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The benefits of using a journaling prompt is that you may discover a tidbit about yourself you hadn’t thought of before. It can also cause you to expand upon different topics other than the same things you scrap about day in and day out. Not that scrapping about our families or activities is a bad thing, but new topics make this hobby more interesting. One prompt I found asks you to recall a funny childhood incident, while another asks you to identify 20 things you would do if you lived in the absence of fear. With starters like these, you may find yourself motivated to grab your camera to snap new photos or to dig through old pictures to find the just right images.

Many of us are stretched for time, so conjuring up unique layout ideas can take away from the creative flow. Following a journaling prompt eliminates that part of the thought process and allows you to quickly develop concepts. The best part is that each question is meant to be answered so you will become a writer, whether you started out that way or not. For so many, journaling is the most difficult part, but it really doesn’t have to be anymore. Just follow your heart when answering, go with your first instinct and write in your own voice.

Check out the awesome layouts below. Each one was spurred on by a prompt of some sort, either from an online challenge blog or a journaling prompt source. If you are looking for ways to develop or expand upon your journaling skills, search for an inspiring prompt today! You will be moved to create!

Céline by Armance

Supplies: Papers: Kési'Art, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Masking Tapes: Kamoi Kakoshi, Alphabet: American Crafts, Font: Champagne & Limousine, Other: string, staples. Tools: Punch: EK Success. Digital Supplies: Software: Adobe Photoshop, Brush: Ali Edwards. Photo by Corinne Delis.

Design Notes: Since I possess a A3 printer, I discovered the pleasure of printing my journaling directly on cardstock as well as the use of Photoshop brushes. I guess that now I can say that my scrapping became hybrid, not only paper. First, I work in Photoshop, on a 12x12' document. I place my photo in the right dimension and my journaling and brushes. Then I delete the photo and print what stays on a cardstock. At the same time, I print my photo in the right dimension on photo paper and finally I scrap the rest of my layout in a traditional way, with papers, alphabets and embellishments.

Journaling: When I began scrapbooking, 3 and a half years ago, I quickly realized that Céline Navarro was one of the major French scrappers. Known by the scrappers in the whole world, always on a trip to give workshops, being part of the most famous design teams, she was THE star in the French scrapbooking world! She was member of a forum on which I was registered, but I'd never discussed with her... I'd crossed her during a scrapbooking faire, but I hadn't dared to approach her... And then, one day, during workshops in which we participated both, we slept at the same friend's and it was like friendship at first sight! We discussed during hours... our scrapbooking, our lives, our readings, our desires... It was as if we knew each other for years! Since, there isn't a week without a chat on Ichat, we see each other as often as allow us the 1000 km separating us, she honored me with asking me to work for the magazine she as create (EntreARTistes Magazine)... It's a beautiful story of friendship and this is what I like in scrapbooking because, beyond the passion, we live beautiful stories as this one.

Nevada by Amy Coose

Supplies: Paper, Flowers, Brads: Sassafras Lass, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Chipboard: Magistical Memories, Journaling Spots: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Ribbon: Martha Stewart Crafts, Specialty Ink: Maya Road, Pens: American Crafts. Tools: Masks: KI Memories.

Editor's Notes: I love how Amy chose bright, vibrant colors to compliment the theme of this layout. Her misting adds so much texture and dimension. Using a cloud as a journaling spot was a creative idea.

Journaling: I am beyond blessed to have my mom. She has done so much for me, and helped me have to great life that I do.

I am a Tad Quirky by Ellen Sosnoski

Supplies: Paper, Chipboard, Stickers: Cosmo Cricket, Cardstock: Core'dinations, Alphabet Stickers: Pink Paislee, Webster's Pages, Pearls: Queen & Co, Markers: Sakura, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Adhesive: Helmar, Software: Adobe Photoshop, Other: lace, trim. Tools: Stamps: My Stamp Box, Punches: Martha Stewart Crafts, Other: sewing machine.

Design Notes: Alter your twill with some Staz-on Ink and Glitz Roller Doodles in minutes. These new alphas from Pink Paislee have the coolest texture. They needed a little pizzazz so I colored them with a yellow marker.

Journaling: When is the last time you laughed at yourself? Yesterday...today...a week ago....Whether I am tripping over my own feet, make funny faces {people say I do this and I don't even know it}…I say embrace your inner quirkiness and go with it.