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When you practice self love, you are continually naming and claiming all of who you are — even the scariest parts. It’s about developing your capacity to be aware, authentic and intentional in every aspect of your life. In doing so you’ll build greater self compassion and also enhance your ability to offer compassion to others.
Self love can only come from a place of self understanding and affirmation. Journaling can be a very helpful tool when it comes to self reflection. It forces you to bring clarity to your thoughts and feelings and also captures them for you to revisit later.
Here are 5 self reflection prompts. Each day these week, open your journal and write for 20 minutes in response to one of these prompts. Make no mistake: these are big, tough questions. Don’t let them freak you out. Just write what naturally comes to you and hold back the desire to edit.
- What core values, beliefs, personality traits, or interests define who you are today? What about when you were younger? What has remained constant?
- Which of your core beliefs, traits, or interests did you adopt for the sake of others, and which did you choose for yourself—in other words, who are you when no one is looking?
- Think about three times in your life when you felt significant joy, peace or a sense of accomplishment. What do those experiences have in common? What does that suggest about where to look for your happiness?
- What parts of your past cause you the most embarrassment or pain? How does that relate to the values you named above? Does it confirm or challenge what you believe about yourself?
- Think about the relationships you have with other people, such as friends, family, coworkers. Which relationships feel the easiest? Which ones feel more difficult? Why?
One of the most difficult tasks women is learning how to practice self love. When you're also a survivor of a past trauma such as domestic violence, child abuse, poverty or addiction, learning to love yourself can be challenging—but it's also key to your healing journey.
Beginner's Guide to Self Love
Do the Work: 5 Reflective Journal Prompts
About LiveYourDream.org
Which inspiring woman should be your self-love icon?
Take the Shero Quiz to find which powerful woman you are!
Self love is doing the work
Ending Violence Against Women & Girls
LiveYourDream.org is a movement fiercely dedicated to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, live free from violence, and of course, live her dreams.
Our online community of nearly 100,000 volunteers and activists participate in actions to address some of the most serious challenges women and girls face today.
We are powered by Soroptimist, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
Women's Opportunity Through Education
Preparing Girls for Career Success
I pledge to take action to end domestic violence. To...
- Learn about the facts, warning signs, and educate myself and my community.
- Speak up against discrimination and violence to break the stigma.
- Support survivors by reassuring them they are not alone, that help is out there.
- Listen to survivors without judgment, reassuring their trust and safety.
- Donate my time or funds to support programs helping victims overcome traumatic experiences.
- Empower survivors to seek financial independence through programs like Live Your Dream: Education & Training Awards for Women.
Find Your Inner "Shero"
Take our quiz to find out which powerful, strong, and inspiring Shero you are!
WHAT IS A SHERO?
SHE + HERO = a woman who is admired for her courage and resiliency; an active giver, an example of what is possible, and a brilliant inspiration to her community.