Ideas for Writing in Your Journal

Writing in a journal is the most important tool for personal development. Whatever is in your head, write it down. You never know when you might be able to use the information in the future. There is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. Just make sure you have it in a safe place and you write in it daily (or at least four times a week). Make a habit out of it.

Journals allow you to understand yourself, to vent, to release thoughts that are bringing you down and to record special memories you don't want to forget. I've been keeping journals since I could write. When I read back over how things have changed it gives me a great sense of success. I can see, in my own words, how I have grown as a person. This is one commitment you can't pass up.

I have compiled a list of ideas to help you get started in writing in your own journal. You can play around with these if they don't quit suit you and of course, make up your own topics to write about.

1. Write about your first childhood memory. This is useful because it might trigger an even earlier memory!

2. Write about what you are passionate about. Is it art, religion, helping people, animals, etc?

3. If you could be any mystical creature, what would you be and why?

4. Tape photographs to your pages and write what you like about it.

5. Write a prayer.

6. Practice writing calligraphy on your pages.

7. Record your dreams - you should have a separate journal for this.

8. Write about your pets, family and friends.

9. Write down the lyrics to your favorite songs.

10. Write a poem.

11. Write down numbers that stand out to you and why.

12. Write about your religious and/or spiritual beliefs.

13. What do you remember about elementary school?

14. Write about the funniest scene in a movie that you can think of and why you liked it.

15. What do you want people to remember about you?

16. Write about your imaginary paradise.

17. Write about your favorite quote and why you like it.

18. Do you think we're alone on this planet?

19. Write about your first love.

20. Does your horoscope match the person you really are? Why or why not?

21. Write about your pet peeves.

22. What do you want to be better at? (school, work, forgiveness, etc)

23. What hobbies do you want to get into? (writing them down might help motivate you)

24. Write about two or more of your own personality flaws.

25. Cut an article from a newspaper and tape it to a page. How does it make you feel? Why did you pick this article?

26. Pick a random word that you don't know from the dictionary. Use it in at least 10 sentences. (great way to expand your vocabulary)

27. Write about your first date and all the details you can remember.

28. Where do you want to be in 20 years?

29. Write down the things you have yet to apologize for.

30. If you could have three wishes, would what they be?

31. Write about your vacations and where you like to travel.

32. Write about your favorite season and why you like it.

33. Write a letter to someone. (you never have to send it off)

34. Have you ever questioned your existence? Why?

35. If you could be President of any country, which one would you choose and how would you change things?

36. Name ten reasons why god made the giraffe.

37. Write about any grudges you have and what you can do to make them go away.

38. Make a list of things you want to do before you die.

39. Write a story and make yourself the main character.

40. Try to answer philosophical questions like "why are we here?" in your own words.