20 Autumn Journal Writing Prompts — Be Positively Limitless

“A word after a word after a word is power. “ ~Margaret Atwood

Autumn Introspection

Every autumn I am overcome with seasonal bliss. I love the subtle weather changes, the cooler temps and the color explosion happening in the trees. I delight in getting just the right placement of the multi-sized pumpkins, warm spice-scented candles and cozy throws.

Confession: Do you know what I especially love? Pulling out the box of fall and winter sweaters that have been tucked away in the back of the closet for months. I slowly open the box with gleeful anticipation like it's a beautiful present sent specially to me by my past self. Yee!

There is a shift in the atmosphere as well. The crazy free days of summer have come to a close. School is back in secession in full force. The beach has quieted its call. Tourism season has all but shut down.

It's time to stay home, put on comfy clothes and nestle into the couch, binge a new series together or replay all 6 seasons of Gilmore Girls on my own, yet again.

It can all make me introspective. Looking inward and thinking more about what is actually going on in my head. But then what to do with all of those rambling thoughts?

Writing them down has always been an outlet for me. Creatively, as well as for the benefit of my mental health.

Putting my thoughts on paper makes them real and defined, and helps me organize them. And who doesn’t love a great organizer?

Quick truth: The thought of organizers really makes me want to go attack my closet, to sort out my clothes by colors and categorize my jewelry into day and nightwear. But I will control myself and stay right here. The shiny distractions will be there later, just waiting for me.

Back to journaling. Let’s get set.

Prep Your Area

Part of the allure of journaling is to prep the area. Finding a “good” journal can involve a delicious hunt in the school supply area or stationary section of the store. It’s the pursuit of just the right vessel for my precious words that can make me giddy with excitement. If you want to start right now, just print off this journal page and go!
And then there’s the pens. Don’t get me started on the pens! Definitely a premium roller gel with a good comfort grip. Do I need multiple colors at the ready? Or is this a medium point iris blue kind of situation?
What beverage will soothe and inspire me? Pumpkin spice coffee? Vanilla Chai Tea? Plain water with a squirt of acai flavoring? Is it a hot or iced kind of day? So many choices!
What environmental things spark your creative talent? Is there a cozy spot in your home that will foster your inspiration, or can you find an outdoor space to relax in nature? What items so you want to surround you… a fall candle, your favorite throw, your dog curled up at your feet?
Finding a good soundtrack is key. I have learned that I require a subtle background noise that enhances my environment and lifts my mood, but doesn’t distract me. It must be instrumental, otherwise I will absentmindedly start singing along and get lost in the lyrics. The Bridgerton soundtrack is always a popular choice, but typically trusting Pandora’s Classical Music for Studying fits my mood to a T.
Some people like the gentle pressure of a timer. It gives a clean ‘start and stop’ boundary. Set it for 10 minutes at first and see how you feel when it goes off. Were you satisfied or disappointed? Extend it to 20 or 30 (or more!) as you get into the flow.

“Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
*~Mary Oliver*

Put the Pen to Paper

Now, what to write? Any good writer will tell you that putting your butt in the seat is half the task, and making the pen move is the other. Don’t overthink the draft. Write whatever comes to mind. Jot down your feelings, recent events, inspired ideas and unfulfilled dreams. Just open your mind and keep the pen moving.

Need some inspiration? Below are 20 journaling prompts you may want to consider for your writing. Perhaps one will spark a thought you already have, or another one may open up a whole new thought pathway.

Rest assured, beautiful girl, there is no right or wrong way to write. Just pick up the pen and start. Anything that pours out is your unique gift to the universe.

That said, if you are looking for some motivational starter tips, here you go:

Start by prepping your area with your favorite things and set the stage for a relaxing and inspirational moment with yourself.

Open your journal to a fresh clean page. Breath deep and take it in.
Choose a prompt from the list, and write it at the top of your page.
Close your eyes as you let the words of the prompt ruminate in your brain. What does it bring to mind for you? Where do your thoughts go? How are you feeling as you ponder this prompt? Take all the time you need. There is no rush here.

When you are ready, open your eyes and place the pen to paper. Go. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation and all of the grammar rules you learned in high school.

Just get your thoughts down.

20 Journal Writing Prompts for Autumn

What is a favorite memory of summer, and why did I enjoy it?
What are 3 goals I have for this autumn, why are they important to me?
What 5 things bring me joy, and how can I get more of that into my life?
Am I living my dream life? What more do I want to attract?
How can I practice more self-love and compassion in my life?
What moments in my life most recently have made me proud of myself?
List 10 things in my life that make me happy. List 5 things I want to add. How?
How can I step outside of my comfort zone this week?
What are 3 things I can control this week, and how do I want to meet them?
What makes me energized and alive in this season?
What is the funniest thing that happened to me lately?
Who are 5 loved ones I can depend on, and what gifts do they bring to my life?
If I stopped worrying about what others thought of me, how would I behave?
If I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I try to accomplish?
What is keeping me from accomplishing my goals, and how can I change that?
If I could travel anywhere, where would I choose to go and why?
A letter to my younger self.
A letter to my mother.
Who am I becoming, and what is one small step I can take to meet her?
What energy do I want to carry into this new season? How will I manifest that energy?

When you are finished, go back and read it out loud to yourself. Make any quick edits or tweaks you’d like. Now date the entry and close your journal. Well done.

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”

*~William Wordsworth*

Beautiful girl, remember that your words are magic. Your thoughts are now a permanent record. You have made an indelible mark on the world that no one can take away, argue or alter.

Your thoughts have been recorded for whomever you choose to read them; maybe no one but you, or maybe future generations.

You can write down any of the thoughts in your mind and make them real. Your stories, your ideas, your dreams. Writing can be fun, but it can also be therapeutic.

The words you choose, as well as the order you put them in, are unique to you, and you are the only one who can arrange them in such a particular way. Your voice is truly one of a kind.

Comment below with your own writing inspirational tips and topics. Where do you like to write, and what are your favorite things to have on hand?

Your writing can allow others to see inside of your soul, and help you create your legacy.

You are the author of your story, the captain of your ship.

You are positively limitless.