Journal Prompts When You’re Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed in Life

• 1. Write about your current feelings. How are you feeling now? This is important because jotting down your thoughts and feelings will help you realize what needs to change in your life. What should you do differently next time? How can you improve your relationships?
• 2. Write about all the things you have accomplished during this particular period in your life. What were some of your major achievements? What did you accomplish that others don’t know about? Why did it matter to you personally? Were you able to move past these events? If so, how?
• 3. Reflect and write about any changes or habits that you’ve noticed in your life since starting out on this journaling journey. What is different today than yesterday? What do you see growing stronger? What do you notice happening more often?
• 4. Make a list of all those who support you. Who inspires you to keep going despite obstacles? Do you have an array of friends and family members who stand by you no matter what? Which ones do you count among your closest friends?
• 5. List few of the most important life lessons that are currently being taught to you. What have you learned from each event? Think about the good and bad sides of every situation. What advice could you give someone else facing similar circumstances?
• 6. Write about things that you would like to happen in the future. Some people think writing about goals is selfish. But if you follow through with some of them, then it will feel rewarding. For example- “I’d love to travel more! I’m planning to go hiking in Japan. Also, my daughter wants to learn to swim.”
• 7. Write about dreams that you still have left unrealized. These may include things like losing weight, getting married, or buying a house. Remember, even though it’s been months or years since you had these dreams, you never lose your hope. You just need to put new energy into achieving them.
• 8. Think about a person whom you admire. Write about him or her. What he or she has done that made you remember his or her name? How does he or she make you feel? What kind of impact has he or she made on the world?
• 9. Are there positive qualities about yourself that you’re proud of? Write about these traits and abilities. How did they affect your decisions or behavior in certain situations? Consider your weaknesses too. Write about them too.
• 10. Describe a person whose presence inspires you everyday. Who do you look up to? What are your reasons behind admiring him or her? Why is it that you respect him or her so much? The more specific you make your description, the more powerful it becomes.
• 11. Have you ever doubted whether or not you’ll be successful at something? Explain why you kept doubting yourself. Be as honest as possible without hurting anybody.
• 12. Take a moment right now and decide what one thing you want to work on over the coming year. Write about it.
• 13. Think about times when you felt alone. Did anyone help you through difficult times? Is there someone close to you who you can share your feelings with? Share your thoughts with your writer buddy.
• 14. Write about some of the people you talk to regularly. What keeps you talking to them? Does it take time to call them back after being away for days or weeks? How was the conversation?
• 15. Write about a person whom you trust. Tell us why you value their company. Where do you meet these trustworthy individuals?
• 16. Do you often find yourself asking questions such as: ‘What should I do?’ ‘Why am I doing this?’ ‘Where should I be headed?’? Think about how each question changes depending upon circumstances.
• 17. Imagine that you’re 15 years old today. How is your life compared with where it is right now? If you were born today, what career choice would you make? Write about it.
• 18. Describe a time when you felt great joy. Was there anything special that played a role in leading you to that point? It doesn’t matter if it was big or small. We all experience happiness from time to time. So write about it.
• 19. Write about a favorite memory. You might have forgotten about it but you must have enjoyed it. Now, consider the reason behind its significance.
• 20. Write about your best friend who means the most to you. Talk about his or her personality, values, strengths and weaknesses; and how he or she has made a difference in your life.
• 21. Try telling a story about any event that has led you to a positive attitude. Give details. Make sure it has an ending.
• 22. Have you ever tried to break out of a habit or bad pattern? What happened to you? Could you explain why you failed? What will you try next time?
• 23. Think about the person who gave you the greatest gift ever. What did s/he say to you? Would you tell him or her how grateful you were for s/he’s act of kindness?
• 24. What kind of person do you admire? What makes you like him or her? What does he or she do well? What do you wish you could learn from him or her?
• 25. What are your goals for the future? What steps are you taking towards reaching those goals? Are they realistic?
• 26. Describe a situation where you had to rely on yourself. Were you able to handle everything by yourself? Were you proud of yourself?
• 27. What would you change about yourself if you knew you couldn’t fail?
