea of a perfect day?
- In what way(s) do you indulge yourself?
- What are some fragments from your past that have stayed with you even though they might seem insignificant?
- Are you the type that “collects” things or do you live sparsely?
- Are you a night owl or a morning person?
- What makes laugh?
- What are some adjectives that describe you?
- What is your biggest vice?
- What would you consider your best characteristic?
- Do you have a nickname? Do you like being called that?
- If your house were on fire, what material possessions would you grab?
- What have you lied about?
- I wish I were more…
- I wish I were less…
- What color represents you? Why?
- What is the most beautiful thing to you in nature?
- Describe all the houses you’ve lived in:
- What is more important to you? Photographs, scrapbooks or journals?
- What sound do you associate with each of the seasons?
- When do you know when each season is “here”?
- What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?
- List all the vacations you’ve taken:
- If you could live one day without consequences, what would you do?
- What is your favorite season?
- Who was your first real boyfriend/girlfriend?
- What strengths have you developed over your life?
- What do you show to let others know you love them?
- Describe a time when you felt rejected.
- Do you believe in a higher power? Describe what you believe.
- What experiences have you had that you can attribute to a higher power?
- What’s troubling you right now?
- Describe the first time you remember saying I love you to someone outside of your family.
- I will never forgive __________________________ for _______________________.
- Describe what is going on around you right now in detail.
- What in your life do you doubt?
- What has inspired you to hold on when all looked lost?
- What memory do you treasure most?
- Do you go out to eat or to the movies alone? Why or why not?
- If you saw someone commit a crime, what would you do?
- What has it taken to allow you to be who you are today?
- Write a letter to yourself as a child.
- What are some of the things you would not share with anyone, no mater what?
- I would want ____________________ to play me in the movie about my life because ____________________________________________.
- What beliefs, values and principles guide you?
- In what small way have you been loving today?
- If you had the courage to speak your mind you would say:
- What makes you you?
- What rituals do you have?
- What stops you from being creative?
- Who helped you learn to love?
- Talk about a time when you hated someone or something.
- What are your thoughts on suicide?
- How long can you go without a bath or brushing your teeth? What are your ideas about cleanliness?
- What do you wear to bed? What led you to chose that?
- What has it taken to allow you to possess what you have today?
- Write to yourself as an older person.
- You would call your autobiography ____________________________ because:
- Today what you like about your life is:
- What do you really enjoy doing?
- Do you take in positive experiences or compliments?
- What is unconditional love to you?
- What place do you really love?
- Who would you really like to get to know?
- What are the rewards for being creative?
- What has sustained you through the hard times?
- What songs do you sing in the shower?
- Could you be brutally honest with friends and family?
- What makes you look sexy?
- Do you like to sleep?
- What is your ideally peaceful place?
- What are you thankful for?
- Around other people you are:
- When have you been the most scared?
- Under what conditions would you kill?
- What would you like to dream about?
- What if you were more attractive or uglier? How would you be different?
- In what ways are you still effected by childhood problems?
- What have you lost during your life?
- What are all the important days in your life?
- Tell about a work experience.
- What word describes what you’re searching for?
- In the silence you find:
- What is something dumb you’ve done?
- What is your favorite fantasy? What have you done to make it happen?
- Under what conditions would you steal?
- What do you think about capital punishment?
- If you could find out the truth about one thing, what would it be?
- How would you describe your self-worth?
- You are grateful for your body today because:
- You know you’ll be ready to die when:
- Do you believe in ghosts, angels or spirits?
- What has been your most frightening dream?
- Could you give your life for someone?
- Under what conditions would you get a divorce?
- Under what conditions would you stay in a marriage if you weren’t happy?
- How would you cope if you lost everything you own?
- You can tell you’re joking around when you….
- What were the feelings about the death of someone you knew?
- If you could read someone by their signature, what would yours say?
- What has made you feel the weakest in your life?
- Has anything you’ve tried to change remained the same?
- What’s a favorite story you have about yourself?
- What makes you laugh?
- If you were to die in a year and were able to make amends to all you needed to, who would you make amends to?
- Describe your favorite dream:
- What is your worst habit?
- What was the last compliment your received?
- What kinds of things aren’t you good at?
- What good thing have you done today?
- What was your first job and how much did you make?
- You want to be remembered for:
- What makes you feel guilty?
- What makes you feel the most secure?
- Under what conditions would you approve of abortion?
- Are you trustworthy?
- Where do you go to find inspiration? Describe it.
- What is one thing you’re facing now that you think you can’t do?
- What are your special abilities? Are you using them and how? Or, are you allowing them to lie dormant until you have time and why?
- What little things have happened to you lately that have really touched you or made a huge difference in your day?
- What do you/can you do to make a difference in others’ days?
NEW YEAR
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- Make a list of all the things you MUST do each week (kids, job, house, etc.).
- How much time can you realistically dedicate to your creative work each week?
