top of page
Search

Writing to a Lost Loved One: 25 Grief Journaling Prompts

Ideas for Letters You Can Write as Part of a Release Ceremony, Grief Ritual, or Personal Reflection


girl writing her letter

Writing to someone who has passed is one of the most meaningful ways to process grief, mark transitions, and stay connected to their spirit. Whether you're placing a letter on an altar, burning it in a release ceremony, or keeping it in a journal, these prompts are here to help you begin.


Each grief journal prompt starts with "A letter to..." to open the door. Let your intuition guide you. You don’t need to write something perfect, you just need to remain honest.


25 Grief Journaling Prompts


Letters of Love + Memory

  • A letter to the one who always made me feel safe

  • A letter to the one who made me laugh until I cried

  • A letter to the one I still talk to when no one’s listening

  • A letter to the one I loved more than I knew how to say

  • A letter to the one who saw me before I saw myself



Letters of Grief + Longing

  • A letter to the one I wasn’t ready to lose

  • A letter to the one who didn’t get to see me grow up

  • A letter to the one I miss every day, even now

  • A letter to the one whose voice I’m forgetting

  • A letter to the one whose absence still aches



Letters of Regret + Forgiveness

  • A letter to the one I hurt and never got to apologize to

  • A letter to the one I wish I had protected

  • A letter to the one I didn’t visit enough

  • A letter to the one I was angry at when they died

  • A letter to the one I need to forgive to free myself



Letters of Celebration + Remembrance

  • A letter to the one I’m honoring today

  • A letter to the one whose birthday I still celebrate

  • A letter to the one who taught me something I still live by

  • A letter to the one I see in my child / my art / my reflection

  • A letter to the one whose legacy I carry forward



Letters of Closure + Letting Go

  • A letter to the one I need to say goodbye to

  • A letter to the version of you I kept frozen in memory

  • A letter to the one I release with love

  • A letter to the one who helped shape who I am and who I no longer need to hold on to

  • A letter to the one who will always be part of me, even as I move forward



There is no right way to grieve, no perfect letter to write. But if you feel something stir as you read one of these grief journal prompts, that’s the one to begin with.


Let the page receive what your heart has been carrying.


If you'd like to try pairing your letter(s) with spirit communication cards to receive an answer, explore Indi Star Cards.

 
 
bottom of page