• 28. Write about a time when you experienced fear. What was going through your mind during that time? What did you do to overcome the fear?
• 29. Write about something you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to. Why haven’t you done it yet?
• 30. Has anyone helped you in the past? Who was that person? What did s/he do for you?
• 31. Think about a time you went against the grain. Perhaps you didn’t want to go along with your friends’ plans even though you thought you were wrong. Think about whether you succeeded.
• 32. Ask yourself: “How well do I know myself?” “Am I satisfied with my current level of knowledge regarding certain areas of my life?” “Do I need to expand my horizons to achieve more?
• 33. Write about someone whose words meant a lot to you. What were they saying? What influenced them?
• 34. Describe a person you admired. He or she must have been unique. Did s/he exhibit some personality traits or beliefs that you feel comfortable with?
• 35. Is there anyone you care deeply about whom you don’t see too much of anymore? Consider writing to this person. Tell him or her how important s/he is to you.
• 36. Write about someone’s character traits (or lack thereof). What were they like? What influenced their actions? Did you come away convinced?
• 37. Do you feel overwhelmed with responsibility at times? How can you take better control over things?
• 38. List three qualities you enjoy having. Explain how these make you feel good.
• 39. In what ways can you become more compassionate than you already are? What can you do differently to improve upon your present attitudes?
• 40. How often do you forgive others? What effect does forgiving them have on you?
• 41. Have you ever had a problem that just wouldn’t seem to end? Think about it now. What changes took place as a result of such an issue? Was it resolved?
• 42. How can you be more giving and loving to other people? What would help?
• 43. Do you think people are living up to their potential, or not? If so, why? Why not?
• 44. If a friend or family member made fun of his or her appearance, would you stand up for him or her? Defend his or her point of view?
• 45. Write about a situation involving a difficult decision. How did you decide which way to go? Can you explain your reasoning?
• 46. Describe someone who has given you love and support throughout your life. What does s/he mean to you?
• 47. Why should everyone else live up to his or her full potential? What difference will it make if everyone takes advantage of all his or her skills, talents, and resources?
• 48. Write about a person you admire. What special quality do you find most admirable?
• 49. Are there any fears you still harbor toward the future? Why not face them?
• 50. Imagine your biggest dream. Now write down everything you can imagine doing to turn that dream into reality. What obstacles might arise in accomplishing your goal? What can you do about each one?
• 51. Why is it bad when people don’t keep promises to you? Shouldn’t we expect people to honor their commitments?
• 52. Describe how you would react if someone told you he or she loved you. Express what you’d say and do. Why?
• 53. Who has been the greatest influence on your life? Why?
• 54. Write about your best experience of joy. Where did it happen? How long did it last? What happened?
• 55. What is the most meaningful act of kindness you’ve ever witnessed? Why was it significant?
• 56. What do you consider to be worthwhile goals? Write about several.
• 57. How could you bring out the best in someone? Be specific.
• 58. Describe an incident where you felt humiliated. What led up to the event? Why didn’t you speak up earlier? How did talking about it change the situation?
• 59. Would you rather have an easy job or a hard but rewarding one? Explain your position.
• 60. Write about someone you feel strongly about. What makes him or her important to you?
• 61. What kind of advice would you give yourself today? Give reasons for your answers.
• 62. Compare two situations: one where you are happy with your life; the other, where you are not. Write about both. Which sounds better?
• 63. Describe a time when you were caught off guard by something unexpected. How did you handle the challenge?
• 64. Describe a situation where you felt like giving up. What motivated you to go on?
• 65. Write about someone from history whose example inspires you. How might you apply this person’s actions to your own life?
• 66. Why is it wrong to let fear control our lives? What would happen if we didn’t stop reacting to “unwanted” events in a negative manner?
• 67. In what ways are you a leader? How can you improve your leadership skills?
• 68. What is the worst thing that could possibly happen to you? Why does it scare you?
• 69. Do you believe there is good in every human being? If so, why? If not, why?
• 70. Think about times when you have made mistakes. What has happened as a result? Is anything different now? Explain.

Conclusion

I hope that these list of activities have helped you to improve your mood, future relationships, and just your daily life in general.

We all feel lost and suffer from a feeling of sadness from time to time, and that’s okay. But what’s not okay is letting feelings of depression consume you or leave you feeling hopeless.

Best of luck!