Whether you’re a seasoned journal-keeper with a stack of filled notebooks by your desk, or a complete beginner about to crack open a crisp new journal … the truth is, sometimes inspiration just doesn’t strike. You don’t know what to journal about.

So, to help you get past those “blank page, no-thoughts, aaaaargh!” moments, we’ve collected 101 thoughtful journal prompts that are perfect for tackling topics from mental health worries to creative self-discovery. Believe me, these prompts will have your pen in your hand and words on the page before you know it!

There’s a lot of choice below – so why not bookmark this page for all your future journaling sessions, and use these links to skip to a section that interests you today:

And if you’re looking for prompts specially tailored to help teens navigate growing up, don’t forget to check out our companion collection of 99 inspiring journal prompts for teenagers!

Why journal? The benefits of journaling

Before we dig in, let’s have a quick look at the benefits of journaling:

  • There’s no judgement: your journal is your very own safe haven. Let it all out without worrying about feedback – and try not to judge yourself either!
  • Writing in a journal can be highly therapeutic and cathartic
    • Had a stressful or confusing day? Writing about it will help you make sense of things and gain new perspectives on events and reactions
  • Your secrets will be kept for as long as you need (phew!)
  • Writing in a journal can be the perfect outlet for difficult-to-process thoughts and feelings
    • So it’s an ideal tool for coping with mental health struggles such as anxiety or depression
  • Journaling is a great first step towards developing a growth mindset
  • You’ll increase your self-awareness and sense of who you are and want to become
  • It’s a great way to store your favourite moments and memories –  both big and small 😊
  • Journaling is a perfect method for developing a more mindful approach to life, by helping you to slow down, observe your world, and reflect on what’s important to you
  • It’s really not about the end result, but simply about the process of getting your thoughts out onto the page
  • And writing for pleasure is a great life-long habit to develop!

Why use journal prompts?

That all sounds marvellous”, you might be thinking, “but it’s not that easy to express all my jumbled, tangled, messy thoughts … and really, they’re not worth writing about!”

Well, that’s where guided journal prompts are just what you need.

Journal prompts are ideal for both beginner and experienced writers because they:

  • Encourage you to explore issues or answer questions from different angles
  • Are designed to elicit reflection, memories, opinions, feelings – all of which help you explore yourself
  • Remind you of memories you’d completely forgotten!
  • Provoke you into thinking about a weird and wonderful array of topics – from serious social justice debates to fun “what if” hypotheticals!
  • Don’t involve research, or complex arguments! You can just write whatever comes to mind, it doesn’t need to be polished or look neat in the end (winner)

The journal prompts that we’ve collected below are designed to inspire reflection on many different parts of life, from memories and mental health to relationships and every day life. Each prompt features multiple questions, hypotheticals and ideas, so there’s plenty to get your creative juices going!

So let’s dive into those 101 journal prompts: self-discovery here we come!

Mindful journal prompts for finding peace

Mindfulness is a popular topic these days, and with good reason!

There are a huge range of benefits to taking a mindful approach to life, especially if you add meditation into the mix. Think: learning to be present in the moment, being focused on what you need to do, and improving your mental health 😊

So why not kickstart your mindfulness journey with some journal prompts for reflection and grounding yourself!

Psst: You can learn more about building a meditation routine with our honest review of the benefits of Headspace, the hit meditation app.

Cup of coffee and a journal prompt: "write about three ordinary things that bring a little joy to your life"

1.      How do you feel right now, in this moment?

Take a pause before you put pen to paper. Notice the sensations you feel throughout your body in this exact moment, from your breath to your toes. Notice the range of your emotions, any stray thoughts or lingering worries. Note it all down without judgement.

2.      What was your most peaceful moment this week?

Remember one moment that struck you as calm, peaceful or serene. Did it sneak up on you? What was happening? Was the moment a part of your routine? Write about it!

3.      Who (or what) are you grateful for today?

When you take stock of your life in this moment, what do you feel grateful for? Who first comes to mind? It can be something little, a fleeting encounter … or something important!

4.      Describe your bedtime routine

What’s your favourite way to drift off? Are there things you think you ought to be doing to encourage a good night’s sleep, and don’t? How does your routine make you feel as you end your day?

