Journaling is such a powerful tool. Many use it to process trauma or just a regular day. I find it helpful in processing not only my past but also how I’m healing now.
The following are journal prompts to give you a start when facing the blank page. Often, we don’t know where to begin, so let this be a starting point. You can, of course, use the ideas to prompt you however you are inspired — writing, art, public speaking, whatever.
1 – What did you survive?
Not just the type of abuse, but rather the who, the what, the where. Tap into that hard place. Name it. Claim it. You survived it!
2 – Who believed you?
Did you confide in a friend? Did no one believe you until you found a counselor who did? How did it make you feel to be believed or not believed?
3 – What color represents your pain? Why?
4 – What color represents your healing? Why?
5 – What 5 things bring you joy besides family/friends/faith?
6 – If you could only leave yourself a note on the size of a Post-it, what would you say to your past self who is still in the middle of abuse?
7 – If you could tell your story to only one person and you had just 10 minutes, who would it be and why?
Also see: 8 Journal Ideas to Write Your Story
Journaling not only helped me to work on my healing, it also helped me to follow my dreams. Journaling led to me giving a TEDx Talk! Can you see elements of these prompts in my Talk?
