Self-Compassionate Journaling

By Dr. Joti Samra, CEO & Founder of the Psychological Health & Safety (PH&S) Clinic and MyWorkplaceHealth

Self-Compassion Journaling – Journaling Prompts

Journaling can be a great way to set aside a specific time to engage in self-reflection. It gives you the opportunity to explore your emotions while also identifying patterns. When it comes to self-compassion, it gives you the opportunity to identify areas for growth and self-acceptance in our lives in an intentional way. It can also be a healthy and therapeutic way of expressing yourself, which can improve mood and help to de-stress. So, here we are going to talk about self-compassionate journaling and how to incorporate it into your life including journaling prompts

How to Start Journaling

Beginning any routine can be challenging, so it’s best to start with tangible ways of incorporating it into your daily routine. This can include picking a time to engage in a journaling practice, set a notification in your phone to remind you, and have a list of prompts prepared so if you don’t naturally have anything to write about, you have an alternative writing topic. 

Journaling Prompts that Focus on Self-Love

Here is a list of prompts that can help you start thinking about self-compassion and the ways you can re-engage with self-love. 

1. What is one thing you admire about yourself? What do you like about it?
2. List 3 things – or people – you’re grateful for today.
3. What is one thing you’ll forgive yourself for this week?
4. Write down 3 great compliments you’ve received. How did they make you feel?
5. What is a challenge you’re dealing with right now? How are you growing from it?
6. What makes you unique (or loveable)?
7. What is one personality trait you have that you feel proud of?
8. Write a reassuring, kind, gentle note to yourself reminding yourself to look after yourself. Make a plan of how will you do that.
9. What is your favourite feel-good activity? How can you do it more?
10. Write about the highlight of your day today. How did you feel?
    

Final Thoughts

Journaling is just one way to practice self-compassion, so if journaling isn’t for you, or you struggle to keep it as part of your routine, that’s okay. In most cases these things take practice, so it can be easy to get discouraged.