5.      Write about three ordinary things that bring a little joy to your life

Think about things that always bring a smile to your face when you see them! What are they? When/where do you get to experience them, and how often? Do you share them with others?

6.      Describe a place that makes you feel safe and at peace

Paint a picture for your journal, using sensory language, until it feels like you are standing right there.

Is it somewhere you can (and do) visit? Or somewhere that is now a treasured memory? Or perhaps an imagined location? When do you find yourself visiting? How does it make you feel?

7.      What tasks do you procrastinate on, and why?

Take some time to reflect on your procrastination habits. Can you identify what kinds of tasks you frequently put off? What is it about these tasks that you struggle with more than others?

There’s no shame in being a procrastinator: but let this journal prompt help you to be honest with yourself, take steps to identify what’s holding you back – and hopefully overcome (some of) your procrastination!

8.      What would your perfect Sunday morning be like?

Fire up your imagination and consider a perfect, lazy weekend morning: what’s on the agenda, and what does it feel like? Is the sun shining? Where are you? What’s on the menu? Now consider how often you manage to make this routine a reality: could you do it soon?

9.      Describe a smell that makes you feel content

What is it? What memories does it evoke: place, person, time? Is it one of your favourite scents? How does thinking about it make you feel? See if you know any unusual facts about this smell – does it have a name?

Prompts for supporting your mental health

Journaling is a fabulous and reliable tool for coping with mental health struggles.

It’s great for processing volatile thoughts and emotions about a stressful situation, until you feel calmer and can think more clearly and rationally about what to do next. Plus, there’s absolutely no judgement from anyone else (and hopefully none from yourself either!).

So make the most of these journal prompts to work through your anxieties, fears and overwhelming worries. Trust me, it will help.

person laying in bed journaling, plus the mental health prompt "write about a worry you can't shake off"

10.  Write about a worry you can’t shake off

Why is it niggling at you? What practical steps can you take to cope with it? Can you do any of them this week?

Do you consider yourself to be a worrier? If you’re carrying around (regular) worries day by day, write about them and leave nothing out. Contemplate how it would feel to let them go and move on.

11.  What hurts right now?

Big or small, write about a situation that’s causing you mental or physical pain today. What is causing these feelings? What can you do to find relief?

Let it all out: it’s cathartic, and in processing your thoughts, you might find new solutions and ideas …

12.  Confess to your journal a secret that nobody knows

Is it yours, or something you’ve promised to keep for another? Does keeping it weigh heavily on you? How do you feel about it? Is it embarrassing, shocking, amusing, saddening … ?

13.  Are there any hypothetical situations that you feel scared by, right now?

Do you ever worry about hypothetical worst outcomes, or find yourself catastrophising? It’s a common symptom of imposter syndrome, something plenty of us suffer in the workplace.

Write about one of these scenarios to make it less frightening. Make a list of practical, reassuring things you could do if one these hypotheticals ever came true. Feeling a little better yet?

14.  Write about a negative memory you can’t get out of your head

Release yourself from that endless loop of remembering embarrasing, awkward, negative memories by writing about them!

Did anything good come from that moment/memory? Did you learn something new about yourself? Look for the silver linings and take away the power associated with your shame or awkwardness. We all do stupid things from time to time, after all!

15.  Describe the last time you showed compassion to yourself

What did you do? How did it feel, in that moment, to be kind to yourself? What emotions do you feel right now, writing about it?

16.  Do you trust your own instincts?

Discuss situations in which you trust yourself, or in which you find it hard to.

When was the last time you trusted your instincts and things went awry? Alternatively, when was the last time you should have trusted them? How do you feel about that now? Has your confidence been affected?

17.  What is the first symptom you notice when you feel anxious, stressed or sad?

Can you always identify when it’s happening? What can you do to help relieve these feelings?

18.  How do you define perfection?

Do you strive for perfection, and in which parts of your life? Why (not)? Do you think that seeking perfection has an impact on your happiness, mental health, and outlook on life?

19.  Write about one of the hardest moments you’ve faced in the last year

What would be different now if you’d made a different choice? Write about the journey you’ve been on since then. How has it changed you?

And don’t forget: a private journal is the perfect spot to let it all out (and maybe finally think of the perfect comeback), work through your emotions and take or let go of responsibility.

