If life is feeling a little “blah” right now and you feel yourself slipping into a rut, this post is for you. Also, just know that it’s totally normal to go through these down days, weeks, or months. There are so many factors that impact our mood. I know that the weather is a big factor for me so during the fall and winter months I find myself a little slower, unhappier, and generally less motivated. Even though I know it’s coming, it doesn’t make it easier. It can be freaking hard to find happiness everyday!!

I could spend those months being sad and unmotivated or I could try to do something about it. So, that is the choice I am giving you as well! If you are feeling down, unhappy, unmotivated, or just in some kind of a rut PLEASE KNOW that you can make the decision to stay in that or take steps to get out of it. Will it be easy? Probably not. But let’s be real, life can be hard and that’s okay! Just try your best, girl! 

**Please note that I understand people deal with depression and other mental health concerns that can influence your mood and motivation and by no means am I down playing those concerns. This is a general post about getting out of a rut and finding happiness. If you suffer from mental health concerns please consult a professional 🙂

Why journal prompts?

I have been journaling on and off for a couple years now. Sometimes I find myself doing it daily and other times it’s just when I need to get some feelings out. However, something I’ve done lately is no matter what either morning or night, I write a sentence or two about what I am grateful for, what made me happy, what I’m looking forward to, etc. Something along those lines. I don’t keep it too strict but I do keep it positive. It really helps when everyday I can find something good that happened or will be happening soon. It absolutely lifts your mood even if it seems a little silly at first. 

I do think there is benefit to doing a full journal sesh as well. So these prompts would be good to sit down and really think and write a bit more than a simple check in. If you have not journaled before or you don’t think it works I would highly suggest reading this post to get some more information on the science behind journaling and some benefits you can see! 

Looking for the little things in life

You know that saying “it’s the little things in life”? Well, it’s so freaking true! Time goes by so quickly. So much happens in a day and it’s easy to miss things or forget them. Usually if you ask someone how their day was they answer “good” or “fine” but they can’t even name one good thing that happened or anything that made them truly happy. What kind of life is that? Not a life I want to live. 

I know we want every single day to be great and have big, amazing, fun things happen but that just isn’t reality. So instead of waiting all year for that 7 day vacation to be truly happy, you need to take control and find happiness in the small things so you aren’t miserable in between all the bigger exciting events. Are you with me so far? If you need some ideas for finding happiness in the little things, go read this post!

The power of reflection

It’s really important to check in with ourselves occasionally. Self reflection is something that is often talked about in work places. Managers want their employees to check in with their productivity and professional development all the time to make sure everything is running smoothly. But how often do you check in on yourself in your personal life? 

When it comes to happiness many people look to their successes in life. Do you have a good job? Do you make a lot of money? Do you have that fancy certificate? Do you drive a nice car? Those things are all great and don’t get me wrong, they are things to be proud of. The thing is – they don’t really equal happiness. The worst part is that by not checking in on yourself to find out what truly makes you happy, you will just keep chasing these material dreams that will make you happy for a while but then fizzle out.

These journal prompts can help you figure out what really makes you happy and what is important to you. By answering the prompts you can dig a little deeper! And you know what, if that fancy car really does make you happy, there is NOTHING wrong with that and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

10 journal prompts to find daily happiness

If you have read this far I am assuming you are ready to give journaling a try and want to find more happiness in your daily life. GREAT! 

Start answering these prompts when it feels right to you. Maybe ever change some of the wording to better suit your lifestyle. Do whatever you need to do but make sure you commit to it. Write more than one sentence. Actually think about them and do some reflection. I promise, it will be so helpful!

1 – What made me smile today?

2 – What are my fav things about [insert name here]?

3 – How can I make one small difference in the world?

4 – What brings me the most joy at home?

5 – Write down 3 things you are grateful for in this moment 

6 – Write about a time you were truly happy 

7 – What is something you have recently achieved (big or small)?

8 – What am I looking forward to in the next 3 months and why?

9 – What am I proud of myself for?

10 – If I had all the money I needed, what would I do with my life?

Tell me something that brings you happiness in everyday life! For me, it’s early mornings on the couch with my cat cuddled up with me.