photo was sourced from Pinterest.
I’ve been starting most of my mornings with a very specific morning routine, something we can discuss more in-detail at a later date ( or you can find it on my Instagram highlights! ), which includes a daily dose of journaling.
Most mornings, I curl up on my couch with my XL lemon water, choose a topic inspired by recent life ( something that’s on my mind or an issue I’m facing ) or find a prompt online ( usually on Pinterest ), set a timer for 20 minutes, and dump my mind onto the paper.
For a perfectionist like myself, writing can be intimidating. Anyone feel me on this? Because of my perfectionist tendencies, I’m constantly judging my performance. I can be a real bitch to me.
Before journaling, I remind myself: there’s no “right” answer. This isn’t a test! Keep this in mind, especially when embarking on this process ( or really anything else creative in life! ), as self-judgement can get in the way of starting.
You have to break through that initial wall. Don’t think too much. Just fucking do it.
Once I get to writing, I can usually write for awhile, either staying on-topic or jotting down stream-of-consciousness thoughts ( if thats what my brain needs that day ).
This time in the morning is peaceful, positive, and almost meditative. It gets my brain flowing and mind working from a creative place early-on in the day.
For those of you who want to implement this practice into your daily routine ( I suggest doing it in the morning or night– or both! ), I’ve compiled a list of prompts that inspire me to write the most. Knowing where to start is half the battle.
Like I said, I generally find prompts & prompt lists on Pinterest, and I comb through said lists to see what stands out to me. Sometimes you need an inspired jumping-off point.
journaling prompts that inspire me to write
- What character traits do I want to possess, and when is something I can start doing today to embody each trait?
- When I wake up in the morning, how exactly do I want to feel? What are things I can do to help me feel that way?
- What does my ideal day look like, from morning to night?
- What do I need more of in my life?
- What do I need to let go of right now?
- What are some of my limiting beliefs that might be holding me back?
- What are 10 positive things about my life?
- What are 5 realistic ways I can get out of my comfort zone this year?
- Make a list of 20 small, daily things that bring me genuine joy.
- What am I grateful for today?
- Write out 15 positive affirmations to remind myself of daily.
- What do I want my life to look like in 3 years?
- What do I need to forgive myself for?
- What advice would I give my teenage self?
- How satisfied am I with my social life, and how can I improve it ( if I’m not completely satisfied )?
- Describe a recent compliment or bit of positive feedback that was meaningful to me.
- Write down 5 things I love about this time in my life.
- What are my current short-term goals? What are a few long-term goals?
- What am I excited for in my future?
- What is something I’ve learned about myself in the last year?
- List 5 things that I’m really good at.
- Who is my biggest inspiration and why?
- What is something I’ve been wanting to do but have been too afraid to try?
- Write a list of 10 people I truly admire (whom I know personally or not) and list why.
- What is on my mind right now?
- What do I need to get off of my chest today?
- What makes life feel less complicated? How can I simplify my life right now?
- What are 3 practical skills I can learn this year that would improve my quality of life?
- Who do I consider “my people” in my life? How can I show up & be better for them? How can I take care of those relationships?
- What energy do I want to put out into the world? How can I make sure I’m emitting that energy every day?
Starting the day with journaling has given me inspiration and a sense of direction in a way I can’t entirely explain.
It’s helpful to get specific when it comes to what you write, especially when detailing what you want from yourself and your future. Taking the time to write these things down reminds me that life can be very simple when you know the direction in which you’re heading. It allows me prioritize.
What a good place to start the day from, no? I love a sense of purpose!
Lemme know if you use any of these prompts! I frequent many of these weekly or monthly, simply to center myself & live from a place of purpose throughout the day.
If you’re not feeling like writing a whole lot on any given day, I recommend using a prompt that involves a list, instead of answering a question. Lists are oftentimes less intimidating, yet can be the most transformative if you really put your mind to them.
MUCH LOVE, friends. Talk soon. x
Great advice about letting go of judgement! Thx for this.
of course bb!