Journal prompts for exploring your personal values

Write about your future self in the present tense, as in, “I am a teacher, I have two dogs, and I own a home full of thriving houseplants.” Paint a picture of your life that is both realistic and optimistic. Don’t focus too much on perfection; let your creativity bring clarity like you’re watching a Polaroid develop. What do you see around you? Who is with you? What are you doing?

Reflect on a time when you felt truly fulfilled and aligned with your deepest sense of purpose. What values were you honoring in that moment, and how did they contribute to your sense of fulfillment?

Write about your favorite movie, show, book, or album. Why does it stick in your heart and mind? Is your experience connected to an important memory of a person or place? Are you inspired or motivated by the words it contains? Do you feel soothed or validated by it?

Think about someone you deeply admire or look up to. What qualities or values do they embody that resonate with you? How can you incorporate those values into your own life?

Consider a challenging situation you've faced recently. What values did you rely on to guide your actions and decisions during that time? Did your actions align with your core values? If not, what adjustments can you make to better honor your values in similar situations in the future?

Imagine your ideal life five years from now. What values are central to that vision? How can you begin living in alignment with those values today to create the life you desire?

Describe yourself as a plant. Are you lush and boisterous? Are you short and spiky? Do you need constant watering, or maybe you thrive in arid environments? Are you tender and blooming, or hardy and perennial? What colors are your flowers, and how do they make you feel? Don’t get too caught up in imagining the kind of plant you feel like you should be. Focus on the type of plant you believe you are, or that you want to grow into.

Take a moment to explore any conflicts or tensions you're currently experiencing in your life. Which values feel compromised or neglected in these situations? How can you realign your actions and choices with your core values to bring greater harmony and authenticity into your life?