Today is my birthday, and I kicked off my own personal new year with two hours of journaling. Yes, TWO HOURS. You know journaling is my jam.

Some people think of journaling as juvenile, equating it with the “Dear Diary” ranting and raving we did as kids or angsty teens. But I turn to journaling for self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-care. I turn to journaling to grow up and glow up. In fact, the older I get, the more important journaling becomes. At this point in my life, it feels as necessary as water and air.

It’s my birthday, but I want to give you a gift. In honor of my 45th birthday, I’m sharing 45 birthday journal prompts for you to try when your special day comes back around — or even right now.

Birthday Journal Prompts for Self-Awareness & Gratitude

  1. How do you feel about your birthday and why? What are you going to do about these feelings?
  2. As you enter this new year, what about your life is good and true?
  3. Make a list of things you’re grateful for — at least one person, place, or thing for each year you’ve been on earth.
  4. What do you appreciate most about yourself?
  5. When do you feel most authentic?
  6. How do you define faith?
  7. What do you want more of in your life, and what do you want less of in your life?
  8. What are your top 5 core values, and what do you believe about each one?
  9. How do you define success?

Prompts for Reflection on Your Birthday

  1. What have you accomplished that would make your younger self proud?
  2. What important lessons did you learn over the past year?
  3. What were some of your favorite memories of the past year?
  4. How have you grown in the past year?
  5. How have your values, beliefs, and priorities shifted through the years?
  6. Write about some unexpected blessings from the past year.
  7. What will be your word for this personal new year?
  8. How do you want this year to feel?
  9. What do you need to let go of this year?

Birthday Journal Prompts for Self-Care

  1. What brings you the most joy and the most peace, and how can you have more of that this year?
  2. How will you show up more authentically this year?
  3. What habits do you want to start?
  4. What habits do you want to stop?
  5. Describe your ideal, ordinary day.
  6. What morning routine would nourish you best?
  7. What evening routine would bring you peace?
  8. How could you elevate your journaling practice this year?
  9. How will you prioritize self-care this year?

Prompts for Resetting Relationships

  1. What relationships bring your favorite version of yourself?
  2. How can you be better for your loved ones this year?
  3. How can you better serve your community this year?
  4. What boundaries do you need to set this year?
  5. How can you elevate your relationship with yourself this year?
  6. Make a list of solo dates to try this year.
  7. What will you gift yourself this year?
  8. Make a list of books you want to read this year.
  9. How can you make your home more peaceful this year?

Prompts for Dreaming, Vision Casting, and Goal Setting

  1. Considering all facets — describe what you want your life to look like one year from now.
  2. Create a bucket list for this year.
  3. What will be your top priorities for this year?
  4. Write down 3 to 5 goals for the year based on your top priorities.
  5. Write down 5 positive affirmations for the year.
  6. Write a birthday prayer for yourself.
  7. If I didn’t have to do it perfectly, this year I would…
  8. If I weren’t afraid, this year I would…
  9. Write a letter to your future self that you will read on your next birthday.

For more journaling inspiration, follow @seejanewriteco on Instagram.