7 Journal Prompts for Setting Boundaries

Your energy is precious—but somehow, it keeps getting scattered in directions that don't serve you. Sound familiar?


Setting boundaries isn't about building walls or being selfish. It's about protecting your peace, honoring your needs, and creating space for what actually matters to you.

These prompts are designed to help you identify where boundaries are needed, understand your own patterns, and get clear on what you're willing—and not willing—to accept. Think of this as your permission slip to prioritize yourself without guilt.

Get comfortable, grab your journal, and let these questions guide you toward healthier limits.


7 Journal Prompts for Setting Boundaries

1. Where in my life do I feel drained instead of energized? Notice the people, situations, or commitments that consistently leave you feeling depleted. What patterns do you see?

2. What am I saying "yes" to that I actually want to say "no" to? List the requests, invitations, or expectations you've been accepting out of obligation rather than genuine desire.

3. When do I feel most resentful—and what boundary might prevent that feeling? Resentment is often a signal that a boundary has been crossed. Where is this showing up for you?

4. What would I do with my time and energy if I stopped trying to please everyone? Imagine your schedule and mental space freed from people-pleasing. What would you prioritize instead?

5. What behaviors from others am I tolerating that I wouldn't accept from myself? Sometimes we hold ourselves to higher standards than we require from others. Where might you need to raise the bar?

6. What's one area where I need to communicate my needs more clearly? Think about relationships or situations where you've been hoping others will just "get it" without you having to speak up.

7. If I trusted that setting boundaries would improve my relationships (not damage them), what would I do differently? Often fear holds us back from healthy boundaries. What would you change if you knew it would actually strengthen your connections?


Download as a .PDF

Your Next Step

Choose one prompt that resonates most strongly with you today. Spend 10-15 minutes writing freely—don't worry about perfect answers, just let your thoughts flow onto the page.

Remember: boundaries aren't walls that keep people out. They're gates that let the right things in.

J A Y L A B A S T I E N

Operations Executive based in New York City, sharing resources that help women thrive in their careers, businesses, and lives. Whether sharing success strategies or reflecting on life's pivots, the goal is simple: to help you move forward with clarity and purpose as you create the life that you want.

Want to stay in the loop?

Subscribe to Where Women Thrive™, a free newsletter with practical strategies, inspiring stories, and the support you need to succeed at work, in business, and in life.

Subscribe here: jayla.co/thrive

Let's stay connected—your inbox or your feed, I'll meet you where you are.

https://jayla.co/thrive
Previous
Previous

15 Ways Your Environment Is Controlling Your Mood (And You Don't Even Know It)

Next
Next

The Art of Saying No Without Feeling Guilty (Science-Backed Scripts Included)