As we get older, we learn different styles of writing and how they fit into our education. But writing doesn’t just have to be about learning something.
Sometimes, writing about how you feel and really reflecting on certain emotions or memories is just as important.
Journaling gives you a way to express yourself and a way to look back and see how far you’ve come.
Using This Guide
You can use this guide however you’d like to inspire your writing. As long as you’re taking the time to reflect and write, you’re on the right track.
If you need a little help getting started, try one of these ideas:
- Scan through the list and use the first prompt that jumps out at you.
- Challenge yourself to write every day for a week (or even a month).
- Ask the person sitting to your left to pick a number between 1 and 41.
Time to Get Writing
- What do you think is the most important quality in a friend? Why?
- Are you a risk-taker, or are you more cautious? Explain with examples.
- What are some ways that you practice self-care? Why is self-care so important?
- Do you think kids and young adults spend too much time with technology and not enough time outside? Why?
- What is your biggest insecurity? Why do you struggle with it?
- Have you ever lied about something for a good reason? Did it help, or did it make things worse?
- What is the ideal way to spend a weekend? Provide examples.
- Do you think it’s fair that athletes and celebrities make as much money as they do, but teachers barely get by? Explain.
- Write a letter to someone who inspires you.
- Write a poem or short story using the following words: reflect, neutral, internal, gentle
- Write about a time when you were embarrassed in front of others. How do you feel about it now?
- Write about what excites you about the future.
- Write about what scares you about the future.
- What do you think your biggest strengths and weaknesses are? Why?
- Do you have a hidden talent or something about yourself that surprises people when you tell them? Explain.
- Are you most comfortable in a group setting or by yourself? Why?
- Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself.
- What is one habit that you have that you would like to change?
- When you first meet someone, what is the first thing you notice about them?
- If you were to make a movie about your life, who would you cast as yourself? As your friends and family?
- Is there a TV show or movie that comforts you when you’re down? What about it makes you feel better?
- Do you believe in miracles? Explain.
- Do you let what others might think of you hold you back from doing things? Why?
- Are you good at acknowledging your mental health?
- If you could re-read one book for the first time, which book would you pick? Why?
- Think about the last bad day you had. What happened? How did the day turn out?
- Are you a procrastinator? What can you do to motivate yourself?
- Are you a spiritual person? Explain.
- If your pet could talk, what would you talk about?
- Would you rather stand out or blend in? Why?
- What is something that scares you about the future? Explain.
- Do you have a bucket list? What’s on it? If you don’t, write one now.
- Write five things you love most about yourself.
- Explain how your attitude during the day can affect the outcome.
- Have you ever mistreated someone? What would you go back and change if you could?
- Write about yourself as if you were a stranger meeting you for the first time.
- If you could change something about your personality, what would it be? Why?
- What is one thing you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
- What do you wish more people knew about you? Explain.
- Do you tend to hold grudges or do you forgive easily? Explain with examples.
- If you could tell your parents anything, with no consequences, what would it be? Why?
Looking For More?
Whether you’re looking for prompts to help with journaling or creative ways to keep writing during the summer, we’ve got something for everyone!
We also have resources for adults and teachers so they can help you along the way.
If you’re looking for something specific or you have a suggestion, reach out to us. We’d love to hear your ideas!
