Creative journaling prompts…….So here’s the deal: I used to think journaling was for people who had their lives together. You know, the ones who wake up at 5am, light a soy candle, stretch into perfect downward dog poses, then gracefully glide to their desk and write about gratitude before sipping their matcha latte. Meanwhile, I was barely holding it together with cold pizza for breakfast and a pen that leaked all over my hand.
But somehow, I still ended up keeping a journal. Accidentally.
It started in college when my roommate left a notebook in the common room. I opened it thinking it was class notes (okay fine, I was snooping). But it was a bunch of random writing prompts she’d given herself—stuff like “What would I do if money wasn’t a thing?” and “What’s one mistake I keep making over and over?” And I don’t know, something about that felt… less intimidating than writing “Dear Diary, today I…”
So yeah. That was my gateway drug: creative journaling prompts. They trick you into self-discovery without making you feel like you’re trapped in a therapy session with yourself.
And because I’m a giver (lol), I’m dropping 25 journaling prompts below—stuff that’s weird, surprising, and maybe even a little chaotic.
25 Creative Journaling Prompts That’ll Actually Make You Think
(Yes, even if your handwriting looks like a doctor’s prescription.)
1. What’s the soundtrack of your life right now?
Like, if someone made a movie about you this week, what songs would play? (Mine would have “Mr. Brightside” blasting every time I spiral about something dumb.)
2. Write a letter to your future self—five years from now.
Not the polite kind. Like, actually roast yourself. Or hype yourself up. Whatever feels real.
3. Describe a day where everything went wrong.
Now write how you wish you had handled it. (Spoiler: I would’ve kept my cool instead of crying in the Walmart parking lot. Twice.)
4. List your irrational fears.
Mine? Escalators. Also, that my Amazon driver secretly judges my snack orders.
5. Who was your childhood hero?
Do you still admire them? Or do you look back and think… “Yikes.”
6. What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever gotten?
I once got told I had “good ear lobes.” Still not sure what that means.
7. Write about a place you’ve never been but feel weirdly connected to.
For me, it’s Iceland. Never been. But every time I see it on Instagram, I’m like… maybe I belong there with the puffins.
8. What are your “comfort foods”—not the edible kind, but like, shows, smells, or songs that soothe you?
9. Imagine your “shadow self.”
Like, the version of you who makes bad choices. What do they do differently?
10. If you had to teach a class on anything, what would it be?
Mine would be “Overthinking 101.” Or maybe “How to Nap Like a Pro.”
11. Write about something you’ve never told anyone.
(You don’t have to show it. Burn it later if you want. Very cinematic.)
12. What’s a phrase or quote you’re sick of hearing?
For me, it’s “Live, Laugh, Love.” Sorry, Aunt Carol.
13. If your younger self could see you now—what would they say?
Depending on the day, mine would either say “Wow, you made it!” or “Seriously? Crocs?”
14. Who’s the funniest person you know?
Describe why. Humor says a lot about what we value.
15. What’s your relationship with silence?
Do you crave it? Avoid it? Play white noise so your brain doesn’t explode?
16. Write about a scar you have—physical or emotional.
What’s the story?
17. Imagine you’re 90 years old.
What do you hope you’ll remember most?
18. Make a list of “tiny joys.”
Not big achievements. Like, when your dog sneezes or when Target has your favorite chips back in stock.
19. Describe your dream room.
Not house. Just one perfect room. Go wild. Disco ball? Indoor hammock? Do it.
20. What habit do you want to break?
Now—what habit do you want to start?
21. Write about a time you embarrassed yourself but now think it’s funny.
Back in 8th grade, I wore two different shoes to school. Not on purpose. It was a Monday.
22. What do you want your life to feel like—not look like—five years from now?
23. Imagine your phone could only hold five apps.
Which ones make the cut? (RIP Candy Crush.)
24. Write about the last dream you remember.
Even if it was dumb. Especially if it was dumb.
25. If you could relive one day—just to feel it again—what day would that be?
The Weird Thing About creative journaling prompts
Here’s the part where I get cheesy. (Sorry.)
When you actually sit down and write—even if it’s just half a page—you start noticing patterns. Like, “Oh wow, apparently I rant about the same coworker three times a week.” Or, “Why do all my dream entries involve food courts?”
That’s the magic. It’s not about perfect sentences or using the right pen (though if you have a favorite, shout out to Pilot G2s). It’s about sneaking past your brain’s “I don’t wanna talk about this” defenses. Prompts do that. They’re like backdoor keys into your own head.
Bonus: How to Keep Journaling Without Quitting After 3 Days
Because yeah, we’ve all been there—buying a cute notebook and then abandoning it after two entries.
- Make it ugly. Don’t try to make your journal Pinterest-worthy. Scribbles welcome.
- Set a timer. Even 5 minutes counts.
- Use prompts (duh). You don’t have to invent brilliance on a blank page.
- Laugh at yourself. Half my entries read like bad tweets. Still worth it.
Where to Go From Here: creative journaling prompts
Honestly? Just start with one of these prompts tonight. No pressure.
And if you want more messy, real takes on journaling, I recommend checking out Austin Kleon’s blog—dude makes creativity feel less intimidating. Or dig into old LiveJournal entries if you dare (yes, they still exist).
And hey, if you ever end up writing something that surprises you—something that makes you go “wait, I didn’t know I felt that”—that’s the good stuff. That’s self-discovery, baby.
Suggested Outbound Links:
- A fun piece on travel-inspired movies to pair with these books
- A quirky personal blog about [accidentally booking the wrong flight](https://www.the Everywhereist.com/)
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