Self Care is hard for most of us. It is a completely foreign concept for those of us who have spent years, even decades, of our lives in relationships where we had to abandon ourselves to survive. When I was alone and heartbroken, people would tell me to “take care of myself” or “do things that made me happy”. While it sounded like a good idea, I didn’t even know what I liked! I couldn’t even find a place to start.
So a dear friend sat down with me one day and helped me make a list of things that I liked. They were simple and easy, but it was a start on my journey to healing. The list was deeper than spa days and bubble baths (although those tasks definitely made my list!); it was about learning prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Whether it’s a quiet moment with a cup of tea or a brisk walk in nature, find what rejuvenates your spirit and makes you sparkle again.
Self Care
- Create a “HAPPINESS LIST”– a list of 40 things that never fail to make you smile.
- Describe your ideal day of self-care and relaxation.
- Describe a creative outlet or hobby that brings you joy.
- Describe a song, book, or movie that has had a significant impact on your life
- Write about your favorite season and the emotions it evokes in you
- Write a love letter to yourself, focusing on self-acceptance and self-love
- Describe a place in nature that brings you peace and tranquility
- Write about a time when you had to set boundaries with someone for self-care
- Explore a moment of laughter or joy that brightened your day
- Reflect on a time when you practiced self-compassion during a difficult period
- Explore a time when you showed kindness to yourself during a challenging moment
- Write about a book that resonated with you and why it had that impact
- Describe a comforting ritual or routine that helps you relax and unwind
- Write about a personal mantra or affirmation that motivates you
- Write about a time when you practiced self-care and its positive impact
- Reflect on a time when you felt a deep sense of peace and serenity
- Reflect on a time when you learned the importance of balance in life
- Describe a time when you felt empowered to advocate for yourself
- Reflect on a time when you let go of something that no longer served you
- Reflect on a time when you felt inspired by a cultural or artistic experience
Gratitude
- List three things you’re grateful for today and explain why they matter to you
- Write a gratitude letter to someone who has positively impacted your life.
- Describe a time when you felt truly loved and supported.
- Describe a place where you feel at peace and why it has that effect on you.
- Describe a moment when you felt awe or wonder at the beauty of the world
- Explore a time when you felt overwhelmed with gratitude for something or someone
- Explore a time when you felt a deep sense of gratitude for your health
Overcoming Obstacles
- Write about a difficult experience that you’ve overcome and what you learned from it.
- Explore a recent disappointment or setback and how you can bounce back from it.
- Explore a time when you felt proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
- Explore a fear or anxiety that you want to overcome and strategies to do so.
- Reflect on your past and present relationships and what you’ve learned from them.
- Write about a time when you took a risk and how it changed you.
- Explore a time when you felt out of control and how you regained your balance.
- Reflect on a time when you experienced a major life change and how you adapted.
- Describe a challenging relationship and what you’ve learned from it.
- Reflect on a past mistake and the lessons you’ve learned from it
- Explore a time when you felt overwhelmed and how you managed those emotions.
- Explore a time when you felt vulnerable and how you found strength in it
- Explore a time when you faced a major decision and the factors that influenced it
- Reflect on a time when you felt proud of your resilience in the face of adversity
- Reflect on a past disappointment and how it eventually led to something better.
- Reflect on a time when you faced a fear and how it changed your perspective
- Reflect on a time when you faced a fear of failure and persevered
Forgiveness
- Explore what forgiveness means and what it doesn’t mean for you.
- Write a forgiveness letter to yourself, letting go of any self-blame or guilt.
- Explore a regret you have and how you can make amends or find closure.
- Write a letter to someone who has hurt you, expressing your feelings (you don’t have to send it).
- Reflect on a time when you forgave someone who hurt you.
- Write about a current area in your life where you still need to forgive someone and what is preventing you from doing that
Goals and Dreams
- Share your dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small.
- Explore a goal or dream you’ve put on hold and reasons to pursue it.
- Write a letter to your future self, outlining your hopes and aspirations.
- Share your dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small.
- Describe a recent accomplishment, no matter how small, and celebrate it
- Explore a time when you helped someone achieve their goals or dreams
- Write about a place you’ve always wanted to visit and why it appeals to you
- Reflect on a time when you overcame self-doubt and achieved a goal
- Write about a skill or talent you’d like to develop and steps to achieve it
- Describe a time when you took a leap of faith in pursuit of a dream.
Strength from the past
- Write a letter to your younger self, offering words of comfort and advice.
- Write about a time when you felt truly seen and heard by someone.
- Explore your favorite childhood memory and the emotions associated with it
- Write about a moment of unexpected kindness you received from someone
- Write about a time when you felt a strong sense of community or belonging
- Reflect on a time when you felt rejected and how you coped with that experience
- Reflect on a time when you felt truly content and at peace with yourself
- Explore a past success and what it taught you about your abilities
- Write about a memorable family gathering or celebration
- Describe a mentor or teacher who influenced your personal growth
- Describe a favorite childhood game or activity and the emotions it brings back
- Describe a favorite childhood memory involving a family member
- Explore a time when you felt inspired by someone who overcame adversity
- Describe a memorable journey or travel experience that impacted you
- Write about a time when you received a meaningful compliment or recognition.
- Write about a cherished object or keepsake and its sentimental value.
Connection
- Write a letter to someone you miss or have lost, expressing your feelings
- Write about a person who inspires you and the qualities you admire in them
- Reflect on a role model or mentor who has influenced your life path
- Write about a cherished friendship and the impact it has had on your life
- Describe a moment when you felt a deep connection with nature
- Describe a time when you felt truly heard and validated by someone.
- Write about a role model in your life and the qualities you admire in them
- Describe a moment when you felt truly connected to a loved one
- Write about a time when you felt a strong sense of community support
Growth
- Write about a challenge you’re currently facing and potential solutions
- Explore a time when you felt a sense of purpose or fulfillment
- Explore a time when you learned an important life lesson from a mistake
- Describe a time when you felt a sense of accomplishment through hard work
- Reflect on a time when you stood up for something you believe in
- Explore a time when you embraced change and how it led to personal growth.
- Write about a time when you faced a difficult conversation with courage
- Reflect on a time when you practiced patience and what you learned from it
- Write about a personal achievement that surprised even yourself
- Explore a time when you felt like you were on the path to emotional healing and growth
Serving others
- Describe a small act of kindness you’ve witnessed or performed recently
- Describe a random act of kindness you experienced from a stranger
- Reflect on a time when you helped someone in need and how it made you feel
- Explore a time when you felt inspired to take action for a cause you care about
- Explore a time when you helped someone see their own strengths and worth
- Explore a moment when you felt deep empathy for someone else’s struggles
