Okay—how is it already May?! The month where flowers are blooming, the sun finally shows up again, and everything smells like fresh starts and sunscreen (depending on the day).
Honestly, it’s the PERFECT time to check in with yourself. Not in an overwhelming, deep-therapy way—but in a “Hey, how am I really doing?” kind of way.
That’s what these journal prompts are for.
I put this list together to help you feel a little more grounded, a little more inspired, and maybe even a little more like yourself.
These prompts are simple and real—meant for everyday life. You can scribble them in your journal, type them into your phone while waiting for dinner to cook, or even write them on the back of an old receipt (been there).
This isn’t about doing it perfectly. Some days you’ll write a full page. Other days you’ll jot down three words and call it good. Both totally count.
So grab a pen, settle in, and let May be the month you start listening to your thoughts a little more closely—and maybe even surprise yourself along the way.
1. What I want more of this month
Instead of setting a million goals, try this: make a list of things you want more of in your life.
More laughter? More time alone? More water (because hydration is the most neglected love language)? Write it all down—big or small.
These are the things that matter most. They’re your compass for May.
2. Things I’m tired of pretending I’m okay with
Let’s be honest. Sometimes you smile through stuff that actually drains you.
Make a list of things you’ve been tolerating—people-pleasing, toxic positivity, saying yes when you mean no.
This isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about calling things out gently, so you can start shifting them.
3. My personal signs of growth
Forget the big milestones for a second.
What are the quiet wins that show you’re evolving?
Maybe you handled a tough moment calmly.
Maybe you deleted a message instead of sending it (huge).
List your personal growth markers—the little things that say, “Hey, I’m healing.”
4. Small joys that always lift my mood
This is your go-to feel-good list. Think of the little things: warm bread, singing in the car, clean sheets, grocery stores that play 2000s hits.
List every joy that deserves more love. Keep it somewhere visible for the hard days.
5. Things I need to forgive myself for
Yep, this one’s tender. But so important.
What are you still holding against yourself?
A mistake, a choice, something you didn’t say?
Write it down—not to dwell on it, but to finally let some of it go. You deserve softness too.
You might also like: 25 Negative Things To Let Go For A Happier Life
6. People who make me feel safe, seen, and supported
Who are your safe people? The ones you can text without explaining.
The ones who celebrate your weirdness and hold space for your mess.
Make a list of those names—and maybe even reach out and say thank you (just sayin’…).
7. My current coping toolkit
When life gets overwhelming, what actually helps you? Make a real list—deep breaths, journaling, calling your sister, watching cat videos.
These are your coping tools.
And writing them down makes them easier to reach for when you need them most.
8. The version of me I’m becoming
Visualize your growth. What does the “next version” of you look like? Confident? Rested? Wearing bold lipstick and setting boundaries like a pro?
List all the qualities, habits, and energies that you’re leaning into right now.
9. Habits that are helping me lately
Not every habit needs to be perfect.
What’s working for you lately? Drinking more water? Stretching in the morning? Not checking your phone first thing?
Celebrate the ones that are making a real difference, even if they’re tiny.
You might also like: 7 Personal Growth Habits for a Successful Life
10. My current emotional weather report
If your feelings were a weather pattern, what would today look like? Sunny with a few overthinking clouds? Stormy but clearing up?
Make a list describing how you actually feel right now—no need to sugarcoat it.
Naming it helps more than you think.
11. Things I need less of in my life right now
Sometimes you don’t need to add more—you need to subtract.
What’s weighing you down? Maybe it’s too many screens, toxic conversations, or saying “yes” when your gut says “no.”
Write a list of what’s not serving you right now. This is your permission slip to let go.
12. People who bring out my favorite side of me
Who helps you feel light, free, and fully yourself? Not the version you perform, but the version that laughs too loud and doesn’t overthink every word.
Make a list of those people. These are your soul chargers. You deserve more time with them.
13. Things I want to try—even if I’m a beginner
You’re allowed to start messy. What are the hobbies, adventures, or random ideas you’ve been curious about but too scared to try? Pottery class? Salsa dancing? Starting a garden?
Write them all down, no pressure to act—just let yourself want things again.
14. Moments from this year I want to remember
You don’t need a milestone to make a memory.
Think back to those quiet wins, funny conversations, or surprising breakthroughs that made this year feel real.
List them so you don’t forget—because the little things ARE the big things.
