When the way forward seems uncertain, we often turn towards other people and outlets to seek an answer, when really the answer was within ourselves the whole time. One of the best and most popular ways to combat stress, anxiety, and even boredom is by journaling, but not in just any old journal — in guided and interactive journals that were designed to help cultivate inspiration. So, for those looking for some home-grown inspo, check out these 10 guided journals below to help you out.
Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self Exploration
Designed to help readers nurture their creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation, this journal uses vibrant hand-lettering, supportive prompts, and exercises along with inspirational quotes to encourage reflection through writing, drawing, chart-making, and more. It features inspiring quotes from writers, artists, and other visionaries paired with open-ended questions and prompts, with plenty of room for writing and reflecting. This book will make a perfect gift and keepsake, as well as become a powerful tool for positive change.
Good Days Start With Gratitude: Gratitude Journal
For those who would prefer a simple and straightforward journal, this one is for you. It’s a 52-week guide to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Each weekly spread contains an inspirational quote, space to write three things you are thankful for each day of the week, and a weekly checkpoint. There are a few thought-provoking entries, like writing about one person that you are truly grateful for knowing, about one experience that you are grateful for that shaped who you are today, and one place that you are thankful you had the opportunity to visit and why.
See More: 50 Things to Do at Home So You’re Never Bored
The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter
Decluttering your pantry is an exhausting thought and decluttering your life seems nearly impossible. Thankfully, this beautiful and mindful journal guides readers on how to have less stress, less distraction, less stuff, and less everything. It contains special paper goodies, including a one-thought-a-day diary, a fold-out tiny house with accessories to let you imagine the pleasures of living in a small and cozy space, and four art posters that depict a beautiful picture of what it means to do less, not more. Decluttering your life and mind makes room for more listening, more focus, more wisdom, more time, and more life.
Becoming: A Guide to Discovering Your Voice
After Michelle Obama’s wildly successful memoir Becoming swept the nation, the unimaginable happened — she created a guided journal based on her book, to help you discover and rediscover your story. This gorgeous journal features an intimate and inspiring introduction by the former First Lady and more than 150 inspiring questions and quotes. Her message to readers is, “It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.”
This Year I Will… A 52-Week Guided Journal to Achieve Your Goals
If you’re struggling with thinking you won’t be able to stick with a goal, definitely try this book out. It hones in on helping you grow with intention, track your progress, and practice gratitude. What people love about this journal is that it gives a realistic look at your goals and how you can get them done. It will help guide you towards your desired goals with a variety of prompts and mental exercises. It offers the tools and support you need to finally do the things you keep promising yourself you will do.
Present Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are
Just as the title suggests, this journal guides you on how to enjoy life rather than constantly pushing for perfection. It’s hard not to be anxious and lost in a blur of busyness when everything feels like a competition due to constant pressure to perform up to unrealistic expectations of perfection, many of which are self-imposed. This journal cuts to the heart of the problem by showing women how to reconnect with their inner selves through solitude, introspection, and contemplation of what’s truly important to them as individuals and family members.
Practice You: A Journal
The author describes the journal as a portable sacred sanctuary to record our flashes of insight, find our ground, create and clarify our goals, and bear witness to our own evolution. With more than 150 beautiful pages of questions, teachings, inspiring imagery, and plenty of space to write, draw, and reflect, this journaling adventure guides you into nine compelling portals to your highest ways of living. We all need reminders to listen to your own truth and wisdom. A helpful tip — visit the official website or follow the Instagram page at @practice.you to discover how to use the journal properly and subscribe to the podcast hosted by the author for more inspiration.
Read More: 15 Books That Will Take You on Adventures Without Leaving Home
52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy
Moorea Seal, the author of the runaway hit The 52 Lists Project has come out with three additional journals {the last three listed} to help people achieve their ultimate happiness. Seal draws inspiration from her own personal philosophy and that many people have been able to identify with. This journal helps cultivate their own uniquely happy and fulfilling lives through the power of lists, encouraging readers to reflect, invest in themselves, and ultimately transform their lives by figuring out exactly what makes them happy.
52 Lists for Togetherness: Journaling Inspiration to Deepen Connections with Your Loved Ones
The goal of this journal is to learn more about who you are, how you see your loved ones, and how you can thrive together by creating 52 lists. There is one list for every week of the year in this beautiful, undated hardback journal meant for celebrating and cherishing the many relationships that make up a community. It’s meant to be filled out solo, but the journal can also be a great tool to connect with loved ones by sharing and comparing lists. List one asks you to write a list of the friends, family, coworkers, mentors, and others who come to mind when you hear the word community.
52 Lists for Calm: Journaling Inspiration for Soothing Anxiety and Creating a Peaceful Life
This edition of The 52 Lists Project includes lists and tips that are specially designed to soothe the stressed-out soul. There are 52 listing prompts divided into four sections, Be Present, Look Back, Move Forward, and Release. Additionally, there are tips and strategies for mindfulness and relaxation, thought-provoking quotes, short inspiring essays, soothing photography and illustrations, metallic-foil accents, and a ribbon. Those suffering from anxiety, tension, and burnout will find the journal particularly helpful, although anyone can benefit.
