When I first heard about using Inner Child journal prompts for the burnout I experience in my 30s, I was skeptical. I couldn’t believe that writing about my past was going to help me heal my present, let alone my future. It felt a bit too “woo-woo” for someone who just wanted to stop feeling exhausted.
But here’s what I’ve realized: If you’re feeling burn out in your 30s, it’s because your inner child is still trying to earn gold starts.
I went looking for answers everywhere.
Eventually, I started experimenting with Inner Child journaling as a way to heal burnout in my 30s. It sounds heavy, but I’ve found it’s actually the most practical to figure out where my perfectionist habits come from.
Here are the 7 prompts I’ve been using in my own journal. I sit every morning, pick one and write whatever comes to my mind.
Seven Journal Prompts I’ve been using lately
- What was the first thing I remember being praised for as a child? Am I still exhausted trying to do that same thing today?
- If I could tell my 8-year-old self that she doesn’t have to be ‘productive’ to be loved, what would her face look like?
- What is something I used to love doing before I cared if I was ‘good’ at it? When was the last time I did it just for fun?
- When I feel the urge to over-work, what am I actually trying to protect myself from feeling?
- If my inner child was in charge of my schedule tomorrow, what is the first thing she would cancel?
- What is a ‘rule’ I learned about success when I was young that I’m officially ready to break?
- How can I show my inner child today that we are safe enough to slow down?
Journal Prompts are essential for you Inner Child work
The biggest things I’ve learned so far is that the child inside me is a lot more tired than I thought she was. From that I’ve started to learn how to set boundaries and pause before I say “yes” to another task I don’t have the energy for. This is the ultimate Root Work.
Try this: Pick one of these prompts and give yourself five minutes to write whatever comes up.
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