THE POWER OF JOURNALING TO HELP YOU GET OVER A BREAKUP (PLUS 25 PROMPTS)

A breakup can leave you feeling like the floor has literally been pulled from under you. Heartbreak is seriously chaotic. The emotional rollercoasters, the shock, anger, confusion and fears, until eventually you reach acceptance. In these challenging times, journaling can become your best friend to lean on as you recover and rediscover yourself. Putting pen to paper may seem simple, but trust me as a journalling addict, it is so powerful! Below I will explain why journaling is an invaluable tool after a breakup, how to start, and I’ve even provided 25 journal prompts to get you moving on from your ex with self kindness and grace.

Why journal after a breakup?

Journaling is a safe space for your thoughts and feelings, a place to express yourself honestly and without judgment. After a breakup, emotions can be overwhelming and chaotic. Writing down everything that is going on for you helps you process and make sense of your inner world. Journaling also means you have a record of your progress and growth, allowing you to look back and see how far you've come.

Getting Started with Journaling After a Breakup

1. Make it a boujee ritual (at night or morning)

Find a quiet and relaxing place where you won’t be disturbed as you write. Maybe put some candles and tunes on. Make it a ritual in your morning or nighttime routine that feels like your protected time. Make it a space where you can be your true self, no BS and no holding back.

2. Choose Your Medium:

Whether it's a physical notepad, notes in your phone or a Google doc, choose a way that feels right and works for you. Some people (myself included) prefer the experience of pen and paper, while others like to type on a screen. You know you, and you know what you like.

3. Set an Intention:

Before you start writing, set an intention for your journaling practice. It could be reflecting, healing, understanding, or letting go. I just like to get everything off my chest, whatever wild thoughts are going on I just allow myself to go with it.

4. Be Honest and Vulnerable:

Remember, your journal is for your eyes only. Allow yourself to be completely honest and vulnerable in your writing. If you’re nervous about someone seeing it, keep it in a safe space and let loved ones know how much it means to you to have your privacy.

5. Consistency Over Perfection:

Don't worry about grammar or making it look or sound perfect. The act of journaling is about expression, not perfection. It’s about you being real and raw and honest, without giving a F**k about what anything sounds like.

The Power of Journal Prompts After Your Breakup

If you struggle to free flow write (which can take some getting used to, journal prompts can be like helpful guiding lights, helping to give you some structure. Here are 25 journal prompts to aid you in moving forward:

1. What am I feeling right now? Describe it without holding back.

2. What did I learn from this relationship?

3. What are some positive qualities I have that I want to build on?

4. Write a letter to your ex, expressing your unfiltered feelings (you don't have to send it).

5. List things you're grateful for in your life, beyond the relationship.

6. How have my priorities changed since the breakup?

7. Describe the life I envision for myself in a year's time.

8. What are some new hobbies or interests I want to explore?

9. Write down a mantra that empowers you in this healing journey.

10. Describe a moment of strength you've experienced recently.

11. What are some self-care practices that resonate with me?

12. What lessons have I learned about love and relationships?

13. List the things I love about myself.

14. Write a forgiveness letter, forgiving yourself or your ex.

15. How have my friendships evolved since the breakup?

16. What's a small step I can take today to move forward?

17. Reflect on a moment when you felt proud of yourself.

18. How can I practice self-compassion during this time?

19. What boundaries do I want to set moving forward?

20. What role do I want love to play in my life in the future?

21. Reflect on the new things you have rediscovered about yourself since the breakup?

22. How can I turn this breakup pain into growth?

23. Write a letter to your future self, envisioning a life filled with happiness.

24. What are some affirmations that resonate with me right now?

25. Describe a dream or goal that's solely about you and your happiness.

As you start to use journalling as a tool in your healing from heartbreak, remember that it's a process and it doesn’t need to be perfect, in fact it is better when it isn’t. Some days the words might flow until you’ve written 10 pages without realising. Other days might might feel like a struggle. Embrace it all. Your journaling space is a reflection of your unique journey, your strength, and your resilience. The proud of yourself for having the willingness to explore your inner world and build a relationship with yourself and move through your breakup.