This post contains some of the best forgiveness journal prompts to free yourself of old wounds and let go of the past.
What Is Journaling?
Journaling is simply getting your thoughts and feelings down on a paper.
Research shows that daily journaling can help improve wellbeing.
You can also use your journal to develop healthier practices and habits and work toward your goals.
Benefits Of Journal Prompts
Guided journal prompts help you increase awareness of your inner world, including your thoughts and feelings.
They can also give you clarity and help you figure out what action steps you need to take to improve your well-being.
Related: Top +100 Journal Prompts For Mental Health [+Free PDF Printable!
21 Forgiveness Journal Prompts
1. What experiences have you had with others that you believe you’re still suffering from?
2. Do you think you’ve failed yourself in one way or another?
3. Do you have any regrets? What could you have done differently?
4. Do you examine your mistakes from a place of compassion or judgment?
5. What does forgiveness mean to you?
6. What are the benefits of forgiveness?
7. Do you find it easy to ask for forgiveness? Why? Why not?
8. Do you need someone to say sorry to be able to forgive them? Why?
9. Who do you need to forgive and why?
10. What do you need to forgive your younger self for not knowing?
Related: How To Make Peace With Your Past Mistakes Today and Never Repeat Them?
11. What do you need the most so you can forgive and let go?
12. Are there any negative thoughts holding you back from forgiving? What thoughts would you like to have instead?
13. What do you need to let go of that you have no control over?
14. How can your spirituality help you forgive?
15. How can other people help you forgive and who can help?
16. Write down at least 5 affirmations for yourself related to forgiving yourself and others.
The following are some examples:
- I give up all self-criticism.
- I am free from the prison of resentment.
- I acknowledge my faults and forgive myself completely.
- Forgiveness is a gift to myself.
- When I forgive myself, it becomes easier to forgive others.
- I accept my past and learn from it.
17. What are some new things you’ve learned about yourself from practicing forgiveness so far?
18. How can your past empower you in the future?
19. What do you still need to understand, or lack clarity about?
20. Write down some ways you can care for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
21. Name 3 things you can do today to help yourself feel good.
Related: Forgiving Someone Who Isn’t Sorry: 9-Step Guide To Free Yourself From The Past
Forgiveness Journaling Prompts Worksheets
How to Use Forgiveness Journal Prompts?
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Choose a quiet and peaceful place where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Take some deep breaths, relax and clear your mind.
3. Set an intention to forgive yourself or someone else.
4. Choose a forgiveness journal prompt that resonates with you.
5. Write down your thoughts and feelings related to the prompt.
6. Allow yourself to be honest, vulnerable and compassionate towards yourself or others.
7. Read what you have written and reflect on your insights.
8. Close your journal and sit in silence for a few minutes.
Related: Best 10 Self Discovery Books
Conclusion
By using forgiveness journal prompts regularly, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and cultivate a more forgiving and compassionate mindset.
Remember to be patient with yourself and trust the process.
References
- Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing | Advances in Psychiatric Treatment | Cambridge Core
- Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial