If you plan to take your journal on the go, opting for a cover that can withstand daily wear and tear is worth the investment. The most substantial exteriors are typically hardcover, wrapped in materials like leather or plastic (if you need an affordable option). These materials are made to last and can even provide more of an aesthetic appeal outside of their functional aspects. However, if you prefer a cover that can bend and flex, a soft alternative may be the better fit. Ultimately, you should find a journal cover material that strikes a balance between longevity and appearance. However, this petite notebook doesn’t include some of the extras that beginners may want in a self-reflection journal. Without prompts, guided introspection, or insight, it’s really best for those who prefer brief, jotted-down notes rather than longer-form journaling.

Exploring Character Strengths is a great way to assess personal strengths. Ten questions guide the participant to reflect on six areas in their life where they can identify different strengths used. Emotional self-care, such as positive self-talk, weekly bubble baths, setting boundaries and saying “no” to things that cause unnecessary stress, giving yourself permission to rest, meeting with a friend What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you? Does it still affect you now and if so what can you do to help the healing? There are various methods, techniques, and ideas to help develop feelings of worthiness through self-understanding and compassion.

A Take-Home Message

Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (1985). Self-esteem and responses to success and failure: Subsequent performance and intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality, 53, 450–467. Cantley, P. L., & Martin, J. E. (2020). Teaching disability self-awareness and self-advocacy using the ME! Lesson materials. Learning Disabilities: A Multi-disciplinary Journal, 25(1), 44–55. Despite maybe your hair not sitting as it should do you still accept and believe that you are every bit as worthwhile.

The journal itself is just the vessel, a container that carries you through the journey of getting to know yourself better. Plus, as mentioned by James Pennebaker in Expressive Writing: Words That Heal, trying to process a recent trauma is not helpful no matter which emotion you're trying to experience. Without any prompts, this notebook-style journal is best for more experienced individuals who like the freedom to let thoughts flow freely. The wide range of vibrant color choices offer something for every taste, and the slim profile makes this a journal you can take anywhere.People who find it difficult to love themselves are often dealing with limiting beliefs about who they are and what they deserve. Not if you lose ten pounds, not if you get that promotion, not when you’re dressed up, not when you’re dressed down, not if or when anything. So, what are the practical implications of all of this? Through increasing self-awareness, developing self-acceptance, and practicing self-love, we can create a healthy sense of self-worth. Apart from the obvious benefit, that your self-love will improve, there are other benefits self-help journaling brings.

As we hear stories of childhood bullying and increased incidences of depression, anxiety, and suicide, it is evident that “giving everyone a trophy” has not improved the self-worth of children, teens, or adults. There are more effective ways to foster self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-love rooted in compassion. Self love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture your growth and well-being." Cascio, C. N., O’Donnell, M. B., Tinny, F. J., Leiberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2015). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 11(4), 621–629. Keeping a self love journal boosts your mental health. When you focus on being kind to yourself instead of beating yourself down, you increase your overall well-being. If you don't know how to get started, don't stress. I'm sharing everything you need to know... plus 75 self love journal prompts! Jump to:The activities you use are simply the way you learn about yourself and figure out what it takes to feel more compassion for yourself.