Journal prompts for reflecting on your everyday life

Our lives are busy, complex, often frantic.

Many of us are always rushing to work, to the gym, to social and family events. Add in cooking dinner and doing the housework, and there’s often little time to sit down and appreciate the everyday.

So take a moment and answer one of these journal prompts about your favourite and forgotten moments of every day life: bring a little self-love to the little things! However old you are, your answers will make for fascinating reading in 10 years’ time!

happy man on a bench answering the journal prompt "what's your favourite silly thing to do to unwind?"

20.  What’s your favourite silly thing to do to unwind?

It’s time to act like a (big) kid: be carefree, let loose! What’s the activity you choose, and how often do you do it? Perhaps it’s time to give it a whirl when you put down your pen!

21.  What’s your favourite song at the moment?

How do you feel when you hear those opening beats? Do you know all the words (already)? Does it make you want to tap your feet and dance?

Too hard to think of just one favourite song for this journal prompt? Why not write about your favourite band or album, or list a top 5? Then grab the nearest music player and turn up the volume!

22.  What’s been going on in your life recently?

Have you had any good or bad news? What’s changed? Have you had a busy week, or taken time to relax? What was your favourite moment? Are you coping ok?

Tell your journal the story of your week or month. No judgement, just reflection. How does it make you feel?

23.  Write about a book or movie that you couldn’t stop thinking about for ages after you finished it

Why did it make such an impact on you? Has it become one of your favourites?

24.  Describe your favourite food

What memories does it evoke? How often do you get to eat it? Who cooks it best, and do you know how cook it yourself? Write down the recipe!

25.  Who’s your current favourite character (from a book, series, movie, game …)?

Why do you admire them? What qualities do they have? Do you relate to their story? Are there any similarities between you?

Why not imagine you’ve woken up in their world: put yourself in their shoes and consider what you would do today …

26.  Describe the things in your home that are most YOU

What kind of items are they? How do they make you feel when you see them or use them? What story do they tell about you? What is their story?

27.  When you look in the mirror first thing in the morning, what do you see?

What’s the first think you think about yourself when confronted with your freshly-rolled-out-of-bed appearance? Is it positive, or negative? Write about something you love about yourself first thing in the morning.

28.  What’s your favourite part of the day?

Do your days have a regular pattern, or is life more chaotic? Is there a moment each day that makes you whole body relax, or inspires contentment? What are you doing in that moment? Who’s there with you?

Discovering yourself: who exactly are you?

No matter how old we are, or what stage of life we’re at, we’re always growing and changing as humans (especially if we face life with a growth mindset!).

But knowing who you are isn’t always easy. So why not pick one of these next journal prompts and head out into your next blank page on a brave adventure of self-discovery, self-reflection and (hopefully) self-love!

young woman considering the prompt "do you think you show the real you to the world?"

29.  When do you feel most like YOU?

What are you doing in these moments? How does they make you feel? Could you find a way to get this feeling in other parts of your life?

30.  What are the three most unusual things about you that you’d like others to know?

Imagine you have a little billboard above your head that lists these things for everyone (friends, family, co-workers, strangers) to see.

How would that openness feel? Are these things important to you? Are any of them currently a secret?

31.  Do you think you show the real YOU to the world?

Are there elements of yourself you keep hidden from sight, and why? Would you like people to think about you differently, or do you prefer to keep the secrets of you private? Does your job or social media feel like a mask you present to the world?

32.  Do you act differently online than you do in person?

Write about the different online experiences you’ve had recently, and relationships you’ve built. Do you think our internet culture has changed how you relate to others? Which persona feels more like the real you, and why?

33.  Write about a quality you have that makes you feel proud of yourself

Is it a physical characteristic? Or a character trait? Or a skill? Why are you proud of it? Did you work hard for it, or is it a quality you also admire in others?

34.  Explore what your job or career means to who you are (and want to be)

There are plenty of questions to answer when it comes to journaling about your job: this might be a prompt to revisit several times in your self-discovery adventure!

Is your career a fundamental part of your identity? Do you think you use your strengths and skills at work? What kind of relationships do you have with your coworkers? Do you find your career fulfilling?

