July is here and as I wrote in my theme reveal, this month will be about Journaling – #JournalinginJuly. I struggle to keep a journal so I’ve set myself a challenge to write from the daily prompts I have come up with. I will also be having a weekly guest to share their thoughts on a topic or their approach to keeping a journal.
On Saturday there will be a link up, co-hosted with Debbie from Deb’s World. If you would like to share your writing from the daily prompts or just write about one of them you are most welcome to link up with us.
Week 1 #JournalinginJuly
Here are the prompts for the first week which I will also share in the Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond Facebook Group each day. Remember, these are your personal thoughts and reflections so you may just want to write them for yourself. Sometimes you might just add an image if that captures your thoughts. It may only be a sentence or two, or bullet points or many pages. A journal is personal so whatever you choose will be right for you.
Day 1 – What makes me special?
Day 2 – Dreams & Goals
Day 3 – What makes me feel happy?
Day 4 – Write about a special memory?
Day 5 – What I did today
Day 6 – 3 things I’m grateful for
Day 7 – My favourite quote and why?
Do any of these prompts resonate with you? Some days and prompts will be easier than others and of course there may be days when you just don’t feel like writing or the prompt doesn’t inspire you.
Happy journaling!
34 Comments
Thank you for these great journal prompts Sue! There are some great ideas for things I had not thought of for my journal writing and I have already written about what makes me special. I am looking forward to wiritng each day.
Christine x
Hi Chris, I struggle with journaling so I’m looking forward to the challenge of writing each day. I will only post once a week though and maybe not all of my thoughts if they are too personal. Glad to have you join Deb and I xx
I’ver started with today’s prompt! I’m an unique individual which makes me very special 🙂
Hi Deb, it is exciting and many are joining in. I’ve written probably the same as you and that is good – we recognise that we are all unique and special in our own way. Bring on #JournalinginJuly xx
As you know, I love journaling. Although I usually need no prompting, I’ll give these prompts a go!
Looking forward to publishing your guest post this week, Jennifer! x
I hope your readers enjoy it and perhaps find a new way of journaling that suits them.
Hi Jennifer, I’m sure they will enjoy your post because it was quite informative. I know there have been several appreciative comments already. xx
Hi Sue, many years ago I facilitated a journal writing course. On the first day of class, participants wrote a ‘character sketch’ of themselves. We repeated the exercise at the end of the course. It was amazing to see how the descriptions changed, after just a few weeks of focused writing. If the ultimate goal is to be happy, fulfilled and live a life of purpose, how do you know what that looks and feels like if you do not examine yourself? Your prompts are an excellent device to motivate self-discovery. Best wishes for a month filled with ah ha moments!
Hi Suzanne an interesting exercise to try for sure. I do struggle with journaling so thought writing to a prompt might help and also get me into the habit of writing. I have sent you an email re a guest post if you are keen. Have a beautiful week. xx
Sue, Even though I am a regular journal writer, I did print out your daily prompts and will be adding them to my morning journaling. Did you also know there are 2 new moons this month? I have new moon ritual prompts as well… and July 2 and July 31 I’ll be doing them too. The new moon ritual prompts are based on your birthday – Today for me was “What do you need to let go? Do you have regular escape days planned in your calendar?” I thought the second was intriguing for me – I had just said to someone that I had nothing planned on Sunday and it was a lovely day-of-rest for me. I didn’t even hit my steps goal on the FitBit…just lay around reading, chatting on the phone, and giving myself a pedicure. A true escape day, for sure.
Hi Pat, I didn’t know there were two moons this month and I think I’ve heard of new moon ritual prompts through my friend and blogger Jo Tracey. We all need escape days and your Sunday sounded just perfect! x
Said it before – some really great prompts to think about there. #MLSTL
Thanks Lydia for visiting again and linking up at #MLSTL. x
Great prompts, Sue! I look forward to reading more!
Thanks Donna, now I just have to try to write to the prompts! x
Hi Sue – Such a good list of prompts that you came up with. Happy journaling! #mlstl
Thanks Natalie! x
That is such a good idea Sue and all good wishes sent your way for success in July. Prompts are very helpful. I continue to journal each night and in July am doing a photo prompt challenge which in its own way IS a challenge.
Denyse #mlstl
Thank you Denyse. I definitely need the prompts as I do struggle with journaling. I find my mind just goes blank. Yes a Photo prompt each day is definitely a challenge. I will look out for them. x
Hi Sue,
Journaling is a very good activity. If there is anything particular I make a note of that in my journal. I don’t force myself to write anything.
You have suggested some very interesting prompts. Not quite sure if I will be able to write each day since as a part of my work itself, I have a lot of writing to do every day. But I have copied these prompts on my notepad, and I will go back to them. Thanks for the suggestion.
A few of them have already sparked some thoughts.
I feel I am special because I am able to see multiple views of an issue and I am able to think before I react to anything.
A good old song with lilting tunes and rhythmic beats make me happy.
Though there are many quotes I like, I can’t remember them now. But an adage I like is “A stitch in time saves nine.”
#MLSTL visitor. Shared on social media.
Hi Pradeep, I think you have hit on the key – not forcing myself to write anything. In the past, I’ve sat down to journal and my mind has gone blank. It is a little like meditation – trying to clear the mind but thoughts just keep whirling in. In my case, journaling the thoughts just fly out of my brain. Perhaps that is my form of meditation 🙂
Hi Sue – I’m really looking forward to seeing what others write and link up with you each week. It will certainly add some variety and flavour to the week’s reading! Thanks again for co-hosting #MLSTL with me and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Hi BBB, yes I hope some will link up because it will be interesting to read their take on the prompts. I’m probably very obvious with mine but I have to start somewhere, don’t I?
Hi Sue,
I wish I could get into the journalling habit, as I know it is a good practice. Maybe this will help me.
#MLSTL
Hi Nancy, I’m like you and know I will struggle but I’m giving it a go for the month and then see if it changes my thoughts about keeping a journal. x
This is fabulous, Sue! I have kept a journal off and on for decades. There are “dry spells” where I can’t get motivated. This is a user-friendly way to stay the course and encourage the creative juices to flow. For me, expression in the written form is the best therapy I can find! Thank you! Have a beautiful day!
Hi Barbie, I certainly have struggled trying to keep a journal so hopefully writing to prompts might help me to form a new habit. You have a beautiful day too and thanks for stopping by. xx
I love your theme months, Sue! I struggle to journal regularly although I recognize its value. These prompts are great, thank you!
Thanks Agnes, I’m not sure if I’ve made a ‘rod for my back’, trying to come up with a new theme for each month but most readers have enjoyed the ideas. Have a great week and I’m pleased you enjoyed the prompts. x
Sue, You are full of ideas and inspiration! I admire your energy with keeping others inspired. I can’t see myself joining in on this challenge as I’ve just got way too many things to fit in and write anyway, but hope you all have a blast.
Thanks Christine, sometimes I’m not sure where the ideas or inspiration comes from but I will take it anyway. I’m sure I will struggle with the challenge because journaling hasn’t really been my thing but will give it a go! Have a great weekend. x
Thanks for the reminder, Sue. I really wanted to do this, but have been neglecting my writing lately. I think I’ll double up for the next couple of days until I catch up. #MLSTL
Hi Christie, I just struggle with journaling so hopefully the prompts will help me. I would love you to link up on Saturdays with some of your thoughts if you can. xx