- Can you think of a way to create a portable creative lab so that you might write, sketch, or do other creative work during stolen moments (like waiting at a doctor’s office, or waiting to pick up the kids after school . . .)?
- List one thing you’d like to accomplish in 2006, and then list ten things you will need to do to accomplish it (think small; make a phone call, look up a phone number or web site, etc.).
- List everything you accomplished in 2006 that makes you proud (not just creatively – list everything.)
- Make a list of people you want to keep in your life in 2006 – people who help you feel good about yourself.
- What makes you a good friend? In what ways could you improve?
- List one way that you plan to learn something in 2006.
- What bad habits will you try to leave behind in the new year?
- What good habits do you have that you’d like to continue?
- What new good habits would you like to adopt?
- If you could predict the next year, what do you think would happen?
CHILDREN
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- Tell something about each of your children, their personalities, their talents, traits, that make them different and special.
- Tell about your life as the children left home – new interests, what did you do with the extra time — new employment, moves, hobbies, etc.
- Do you have any grandchildren? If so, how many? How did you feel about being a grandparent?
- What is your child-rearing philosophy?
- Tell about each of your children’s names, birth date, location, doctors, circumstances surrounding the birth – raising them in the home -problems, joys etc.
- Tell about a favorite trip or vacation.
- Describe getting a Christmas tree, when did you put it up and decorate it?
- Write about your family’s Christmas traditions.
YOUR CHILDHOOD
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- Tell about the houses you lived in childhood – addresses, phone #’s, etc…
- How did your mother spend her time?
- Where you responsible for any household chores? What were they?
- Which did you enjoy most/least?
- Describe a typical day during your Jr. High years.
- What kind of extracurricular activities did you participate in at school?
- Write about some places you went to with your father.
- Write about some places that you went to with your mother.
- Describe a childhood Christmas.
- Did it snow much when you were a child – tell something about it, what did you do?
- Did you ever celebrate a your birthday in an extra special way? Tell how you celebrated them.
- Tell about your own family traditions: Christmas, birthdays, graduation, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, weddings, funerals, hunting etc.
- Whose was the first funeral you ever went to? How old were you and how did it effect you?
- Did you and your father share any interests together – what and why?
- What were your Christmases like as a child?
- What was a typical day in elementary school like?
- What did you do when you were a child that got you in the most trouble and how did your parents handle it?
- Do you remember your first crush? Tell about it.
- Did you attend church (Sunday School, CCD, Confirmation)?
- How did you feel about school?
- Do you remember any of your great-grandparents? What were their names? Write about any memories that you have.
- Tell about your mother: personality, characteristics, stature, coloring, talents, temperament, family stories about her, her role in your home, etc..
- What is the most important lesson, message, or advice that you have learned that you might pass on to others?
- Thinking back was there a teacher who had a great influence on you?
- Do you wish you had more sisters or brothers, and why?
- Did you have a favorite aunt or uncle?
- What types of games did you play as a child?
- Where did your grandparents live? What was their home like? Did it have a certain smell or look?
- What was your relationship with your grandparents like?
- Did you ride a bicycle? What kind was it?
- Tell how, when, and where you learned to drive and any memorable experiences.
- How did you like being the oldest, youngest or middle child? What were the advantages or disadvantages?
- Were you ever in any school clubs (speech, drama, etc.)?
- How did your father spend his time supporting his family?
- Do you have any handed down talents?
- Are there any recipes you make that have been handed down?
- What were the favorite places to go with your family when you were young?
- Tell about any ancestors that you know about – name, dates, etc. for historical purposes and any stories about them.
- What vacations did your family take?
- What is your mother’s best trait? Worst? What traits do you share with her?
- What is your father’s best trait? Worst? What traits do you share with him?
- Describe a favorite childhood friend and something you did with her or him.
- Where did you live as a child – town, country, suburb, etc.?
- Describe your yard as a child – did you help with the yard work?
- Did your family have reunions?
- What was your teenage social life like? Tell about your friends, dances, dating, outings, church functions etc.
- What were your favorite Halloween costumes?
- Did you have a favorite subject in school? One you dreaded?
- What was your favorite grade in school and why?
- Did you have a childhood hide-out? Where? Describe it.
- Describe a place you remember from your childhood.
- Did you have a favorite pet as a child? Did it have a name? What memories are connected to it?
- Did you belong to Boy/Girl scouts, Camp Fire Girls or 4-H?
MARRIAGE
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- Describe a favorite vacation of your married years.
- Describe your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, suit etc., if male.
- Write a description of your husband or wife.
- Describe your last home as a young couple.
- Tell about anniversaries, celebrations, trips, gifts.
- What were your fears, expectations, anticipation’s about getting married?
- Tell about a special date you had with a boy/girl friend or your fiancée.
- Tell a dating story.
- How did you become engaged?
- Describe your wedding day.
Filed under: Journaling