Are there any frustrations about your job that you need to confess to your journal? Once you’ve vented, take the time to consider whether there are any steps you could take to improve things at work. Are they feasible, and how would taking them feel?

35.  Write about a time when you had to swallow your pride and do something that made you uncomfortable

What was it? Were you physically or morally uncomfortable? How did it make you feel afterwards? Has it changed how you think about yourself?

36.  Describe yourself, today, right now, in ten words

Paint a vivid picture for your journal. Who ARE you, right now? Don’t think too hard about it, just write!

Then, taking a little more time, think about whether there are any other versions of you, and describe those too.

Finally, describe the person you would like to be, using ten words you’d love to use about yourself. What differences are there? Can you make some changes and take a step towards being that person?

37.  Write about a person who changed your point of view

We’re all often quick to judge others or entrenched in our own views. Consider a person who really made you reflect on those judgements or beliefs, and then change them! What happened?

38.  Write about something you believe in strongly

Where does your belief come from? What or who is it influenced by? Is it a new, or deep-seated belief? What would it mean for you to take a stand for what you believe in?

39.  Who are the people you admire the most?

Name your top 3. Are they someone you know, or perhaps someone famous? Does that affect how you judge them as admirable? What characteristics do you admire them for? Do they have skills you aspire to develop yourself?

40.  What makes you stand out from the crowd?

What do you consider to be your most unique features? Have you got any unusual interests or skills? How did you develop them? What stand-out characteristic would you like to be known for?

41.  Would you like to be famous?

Why, or why not? Imagine what your daily like would be life. Do you think that you would you find fame intrusive, or is it something you aspire to? In an ideal world, what would you like to be famous for, remembered for?

42.  Have you ever given something important away?

What was it, and who did you give it to? Why did you make that choice? Was it spontaneous, or well-considered? Do you regret it, or would you do it again? How did it make you feel about yourself?

43.  Write about what you would be prepared to sacrifice if someone offered you exactly what you’ve always wanted

How far would you go? What would you sacrifice? Are there any lines you wouldn’t cross, or parts of your life you would strive to protect? What could someone offer you that would be worth it?

Journal prompts for exploring your hopes for the future

Journaling isn’t all about reflecting on the past and present. It can be a great way to explore your hopes and dreams for the future too.

No matter what stage of life you’re at, use these journal prompts to take some time and consider what you’re looking forward to (big or small), and who you’d like to become.

open notebook with the journal prompt "write about an adventure you want to take"

44.  Write about an adventure you want to take

What do you hope the experience will be like? Will you step outside of your comfort zone?

Or perhaps there’s an adventure you’ve already taken and would love to reflect on! Where did you go? What happened? Was it everything you hoped it would be? Will you plan another?

45.  What’s the number one habit you’d like to build or change over the next year?

Anything counts: big or small. Think carefully about the steps you’d need to take to realistically make it part of your routine. Make it a goal and write down a plan!

46.  Make a bucket list of aspirations for the next year, and then next five years

Include everything you’d like to do, big and small, daft and serious! What will you tackle first? How many of your aspirations are realistic? What’s number one on the list, and why?

47.  Write an anti-bucket list of all the things you DON’T want to do in the next year

Make it serious or silly! Why not start with some habits you’d like to give up, or situations you’re hoping to avoid … and then get wild. Think of all the things that could happen to you in the next year – do you want them to?

48.  What’s the number one skill you’d love to develop, or topic you’d love to learn about?

Why has it captured your heart? How could you learn more about it: is there a course online or locally? What resources do you need to get started? Go on, give it a go!

49.  What do you most want your children (or future children) to learn from you?

What values will you teach them? Which skills do you think they need to be happy in this world? What do you want them to remember you for?

50.  Write about something you’re afraid to try

Go on: whether it’s silly or profound, describe that activity. Why are you afraid to do it? What does the idea of taking that step make you feel? Does anyone know about how you feel?

51.  Tell your journal all about a plan you’re currently making:

Is it big or small? Who are you doing it with? How does thinking about it make you feel – excited, nervous?

For an alternative, why not consider this journal prompt from a different angle: Have you had a plan spectacularly fall to pieces in the past? How does that make you feel now that some time has passed? Does it affect how you feel about your new plans?

