10 Journal Prompts for October

October serves as an ideal time for reflection and self-discovery.  As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, writing can be a comforting escape to explore one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Here are 10 writing and journaling prompts to get you started this fall!

  1. October 1 is World Vegetarian Day. Can you go plant-based for 24 hours? If so, write about what you ate and how it felt. Already vegetarian? Write that origin story.   
  2. Describe the October landscape outside your window.  
  3. What scares you? How do you manage the fear? 
  4. We’re entering the final quarter of 2023. What is on your annual goal/intention/project list that could be started, advanced or finished this month? 
  5. Write about a memorable Halloween. 
  6. The American Bankers Association has decreed October 20 as Get Smart About Credit Day. Take inventory of your credit profile and write about updates or changes you could make. 
  7. Have you ever encountered an unseen companion (e.g. spirit, ghost, angel) in waking or dream life?  If so, write that story. If not, write about something you would like to ask a fortune-teller – and the response you would most like to hear).  
  8. Write a journal story or poem that includes these 10 words in any order: howling, pumpkin, clouds, beginning, spice, tentative, mystery, tangerine, speckled, magnificent. 
  9. Write a letter or email to someone you’ve lost touch with.  
  10. What is the Halloween costume your inner self would choose? Describe it. What does it represent?  

What’s next in my journal writing journey?

We have a few next steps for you to consider, depending on where you are at in your writing journey.

Experienced Journal Writers, Coaches, and Therapists:

Journalversity Courses: We offer a variety of courses on expressive and therapeutic writing, Some are self-paced and some are instructor-taught on a week-by-week basis.  You can even earn CE hours through some of the classes!

Journal to the Self Card Deck:* These beautiful cards can be used in writing classes or 1:1 client sessions.  With a card deck so vibrant and so accessible, any reluctant writer can discover the journal as an instant friend and any seasoned writer can find fresh, fun revitalization.  For clients, curate the cards ahead of time and find just the right prompts to help achieve their goals.

Journal to the Self Instructor Training: Check out our Journal to the Self instructor certification training—available by home study with instructor Kay Adams, founder of the method.  You’ll learn how to confidently and competently offer this fun, effective, time-tested workshop in your own community—and make money doing what you love!

New to Journal Writing: 

We’ve got some great resources that will give you lots and lots of ways to deepen your writing practice and experience writing groups.  Here’s a couple starting points:

J is for Journal Course (Register for this FREE 7 day course with 68 journaling prompts!)

Journal to the Self Book (Award winning author Kathleen Adams’ classic work provides a powerful tool for personal growth)