A journal is one of the simplest tools for understanding yourself. A few minutes of honest writing can help you sort out a worry, notice what you're grateful for, make a decision, or see how far you've come. All you need is a pen, a notebook, and a good question to start with.
Below you'll find more than 500 free journal prompts, grouped by topic. Pick the topic that fits your day and answer just one prompt.
How to start journaling
- Start small. Five minutes or one paragraph is plenty.
- Don't edit. Spelling and grammar don't matter. No one else has to read it.
- Be honest. Write what you really feel, not what you think you should feel.
- Pick a regular time. With morning coffee or just before bed are easy times to remember.
- Look back now and then. Rereading old entries shows you how much you've grown.
Journal prompts by topic
Each collection below has 30 prompts.
Getting to know yourself
Healing and letting go
Kindness toward yourself
Relationships
Goals, work, and money
- Goal-Setting
- Motivation
- Time Management
- Career Growth
- Starting a New Job
- Financial Abundance
- Creative Expression
Taking chances
A prompt for every day
Each Today's Focus theme includes 10 journal prompts along with affirmations and short meditations. Or visit Random Journal Prompt for a surprise.
Turn your writing into action
When your journaling points to something you want to change, the free worksheets in the Chances Toolbox can help you turn a wish into a plan. For a letter you'll never send, try The Unsent Letter, or write to your future self with A Letter to Your Future Self.
You might also like our Affirmations, Guided Meditations, and Life Guides.
Your story is worth writing down. Start with one honest sentence today.