10 Journal Prompts for the Death-Curious
The Examined Life
Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I would add: "The unexamined death leaves us trembling."
If you are feeling the call to look deeper but aren't ready for a 1:1 session yet, journaling is a powerful first step. These questions are designed to bypass your social defences and get to the core of your values.
The Prompts
If you knew you had exactly one year left to live, what is the first thing you would delete from your calendar?
What is one possession you own that you hope never ends up in a landfill? Who should have it?
If you died today, what is the one secret or truth you would regret not speaking?
What is your relationship with silence? Do you run from it, or can you sit in it?
What is the "good death" you saw in a movie or book that stayed with you? Why?
If you could choose to die instantly (asleep) or consciously (awake), which would you choose? Why?
What is the unfinished business of your heart? (Is it an apology? A forgiveness? A thank you?)
How do you want your body to be treated when you are no longer in it? (Burned? Buried? Washed?)
Who in your life would be the best at holding space for your dying? Who would be the worst?
If you could come back as a ghost to check on one thing, what would it be?
How to Use These Don't try to answer them all at once (unless you want to!). Pick one. Set a timer and write for 10 minutes without stopping. See what arises.