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 a prompt can be as simple or as difficult as you would like. I do not use one everyday, 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! They are supposed to spark YOUR thoughts and feelings.
Focus Quote
The truth is, journaling can be as simple as capturing a moment in time through a photo or arriving at a clear decision made possible by asking intentional questions.
Marc Champagne
Lies were told on both sides. Neither side is innocent of abusing your trust by pushing a false narrative. But I genuinely believe both sides intend to improve the country. I wish they would fight for your vote without the fear-mongering and hateful rhetoric.
When we sit down to journal, we may sit with the intention of writing out pages of thoughts, or maybe we have a photo that says it all. The old saying ‘a photo is worth a thousand words’ is true. Sometimes, putting a photo on the page, alone or in a collaged or decorated way, is all that needs to be said. It’s always important to remember this and not feel pressured to put anything there you don’t want to be there.
Today’s journaling samples will include photos. I have no way of knowing whether or not the images used were their own. But, frankly, that’s not important at all. You do not have to use your own photos or take your own. Many images can be found for free in magazines or online at photo-sharing sites like Pixabay.com, Unsplash.com, or Pexels.
Weekly Inspiration
Journaling With Photos 01
This spread tells a story within the photos before you read a word. When you look back at old posts, a spread like this will instantly import you back into that moment, that day, that event.
Journaling With Photos 02
Another way to lay out photos on one side and add your journaling to the opposite page. This allows you to decorate and create a focal point with the photos.
Journaling With Photos 03
This lovely spread makes me want to put on my socks and cozy up with coffee. Photos can convey a message and don’t always have to be about memory.
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
45.01 Make up a fictional world; describe it and why you chose it.
Lately, a fictional world is sometimes what it feels like we are living in. But if you could imagine a different world, what would it have in it? What would you do? What kind of houses and cars would you have, or what otherworldly items or decorations would you keep around you?
45.02 Do you have any silly habits or quirks?
We all have habits but think about one that is considered odd, or that gets a giggle from your friends. Do you twirl your hair around your finger? Only wear certain shoes inside the house? You may have certain things in a particular order. It can be anything, everything, or something you’ve seen others do if you have none of your own.
45.03 Describe a dish from childhood that still makes you smile.
I know there’s another prompt about meals, but this is about a specific dish. We had little money when I was young; Hamburger Helper was such a treat. I still remember the flavor, the smell, and how it looked on the plate. It’s never tasted as good since I’ve been older but the memories are still great!
45.04 When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter?
What did you do, and how did it feel the next day? How old were you? Were you alone or with others? As you age, all-nighters get harder and harder. I remember pulling them when I was younger with little to no problems. But these days, I’m not sure I would survive!
45.05 What is one small thing you can do today that your future self will thank you for?
It’s easy to get caught up in goals and ideas about improving your life. Take the time to recognize one small thing, take a walk, put in 10 minutes of exercise, or mend an ongoing issue. Just identify one small thing that you will be grateful for later.
45.06 Describe your ideal lazy self-care day.
We spend a lot of time on ‘self-care’ regarding exercise, eating right, etc. But how about a lazy self-care day? Did you know that doing something you enjoy is just as healing as all the other important stuff? What would you do? Maybe wear your favorite sweats and binge-watch a TV show or read a book? You may want to drag out your sketchbook and watercolor. Be creative, have fun, and most importantly, allow yourself the freedom to do so.
45.07 Word of the week: Umbriferous.
Look it up, write it down, and use it in a sentence or two. I know a lot of your thoughts turned umbriferous as you sat watching the election results roll in. But know that you’re going to be okay!
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.
