This week, instead of reaching for your third cup of coffee, try these journaling prompts to help you stay awake and engaged. Write when you get up in the morning, while you eat lunch or as you unwind at the end of the day.
Monday
Open the nearest book, magazine or dictionary and write down the first three words that catch your eye. Don’t overthink it; just go with the words that interest you. Use them as a starting point for your journaling today. What do you associate with each word? Does it remind you of a story or a person or a time in your life? What other words do you think of when you see or hear it? If you are on a roll, draw a picture or write a short story featuring all three words.
Tuesday
What is the most important topic on your mind today? Is it a concern, an exciting piece of news or a conflict? Tell your journal about it, and ask yourself questions that help you process your feelings. For example: Why is this significant to me? How do I feel about it? Do I want to share it with someone else? Is there any action I should take?
Wednesday
Spend 30 minutes people-watching in a place you enjoy – a park, a coffee shop, a library, a restaurant. Observe what they look like, whom they interact with, what they say and what they do. Write down notes about each person, then put together a story with your new characters.
Thursday
Make a list of the top 10 things that make you happy right now. Think of the journal writing exercise as taking a snapshot of today – what makes you laugh, smile or feel good about yourself?
Friday
Reflect on the past week. What made you happy or proud? Did you learn anything new? What worked well for you? Do you think daily journaling helped in any way? What do you want to carry with you into the following week?
Your comments? Help or Hinderance in getting you into or back into daily pen to page journaling? Would really love your thoughts.
Are you still in the process of establishing your journaling practice? Our Build a Lasting Journaling Practice in 14 Days self-paced course can help.