52.  If you could change careers in an instant, and make your living doing anything at all – what would you become?

What’s the most outrageous answer you can think of? What niche interests do you have (or had in your past) that you wish could be a career (even if it’s not possible in today’s world)?

Alternatively, is there a career you wish you’d trained for, or a missed opportunity you regret?

Building memories with reflective journal prompts

It’s time to look back on all the years behind you: hopefully there are lots of great memories you don’t want to forget!

So, consider these memory journal prompts as having a two-fold benefit. Firstly, they’re a perfect chance for reminiscing on favourite and forgotten memories from your childhood or life, and to see how far you’ve come. And they’re also ideal for creating a record of your life that you can look back on in future years!

Person sitting on grass, answering the prompt "what are the top three things you miss about being a kid?"

53.  What are the top three things you miss about being a kid?

This is a journal prompt that might come with rose-tinted glasses, so get ready! Think favourite games, childhood bedrooms, that food your Gran used to make, playing with your friends in their gardens, your old bike, your imaginary friend … Why are they so special to you?

54.  Write about your hometown or the place you grew up

How long has it been since you lived there? When did you last visit? Do you think it influenced the person you are today? Are you proud of where you grew up?

55.  Write about what you wanted to be when you were a child

Did you do it, or not? Do you remember what inspired your childhood self to desperately want to become a …? Was it a real career, or imaginary? How does it compare to the life that you have now?

56.  What surprises you the most about how your life has turned out?

Consider the differences between things that turned out how you hoped and things that didn’t. How does each list make you feel? Are there any, well – surprises?

57.  Describe your favourite holiday tradition!

What’s the holiday? Where did the tradition come from – is it a family thing, is there a funny story? If it’s something you’ve done all your life, do you remember how it felt to participate as a child?

58.  How do you feel you’ve changed in the past 10 years of your life?

How does your life now compare to your life then? Do you have different values now? Have you made any significant changes, for better or worse? What do you miss about the you of 10 years ago?

59.  Write about a turning point in your life

Think of this as a Sliding Doors or Midnight Library style journal prompt and put on your imagination hat!

There are so many points in our lives when we could have taken a different path. Pick one and write about the decisions you did and didn’t make.

How different could you and your life be if you’d made a different decision at that time? Imagine the adventures and mishaps parallel you might have gotten into. What butterfly effects would this decision create? Would you still have met important people in your life?

Try not to go into this prompt full of regret and judgement: the idea is more mindful gratitude plus wild imagination!

60.  Recall a happy memory from the past month

What happened to make you feel so happy, and does it still bring a smile to your face as you write about it? Was it an unusual occasion?

61.  Discuss the biggest challenge you faced this month

Reflect on how you faced up to the challenge: did you act in a way you are proud of? Was it unexpected? Do you have any regrets, and if so, why? Consider how you would approach things differently if you could turn back the clock.

62.  When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

How did it feel, right down to that ache in your belly? What caused your giggles? Who shared this moment with you – and who laughed first? Does remembering it make you want to laugh again?

63.  Share three things you wish you could tell your teenage self

Are there secrets you wish you could whisper? What advice would you give? Would you encourage them to make different decisions, and why?

64.  Describe the last dream you remember having

When was it? What happened? Are there any bits that stand out? How did it make you feel whilst you were dreaming, and when you woke up? Was it adventurous, mundane, scary?

65.  What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Did it change how you feel about yourself and your skills? Who gave it to you, and what was the context?

66.  What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?

Did you get away with it, or were there consequences? Do you feel guilty about it? Write about how it changed you, your mindset or your life … or perhaps, didn’t!

67.  Have you ever (purposefully) gotten lost?

Write about that situation: how you came to be there, where you were. How did it feel: like freedom or like terror? Was anyone with you? What would you do if you found yourself lost again?

Prompts for building healthy relationships

Relationships are a big part of our lives. And your journal can be the perfect place to reflect privately and safely on the ups and downs of your relationships with friends, family, lovers, roommates and coworkers …

Whether you’ve got frustrations, secrets, desires or hopes: let these journal prompts be the catalyst for some self-love and healthy reflection on the people in your life!

woman laying on a rug, writing in a notebook with the journal prompt "write about a relationship that changed your life"

68.  Write about someone special to you

Are they someone you’re still in touch with, a family member, a friend? Or perhaps an old acquaintance, a teacher who shaped your life, or a long-gone family member you miss dearly? What would you say to them if they stepped into your room right now?

