Unlocking the joy of journaling has been one of the few things that I returned to during the quarantine period. I find it easier to be candid when I write down my thoughts in my notebook.

But there are days when I find it hard to start writing too. I stare at the blank pages and hope for words to come. One of the things that get me going are journal prompts. These are phrases or questions that will kickstart the writing process by letting the ideas come.

My experience

Using prompts make for a rich writing experience. There was one time when I joined Rupi Kaur’s writing workshop on Instagram live. The poetess and illustrator used powerful prompts as she led her viewers to write a letter and a list poem. I used that session to write a letter to my mom because it was Mother’s Day.

Tap into your creative side

You can do the same concept in your journal time too. Your entry for the day need not be in paragraph form. You can also create poetry or even a photo essay! The sky is the limit when you let your creativity run its course.

Here are some great examples that you can use as inspiration:

  1. How do I feel today?
  2. What made me smile today?
  3. My favorite moment today was…
  4. If my body could talk, it would say…
  5. My favorite joke is about…

For days when you want to do some introspection, you can start with the following:

  1. If I could write to my past self, what would I say?
  2. Name what or who is enough for you.
  3. How far would you go for your ambitions?
  4. What have I learned from my past mistakes?
  5. I feel most content in my skin when…

When you want to reflect on the matters of the heart, some prompts could be:

  1. I know I have fallen in love with someone when….
  2. What are the things that I want to hear from my partner?
  3. The craziest thing I have done for love was…
  4. Jot down 10 things to describe your perfect partner…
  5. Name your most unforgettable moment with an ex or current significant other

Maybe you want to write down your takeaway during the lockdown. If so, consider these prompts:

  1. Before the doors open again, I would…
  2. What is the activity that helped you pass the days?
  3. What have I learned about myself?
  4. Name the things that brought you joy during the crisis
  5. What was your funniest Zoom memory?

Other tips

Set the mood in your space when you are about to start journaling. Turn off the phone or switch off the laptop. Play ambient songs or enjoy the stillness of your surroundings. If lighting a candle is your thing, go ahead and do it. Sing if you want to. You will be surprised how your atmosphere can affect the way you write.

A creative outlet

Recording your thoughts will help you make sense of things that are happening in and around you. Just choose a topic each day.  By and  by you will have a notebook that reflects your inner world.