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.
Focus Quote
For me, writing is a way of thinking. I write in a journal a lot. I’m a very impatient person, so writing and meditation allow me to slow down and watch my mind; they are containers that keep me in place, hold me still.
Ruth Ozeki
Journaling comes in many forms. You can search anywhere for journaling, and you might see pages of writing, bullet journaling, creative journaling, art journal pages, or anything in between. What all of these forms have in common is that they are the thoughts of the creators of each page. Every single page is showing you the thoughts and feelings of that person. The world at large may not be able to translate what that page is actually about to the original journaler, but they aren’t meant to.
Your page is for you. It is for your thoughts and your feelings. If those thoughts come out in words, paint, images, drawings, etc., that’s okay. The goal is just to slow down and let them out.
Weekly Inspiration
Art Journaling
The words do not have to be your own. They can be quotes, cut outs, anything you want.
Pin by instagram.com
The artist is l i l y and you can find more of her work on instagram.
Creative Journaling
Adding drawings or doodles can show as much emotion as words and sometimes more.
Pin by Shawna O’Reilly
Journaling
Tear out strips and apply them to the edge to create the illusion of borders or columns.
Pin by austinkleon.com
The images that I choose for inspiration are not about the links. They are solely about the images and what they represent. I love seeing other people’s journals. I love the inspiration that hits me to go write in my own. Sometimes, that inspiration leads me to try something I have seen on their pages. Mostly, it just inspires me to write!
Weekly Prompts
24.01 What is the worst pickup line ever used on you (or a friend)?
Describe the night, the pickup line, and the person who delivered it. Were they attractive? Funny? Did it work, or did you send them packing?
24.02 Do you have a funny photograph that still makes you smile?
Describe the photo and the event that lead up to the picture being taken. I have a photo that was taken back in college in the pitch black of night, but the flash caught the moment perfectly. We had all been drinking, and one of the guys had wandered off. We went into the spare room and found him passed out on the floor. I took the photo without turning on any lights, and I was shocked that it turned out as crisp and clear as it did.
24.03 Describe a silly or unrealistic belief you had as a child.
This belief can be funny or serious. Did you believe in Santa Claus? Or maybe you believed you were magic? Did you believe you could fly? There are many things we believe as a child and learn as we grow up that are just not true. My daughter wholeheartedly believed that the magic cape I was making for her would allow her to fly. She was absolutely heartbroken when she put it on and jumped off the step. She dropped like a sack of rocks and then cried. It broke my heart that I had let her down, lol.
24.04 Did you have a pet that was a significant part of your childhood?
Was it a dog or a cat? Describe the pet and precisely what made it so important. How old were you when you got it? What about when you lost it? Losing a pet at any age can be traumatic, but the one I lost as a kid affects me the most.
24.05 Do you compare yourself to others?
Why? Is there a reason that you feel you should be different? Do you feel as if they are better or worse than you? What if I told you that you are perfect just the way you are? Your flaws (perceived or real) are not flaws. There is nothing wrong with improving yourself. Remember that the improvements you work on should be just that, an improvement on what you already are. Do it for yourself and not for others.
24.06 How is your health routine?
Do you have one? Do you drink water or exercise? Is there a particular regimen that you follow, or do you wing it on a daily basis? Write it all down. Then, review it and see if you need to make any changes. Maybe add more water? More walking? Healthier snack habits?
24.07 Word of the Week: Quixotic.
Look it up, write the meaning, and then use it in a sentence. Sometimes, the joy of these words is the way they roll off the tongue.
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!
Have you signed up for unlimited access to the Divergent Vault, which features over 100 free journaling printables and freebies?
Happy Journaling!
Sarah G.