69.  Confide a sacrifice you’ve made for your family

How does it make you feel? Are you worried about how it will make you feel about your family in the future? Do you consider that it was worth it?

70.  Write about a relationship that changed your life

Describe how your life changed from knowing that person. Was it a good or bad change? Was kind of relationship was it? How did it end – or is that person still in your life? Did you ever tell them what they meant to you?

71.  Do you have close friends? Write about them!

What makes them special to you? How did you meet, and how long have you been friends? Are there any funny stories about your friendship?

If you don’t have any close friends, write about the qualities you look for in a friend, and consider how you might meet some new people, or develop one of your current relationships into a friendship … be brave!

72.  What are the top five traits you most admire in other people?

Who do you know that has them? How did you decide on this list? Do these traits shape what you look for in relationships?

73.  Do you have a significant other right now? Describe how they make you feel right now

What’s your favourite thing about the time you spend together? Think about a recent moment that made you smile secretly. Write about the future: are you serious about your relationship, and do you have any plans together?

74.  What does love mean to you?

How do you express your love to others? How do you recognise it in your own relationships? Write about the different types of love you have experienced in your life, and the effect those experiences have had on you.

75.  How does it feel when someone shares a secret with you?

What kind of secrets have you been asked to keep recently? Do you enjoy being trusted that deeply? Do you trust others with your secrets in return?

76.  Write about something or someone that you miss

Why do you miss them? When was the last time you saw them? How does it feel to miss them? How would it feel to open the door and find them outside?

77.  Write a letter to someone you need to forgive

Describe what happened between you, and how you feel about the situation. Do you think you could ever forgive them in real life?

Considering the world around you

In these turbulent times we live in, there’s a lot to consider about how we as individuals and communities live our lives in this world.

Use these journal prompts to consider both how you interact with your world, and issues you’d like to change – big and small! Think social enterprises, environmental causes, political stands …

Young woman in a window, reflecting on the prompt "make a list of little things you'd love to do to make someone smile"

78.  What is one small change you could make to positively impact the life of another person?

Whose life would you choose to benefit? Why them? Do you know them? What action(s) could you take to make a lasting impact on their daily life? Could you make it a habit?

79.  Write down all the things about your world that inspire you to be who you are

From little things about your street and town, to the shape of your life and career. Include everything from your own circle to the world at large. How often do you notice things that inspire you?

80.  Make a list of little things you’d love to do to make someone smile

Friends, family, colleagues, strangers: make a list of little gestures you could make that could brighten someone’s day. Could you make any of them happen soon, in the next month?

No idea is too wild – planting flowers, sending a card, baking a cake, smiling at a passer-by, yarnbombing your neighbourhood, volunteering …

81.  What effect has social media had on the world around you?

Do you use it, socially or as part of your work? Do you feel out of touch with it, or enjoy the attention it brings? How does it make you feel about your relationships and the society around you?

82.  Write about any unrealistic expectations you feel society is placing on you

What are they? How have they shaped you and your mindset about who you should be? Do you feel like you can do anything about them? Do you try to live up to these expectations? Or would you prefer to forge a different path – and if so, what could the consequences be?

83.  Discuss a part of your culture or society that you just don’t understand

What is it? Do you wish that you fitted in with it? Do you think it needs to change? Does it affect how you feel about your community?

84.  Write about prejudices you see in your community, and what you feel needs to happen about them

Have they affected you personally? Write about any injustices you have witnessed. Do you think there is anything you could do, or could have done in the past? Would fighting against them affect your life?

85.  Explore how you think you’re different from your parents

Do you have different values? Have you taken a similar path in life? What has changed about the times you’ve respectively grown up in?

How does thinking about them make you feel? Do you think that they did a good job raising you? Would you do differently with your own children?

86.  What frightens you in the world today?

Why does it frighten you? Is there anything you could do, however small, to change that in reality? Then, imagine what you would do to change it if you had all resources necessary to invent (and finance) a solution.

