Weekly prompts to help you think a little harder, write a little longer, and have a bit of fun in your journal. I provide the prompt and then a bit of discussion afterward to help you think beyond the prompt.
How To Use Weekly Prompts
Using weekly prompts can be as simple or as difficult as you would like. I do not use one every day, and sometimes I use several from the weekly prompts list at one time. Over time, I have learned that too simple doesn’t work for me. I like to push the question around in my mind, look at it from a couple of different perspectives, and see what comes out.
Imagine, if you will, the prompt as a unique piece of artwork. Put that piece of artwork on a pedestal and then move around it. Look from side to side, high to low, and anything between. I want it to speak to me, give me thoughts, and guide my thoughts into a deeper understanding.
In all seriousness, I do study the question. I don’t spend hours on it and sometimes not even minutes. A few seconds and a few pointed questions after. Generally, those questions begin with why. Why did the prompt spark that response? Does that matter to me, and why? Why did I choose that answer/point? My meanings and questions can be vastly different from yours. That’s okay! The prompts are supposed to spark YOUR thoughts and feelings.
Weekly Prompts
#1. Write about a motel experience. Good, bad, saucy, funny, you pick!
Staying in a hotel can be all kinds of good or bad. We have had some crazy ones! Once, my kid was flashed by a naked man standing in his hotel room across the courtyard from us. Another time, she spent her time folding her body into every small space she could find, and once the floors were so filthy, she was pretty certain she caught gonorrhea. Write about one of your trips, how was the room? Was it clean? A good trip? Bad?
#2. What’s your favorite thing to do in bed?
Oh, my dirty-minded people, that’s not the ONLY thing to do in bed. But maybe it’s your favorite! I can remember writing, reading, drawing, doing school work, etc., in bed over the years. I find it fascinating that age has changed what the bed is for over the years. For many years, it was solely for sleeping. In the travel trailer, it still is, but in the cabin… again, I am back to those younger years where I use the bed as a free-for-all space. But my favorite is when Mark, Kate, and I are all piled on the bed in the cabin doing our own thing. Usually I am writing, she is reading, and he is playing on his phone.
#3. Write a description of yourself in the third person.
This can be hard, but it’s really helpful. Write as if you are introducing someone to a friend. Tell about that person and the things that make them likable. It’s okay if you don’t like yourself at times, but put that aside. Really dig and leave out all of the annoying flaws you find in yourself. Or don’t write that down, too. Just be sure to follow it up with ‘but’ and end it on a positive note.
#4. How do you like to spend your alone time?
If you are a parent, a sibling, or a roommate, then alone time can be challenging to find. But, when you do find it, how do you spend it? What is your go-to activity to take advantage of that time? Do you spend it doing something you love, or do you rush around doing chores you can’t get done with everyone else around?
#5. What is the best dream that you can remember?
Sometimes, our dreams really stick with us. My favorite kind of dream is the one that I wake up from, and the rush of good emotions just sticks with me all day. Sometimes, I can’t even remember the dream itself, but the feelings remain! Those are my favorites in a really weird way, haha!
#6. You are going to be deserted on an island with only a shoebox you packed. What’s in the box?
The Swiss army knife fits in your pocket, so don’t waste room on it in the box. The shoebox is a man’s size 12 sneaker—a good size, but this is for life. Within seconds of this thought, I saw taped photos on the inside of the box. Then, I immediately got emotional. A journal would go in obviously, but that’s it.. one journal for the rest of my life. That really hurt my heart. What would you put in your box?
#7. Word of the week : flibbertigibbet.
Look it up and write it down. Then, write down the definition and try to use it in a sentence. I love odd and unique words!
I hope these weekly prompts inspire you to think harder, dig deeper, and write a little longer this week. Looking for more prompts? Check out the Divergent Dialogues category to see more weekly prompts, 31+ Fun Journaling Prompts, or head on over to my Pinterest board!
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Happy Journaling!
Sarah G.
