Journaling Prompts for Self Discovery (part 2)
My earlier post detailing a few journaling prompts I’m fond of was reasonably successful, so I thought I would make a part two. Even if you like journaling to be a bit more freeform, reflecting on these prompts can allow you to get to know yourself better. In addition, some of them are activities you can come back to over time to see how you’ve changed or progressed.
1. Make a list of your obsessions. It’s good to know (really know, be aware of) the things your mind turns to time and time again.
2. Make a list of things that frighten you. Look for trends. Look back in a few months and see which ones you’ve conquered. Conquer more, and make a new list.
3. Put down every sensory thing you feel in this moment. From the feeling of the floor beneath your feet, to the whooshing sound of tires on the pavement outside, to the taste of whatever you ate last lingering on your breath and the tension of your shoulders from sitting at your desk for too long. Dwell on them for a moment. Let them go. Everything you ever feel is poetic in some way.
4. Take a line from a poem, book, song, advertisement, food label, the news, whatever is on television, and make it your first line. See where it takes you.
5. Make a list of words that sound like what they mean. Some of my favorite include custard, buoyant, corpse, coarse, malfeasance, and plump. Try to make sentences out of them.
6. Write yourself a love letter. Offer yourself some kindness. When you are not feeling kind toward yourself, read it again.
7. Set an intention for your day. Hold it in your mind, repeat it throughout the day. For example, “Today I will not let the opinions of others affect my mood.” or “Today I will face obstacles as they come to me.” and a favorite of mine is “Today I will live in the present.” At the end of the day, reflect on your intention. Did you remember to think of it throughout the day? Were you able to bring some of that attitude into your day?
8. Gratitude! I have a section in my bullet journal where I record something I am grateful for every day, but it is also nice to develop several thoughts about the things in your life you are thankful for.
