40 Journal Prompts to Discover What Really Matters to You

It’s surprisingly easy to spend your life chasing things you never actually wanted. Between social media, family expectations, advertisements, and well-meant advice, we’re constantly being told what should matter: more money, nicer house, a different career, a better body. But, when was the last time you stopped long enough to ask yourself what you actually care about?

When I started my journal collection, my biggest focus was on finding ways to show gratitude to present day. As much as learning from the past and focusing on our future goals can help to get us where we need to go, I believe there is magic to be made made in showing yourself just how much today means to you.

One day, today’s ordinary moments will become memories. The coffee you drink every morning, the songs you’re playing on repeat, the way your kids laugh, the dreams you’re working toward… this version of you only exists once.

One of my the biggest inspirations behind Creating Me came from an unexpected place: Runaway Bride. Specifically, it was the scene where Ike confronts Maggie with, “You’re so lost, you don’t even know what kind of eggs you like!” — She’s spent her life following the interests of all of the men she’s almost married, instead of building a mind of her own.

Creating Me became more than celebrating present day, but focusing on who you are at your core in this moment. And while these things might change, they are proof that you know and care about yourself regardless of the hurdles you are facing in this moment.

Before you can build a meaningful life, you have to understand the person who’s building it.

Whether you’ve lost touch with yourself or simply want to reconnect with what matters most, these 40 journal prompts are designed to help you uncover your values, priorities, and the life you genuinely want to create. Each one is inspired by the philosophy behind my Creating Me Legacy Journal Series.

1. What parts of your life make you feel most like yourself?

2. When do you lose track of time because you’re so engaged?

3. What are you most grateful for right now?

4. What do you wish you had more time for?

5. What consistently drains your energy?

6. What brings you the greatest sense of peace?

7. Which parts of your life feel most out of alignment?

8. If someone observed your life for a week, what would they assume matters most to you?

9. What three values do you hope people associate with you?

10. What value would you never compromise, regardless of the cost?

11. When have you felt proudest of yourself?

12. What kind of person do you admire most?

13. What qualities do those people have that you’d like to develop?

14. What makes you angry, and what value might that reveal?

15. What have your biggest life decisions been based on?

16. Are your calendar and your values telling the same story?

17. Who makes you feel safe to be completely yourself?

18. Who brings out your best qualities?

19. Who do you wish you spent more time with?

20. What relationships deserve more attention?

21. Which relationships consistently leave you feeling exhausted?

22. How do you want the people closest to you to describe you?

23. If today were your last day with someone you love, what would you wish you had said?

24. What traditions or memories do you hope your family remembers decades from now?

25. If you suddenly had an extra ten hours every week, how would you spend them?

26. What activities consume your time without adding much meaning?

27. What have you been postponing that you know is important?

28. What are you saying “yes” to that deserves a “no”?

29. What small moments make life feel rich?

30. What season of life are you currently in, and what does it require from you?

31. If no one could judge you, how would you spend your life?

32. What do you hope people remember about you?

33. What kind of impact do you want to have on others?

34. What experiences have shaped who you are most?

35. If you could pass down only five life lessons, what would they be?

36. What parts of your story deserve to be preserved?

37. What would your future self thank you for starting today?

38. What’s one area of your life that deserves more attention?

39. What one change would make your life feel more aligned with what truly matters?

40. After answering these prompts, what matters most to you right now?

See you,
Amy