15. My go-to feel-better rituals
What do you do when you need comfort? A favorite meal? Journaling in bed? Going for a drive with the windows down?
Create your own emotional first-aid kit in list form.
You might even discover a few new things to try next time the blues roll in.
16. Compliments I’ve received that I still think about
Some words just stick—in the best way.
What compliments have made you feel truly seen?
Write them down and re-read them whenever you forget how awesome you are (because you WILL forget… and then remember again).
17. Places that make me feel like I can breathe
This could be a physical place—like your childhood bedroom, a local park, or your car—or even a mental space, like journaling or meditation.
List the places where your shoulders drop and your mind quiets. Those are your sanctuaries.
18. Things I’ve done that past me would be proud of
Look back for a sec. Think about where you were a year ago, or even six months ago.
What have you done—survived, changed, faced—that younger you didn’t think you could?
Write it all. Let yourself SEE how far you’ve come.
19. Personal goals I’m working toward
These aren’t “New Year, New Me” goals. These are the real, meaningful ones.
Maybe it’s prioritizing rest, building confidence, cooking at home more, or reconnecting with someone.
Make a list of where you’re headed and remind yourself why it matters.
You might also like: 10 Simple Steps to Reset Your Life
20. What I’m learning to accept (about myself or life)
Acceptance is hard—but powerful. What truths are you learning to live with? Maybe you’re softer than you thought.
Maybe not everyone will understand you—and that’s okay.
Write your list with grace, not judgment. This is healing work.
21. Things I’ve said no to—and why it mattered
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s self-preservation.
What have you turned down recently (or in the past) that made space for something better?
Think canceled plans, bad vibes, draining people.
Write your list and celebrate every boundary you held.
22. My relationship with rest
Be honest: How do you feel about rest? Do you earn it, avoid it, or feel guilty for needing it?
List your current thoughts, then explore what kind of rest actually restores you—physical, mental, emotional. Your body will thank you.
23. Places I want to visit—even if it’s just a dream
Let your imagination wander. These don’t need to be “realistic.” Write the places your heart wants to go—backyard picnics, a beach in Greece, a bookstore in Japan. No passport required.
24. Things I never thought I’d do—but did
Surprise yourself with this one. Think about everything you once thought was out of reach—big or small. That first solo trip? Starting therapy? Finally learning to make lasagna from scratch?
List them all. You’re braver than you think.
25. Daily moments I want to savor more
Life moves fast. What tiny parts of your day do you want to slow down and appreciate? That first sip of coffee, the quiet just before bed, a warm shower. These are the moments that build a beautiful life.
26. My current creative cravings
Even if you don’t call yourself “creative,” there’s something inside you that wants to make, build, or express. What are you drawn to right now?
Writing, photography, DIY home projects, dancing in the kitchen? Follow the spark.
27. Feelings I’ve been avoiding
This one takes courage. Make a list of emotions you’ve been dodging—fear, resentment, loneliness, disappointment.
You don’t need to fix them right now. Just name them. That’s where healing starts.
28. What I’ve unlearned lately
Growth isn’t always about adding things—it’s also about unlearning. What old beliefs, fears, or habits are you starting to release? “Success has to look a certain way.” “I’m not enough.”
List what you’re actively rewriting.
29. Things that make me feel powerful
Step into your strength. What moments or actions help you feel confident and grounded? Wearing something bold, setting a boundary, speaking your truth?
List your power moves—and remind yourself you’ve got them in you.
30. What I want the next season of my life to feel like
Forget outcomes for a minute. How do you want to FEEL? Energized? Peaceful? More connected?
Imagine the next season of your life and write about the vibes you want to create—then start planting those seeds now.
31. What I’m proud of myself for today
End the month strong. Look at today—not last year, not when you were “better.” What are you proud of right now?
Showing up, trying again, being kind, making it through.
Write it down. You deserve to see your progress.
You might also like: Glow Up Challenge: 20 Powerful Ways to Glow Up Your Life
For You
Thanks so much for reading. 💛
I hope these May journal prompts brought you a little inspiration, a little clarity, or maybe just a reason to slow down and check in with YOURSELF.
Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect—or even daily—to make a difference.
Some days it’s a brain dump, some days it’s a list of snack cravings (been there).
But every time you put pen to paper, you’re showing up for yourself—and that matters.
Feel free to come back to this list anytime you need a nudge, a reset, or a fresh idea to reflect on.
Save it, share it, or send it to someone who could use a little love on the page.
You’ve got this!