87.  What is one thing you could do this year to give back to your local community?

Pick something, big or small, and sketch out a rough plan. Would it involve others? Who would you pick to help out? Do you think you could make it happen?

88.  If you could change three things about our world, today, what would you choose and why?

Consider the impact of what you choose: would societies and global relationship change? What would happen to the economy? Are your choices realistic? Would things change sustainably for the better?

89.  Write about a cool fact you learnt about the world recently

Where did you learn it? Has it opened your eyes about an element of society, politics, the environment, history, or another person? Is it true? Do a little research and tell your journal what you’ve learnt!

Fun and creative journal prompts to inspire your imagination!

This is often my favourite type of journaling prompt – the chance to let your imagination run wild and answer all the silly hypotheticals!

So, if the serious questions above are a bit much today, why not pick one of these fun journal prompts and see what you can learn about yourself – perhaps you’d answer differently another day, and that’s ok!

tea, a quill and paper with the creative journal prompt "imagine you woke up this morning with superpowers ..."

90.  What would you do if you could live 24 hours with no consequences whatsoever?

Where would you go? What would you try? Who would you want to spend the day with? Would you tire yourself out with wild activities, admit a dangerous secret, do something reckless?

91.  Imagine your life as a movie – now write your elevator pitch!

What would the title and plot be? Do you imagine it as a Hollywood blockbuster or indie film? What genre would it be? Who would you cast as yourself?

92.  If you only had one meal left to enjoy in your life …

What would you pick to eat? How many courses? Do you have a particular chef in mind? Do these dishes have a special meaning to you? Where have you eaten them before?

93.  If disaster struck, and you had to leave your home in the next 24 hours …

Assuming all fellow humans and pets could also make it out safely … describe the top five things you’d want to take with you. Why are they important to you?

94.  What would you ask for if a genie granted you three wishes?

What limitations might your genie place on your wishes? Would you try to game the system? What do you think you would have answered as a child, or a teenager?

95.  What would you do if someone handed you a million dollars tomorrow, no questions asked?

What would you use the money for? Would you spend it on yourself, or use some to help others in your life? Would you enjoy the moment, or invest for your future?

96.  Tell your journal all the extraordinary details of your dream home

Do you think you’ll ever live there? Who lives there with you? Where is it, and what is it like? What features would you most like it to have? Are there any weird rooms, secret passages, hidden gardens …?

97.  Imagine you woke up this morning with superpowers …

Indulge your inner child and enjoy writing about the power(s) you’ve always wanted to experience: how would it feel to really be able to do those things? Nothing is too wild! What did you do with your day?

Then consider the impact your powers would have on your life. Do you want these powers? Are there any superpowers that could make a real difference to your life and community today? Are they different from the ones your inner child dreams of?

98.  If you could capture a favourite memory from your life, and bottle it for others to experience …

What memory would you choose? How would you market it? What would you call it? What emotions are attached? Why do you think other people would like to share this experience? Who would you pitch it at?

99.  Imagine there’s a locked door on the top floor of the house you’re visiting

How does it make you feel? Will you try to unlock it? What do you think is behind it (… skeletons)? Do you know the people who live here, and do you trust them? Let your imagination run wild!

100.  Persuade one of your friends to try a food they really don’t like

(Assuming they’re not allergic …) Write a list of all the reasons they should reconsider their opinion and try it with you tonight. How would you convince them? What tactics would you use?

Now look at that list and consider something you really don’t like to do. Could you convince yourself to give it a go?

101.  Interview one of your favourite fictional characters

Try to get inside their head, and consider what values make them truly themselves. What would their answers be like? Would you be able to make them reveal any secrets? How would it feel to be in that room with them?

Journaling resources to help you get the most out of your journal routine

Well that’s it for our 101 journal prompts – all the fun, creative, serious, mindful and reflective journal prompts you need to inspire you to get writing!

Looking for more? Check out our companion collection of 99 inspiring journal prompts for teenagers – there’s plenty here for everyone!

All you need to get started is a notebook and pen – or notebook app! But if you’d love a more structured approach to journaling, there are plenty of resources that come packed full of guided prompts.

Thanks for reading, and happy journaling!


The Science Of Studying Smart

Download my free exam success cheat sheet: all my #1 must-know strategies to supercharge your learning today.

    Your privacy protected. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.