Journal Prompts for self-love (and why they work)

Using journal prompts for self-love can be a game-changer for your mental health and self-esteem. While some like to take a pen to paper and write whatever comes to mind, I think setting an intention for your journal can allow you to get the most out of the practice.

This is where a self-love journal comes in. A self-love journal is a journal dedicated to helping you feel a deeper sense of self-compassion and respect.

To help you create one, I’ve listed my favourite morning journal prompts for self-love. I’ve also shared some of my go-to evening journal prompts for self-discovery.

Together, these prompts work as a powerful tool for self-compassion and will help you make the most of your self-love journal.

What is a self-love journal?

A self-love journal is a notebook you use to practise self-love. Whether that’s through positive affirmations, introspection, or gratitude exercises, you can use your self-love journal to build self-confidence and celebrate your wins.

Personally, I have found self-love journaling to be the most helpful form of journaling. Traditional journaling – writing freely – can be incredibly beneficial. However, sometimes you need a little more guidance, and journal prompts for self-love offer just that, as they are designed specifically to boost self-esteem.

Dedicate 10 minutes in the morning and evening to journaling, and over time, you will naturally start to build a greater sense of self-esteem.

Now, let’s look at the morning journal prompts for self-love that will help you to do just that.

What am I grateful for about myself today?

This journal prompt for self-love is one of my favourites to begin the day because it sets a tone for positive thinking. Often, when we think about what we are grateful for, we look outwards, which is a great habit. However, reflecting on our own attributes that we are grateful for can help us to take self-love to the next level.

So, you’ve reminded yourself of all the reasons you’re great – now it’s time to put it into practice. This can be as small or as big an act as you like. Whether that’s treating yourself to a coffee, cooking a healthy meal, or even setting a boundary.

I love this journal prompt for self-love because it encourages me to take an intentional act of self-care and reminds me that sometimes self-love takes conscious effort.

What are three things I love about my body today?

Most of us tend to criticise how we look, but this prompt shifts your focus towards the things you appreciate about your body. By actively searching for three physical things you love, you’ll prime your mind to be less self-critical throughout the day.

What limiting beliefs about myself can I release today?

This journal prompt for self-love can be incredibly powerful because it forces you to reflect on your negative thought patterns. Once you recognise them, you can challenge and reframe them into more positive beliefs.

Do you believe you don’t deserve something? That you can’t change something? Or that you aren’t worthy of the things you want?

Write them down and counter them with an opposite statement to shift your perspective towards self-love.

How do I want to feel today, and how can I create that feeling for myself?

Most of us know how we want to feel, but we often have vague ideas of how we can achieve that feeling. This journal prompt for self-love can be incredibly helpful because it encourages you to truly reflect on what evokes positive emotions.

I find being as specific as possible is the most effective way to use this prompt. Think of a few actionable steps you can take, so you actively create that feeling throughout the day.

Want to feel calm today? Maybe that means taking three deep breaths, avoiding coffee, and making time for a walk.

What am I proud of myself for today or recently?

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably guilty of brushing your achievements under the carpet. This prompt tackles this habit directly by inspiring you to actively reflect on your wins – big or small.

What would I tell my best friend if they were feeling the way I do today?

This journal prompt for self-love is a super-effective way to practise self-compassion. We often wouldn’t dream of talking to our best friends the way we talk to ourselves. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can reframe your inner dialogue and approach your own struggles with kindness and understanding.

I prefer to do the following prompts in the evening, as they often require deeper introspection. Evening journal prompts for self-love and self-discovery can help you unwind, reflect on your experiences, and relax before bed.

These journal prompts are designed to help you on your journey to understanding yourself and can be an effective part of a self-love journal.

They encourage you to give yourself the consideration you deserve and help you understand how you can live your life in alignment with your values – which is the ultimate act of self-love!

With that said, here are some of my favourite evening journal prompts for self-discovery:

What are the three most important values in my life, and how do I honour them daily?

When using this prompt, try to think about your true values – not the values you think you should have. This prompt is an opportunity to challenge societal expectations and reflect on what makes you feel fulfilled and excited, not anxious and exhausted.

You then need to consider how you honour them daily. This exercise lets you know if you are living authentically, or if there’s any disconnect you could address.

What activities make me lose track of time, and what do they say about what I enjoy?

By thinking about the hobbies and projects you enjoy, you can learn more about your passions in general. This prompt can therefore be a great tool in a journey of self-discovery.

You can also think about whether you have recently made time for the activities you identify. If you haven’t – this is your sign to!

What triggers negative emotions in me, and how can I respond differently to those triggers?

Reflecting on our not-so-great traits can be confronting, but it’s hugely important for self-discovery. Doing so allows you to develop self-awareness and grow as a person.

Identifying what triggers you also encourages you to think of any negative influences in your life and whether it’s feasible to avoid them. If it’s not, you can begin to think of ways to respond to them. This can be really self-empowering.

If I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I do with my life?

This prompt is amazing for finding a sense of purpose and direction. Failure is a part of life – and success. So when you remove fear from the equation, it allows you to dream freely and uncover your deepest passions and aspirations.

What has been the most challenging experience of my life, and what did I learn from it?

Finding the positive in negative experiences is a massive part of self-discovery. This is because it encourages growth and resilience. Rather than letting yourself be weighed down by past traumas, this prompt helps you to recognise how these experiences can help you in future situations.

What kind of people do I feel most comfortable around, and why?

Reflecting on your relationships can help you prioritise time with the people you love and recognise who in your life shares your values, and who doesn’t. It also helps you understand the type of energy you want to surround yourself with.

What is one thing I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? What’s holding me back?

Skydiving? Starting a business? Moving away? Now’s the time to pinpoint those things you’ve always thought about but never taken the steps to do.

Once you’ve identified them, you can think about why you haven’t done them yet. You can then start to consider how you can overcome these roadblocks – getting you closer to your goals.

Get Started with Journal prompts for self-love!

Now you have your journal prompts for self-love – it’s time to start your self-love journal.

The key to a successful self-love journal is consistency, so start small. I recommend choosing three journal prompts for self-love that resonate with you. Make sure to really reflect when you’re writing – this is an opportunity to dig deep.

Most of all, enjoy it! Journaling can be hugely cathartic and you should be proud of yourself for wanting to start a self-love journal. It shows you’re committed to building the mindset and life you want.

Happy journaling!

Tori x

Looking for more ideas to practice self-love? Check out my article on the 8 best self-date ideas to treat yourself right!