Have you been using ChatGPT lately? There’s a lot of talk these days about finding the best prompts to get great answers.
But did you know prompts can work wonders for humans too?
A Sasuga! Tips For You reader wrote to me the other day:
“I’ve been journaling recently and have found your newsletter questions amazing prompts for journaling!”
That was a pleasant surprise—I hadn’t really thought about my writing being helpful for journaling!
If you’re not currently journaling, you might want to have a go.
I struggled with journaling for years. Now, I find it invaluable for exploring thoughts and ideas—and remembering what truly matters.
If, like many busy professionals, you tend to neglect your selfcare, you might feel like your mind is constantly racing.
Are you often telling yourself, “I have to do this, I have to do that”?
Replaying conversations that didn’t go well?
Worrying about what might happen?
Journaling is a powerful way to slow down those thoughts and start making sense of them.
Let’s Talk How, When, and What to Journal
How
Some people type their journals. I’ve done that in the past. But I can type fast, so I prefer handwriting to slow down my thoughts.
If you’re using a paper journal, you might be tempted to go out and buy a fancy notebook. Have you looked around your home though? Maybe you already have something that you can use? If it doesn’t look so inspiring, you can cover it with something more beautiful.
When
If you want to create a journaling habit, I recommend journaling at the same time each day – for example after breakfast or before going to bed.
Me? I’m a morning person. After making myself a cup of Yorkshire tea, it’s one of the first things I do along with meditating, reading, and reviewing my goals.
But you don’t HAVE TO do it every day. You can write more some days than others. Do what works for you 😊
What
Write whatever you like. Reflect on your previous day, answer a question, or just let your thoughts flow.
Here’s what I usually include in my journal:
- The phase of my cycle that I’m in (or now that I’m in perimenopause I use the moon’s cycle as reference)—helps me to align and optimize my tasks and activities
- My levels of sleep, energy, and mood and any physical symptoms
- My word of the year and an key words I want to remember
- Gratitude for at least 3 things
- Accomplishments from the previous day
- Whatever else is on my mind
One phrase I used for a long time to start my journal every morning was
“What would make today great would be…”
Then I’d write one thing I really wanted to complete—work-related or just for fun. It kept me focused on what truly mattered and gave me a sense of accomplishment when I looked back.
If you’re not journaling yet, why not test it out? It can be a powerful way to slow down, reflect, and remember just how much you actually have accomplished!
📝 5 Journaling Prompts for the Second Half of 2025
- What was the most unexpected yes you said in the first half—and what did you learn from it?
- What did you say no to—and how did that create space for something better?
- What do you not want to carry forward—and how can you let it go?
- Who in your life might need more of your support—and what’s a small way you can show up for them?
- If you could press pause on worrying about time, energy, or what others think, what bold step would you take in the next 6 months?
If you’d like more guidance on self-reflection and personal growth, these are just some of the techniques included in my private and group coaching programs.