Self-care is not only for your physical health but also for your emotional health and healing.
Ever since I was a teen, I have been writing in a journal as a way to take care of myself emotionally.
Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you practise emotional self-care. In this post, I am sharing ten journal prompts to coach yourself to a happier, more emotionally balanced life.
These prompts are questions that I often ask my clients (and myself) as part of our work together. They are powerful prompts!!!! Say that fast 10 times 
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Life Coach Yourself with These 10 Emotional Self-Care Journal Prompts
1. “What makes me happy?”
What brings us happiness is personal, because what brings happiness to one person may not do the same for someone else. It’s essential to take the time to explore what brings you joy and fulfillment in life because we often get too focused on the opposite, those things that bring us down and drain us. When we know what makes us happy, we can create more opportunities to experience it in our daily lives.
2. “What are my values?”
I love exploring values. Core Values in particular are the guiding principles that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. They are what make us come alive. When we live in alignment with our values, we feel more fulfilled, authentic, and true to ourselves.
Take the time to identify your core values, such as honesty, kindness, creativity, or spirituality. Then in your journal, reflect on how you can honor those values in your daily life.
Does that mean you buy that paint-by-numbers kit to honor your creativity? It might. You don’t have to take huge steps here. Once you understand your core values, do small things that help you work towards creating a life that aligns with them.
3. “What are my fears?”
Fear is a natural human emotion that can hold us back from pursuing our dreams, taking risks, and living a fulfilling life. By identifying our fears, we can begin to understand them, challenge them, and overcome them.
Write down your fears, no matter how big or small, and explore where they come from and how they impact your life. Remember, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
4. “What are my limiting beliefs?”
Limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or assumptions that we hold about ourselves, others, or the world around us. They can limit our potential, prevent us from taking action, and keep us stuck in a negative mindset. Identify those thoughts, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t deserve love,” or “I’m too old to start something new.” Once you’ve identified them, challenge them with positive affirmations and replace them with more empowering beliefs.
5. “What am I grateful for?”
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help us cultivate a positive mindset, reduce stress, and improve our overall well-being. Take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life, such as your health, your family, your home, or your job. Personally, I’m grateful for running water and a warm shower every single day!
Write down your “gratitude list” regularly, and notice how it shifts your perspective and brings more joy and positivity into your life.
I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve got a shelf full of red gratitude journals. ❤️
6. “What are my goals?”
Goals are essential to help us stay motivated, focused, and purposeful in life. So much of coaching of any type revolves around goal-setting.
I love setting goals. Clear goals allow us to create a plan and measure progress. Write down your short-term and long-term goals, break them down into achievable steps, and hold yourself accountable to making progress towards them.
7. “What brings me peace?”
This journal prompt can help you identify the things that calm your mind and soothe your soul. It could be anything from spending time in nature, reading a good book, meditating, or spending quality time with loved ones. I have a coaching client who plays video games as a way to calm their mind.
When identifying what brings you peace, take note of any physical sensations you experience. Do you feel tension releasing in your shoulders? Do you experience a sense of lightness in your chest? By paying attention to these sensations, you can strengthen your mind-body connection and get really clear on the things that bring you a sense of peace.
As you explore what brings you peace, look for ways you can bring more of those activities into your daily life. Doing so will help you create a sense of inner calm and balance that will support your emotional well-being.
Remember, peace is not something you find, it’s something you cultivate within yourself. So, take the time to nurture your inner peace and watch as it positively impacts all aspects of your life. ☮️
8. What are my boundaries?”
Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for our emotional self-care. Boundaries help us set limits on what we can tolerate from others and what we expect from ourselves. It’s a great exercise in self reflection to write out some boundaries you have now or want to set up soon. Remember that saying “no” to others means saying “yes” to yourself.
It’s not always easy to say no. It’s especially hard for mothers and those of us who are focused on helping others.
But it’s necessary personal work. Otherwise, you can burn out and get resentful.
Do your best with this journal prompt.
9. “What inspires me?”
Inspiration can come from various sources, such as art, music, literature, or nature. I get it often from talking deeply with close friends.
Take the time to explore what inspires you and fills you with passion and purpose. Follow your inspirations, and allow them to guide you towards new opportunities and experiences.
10. “What do I need right now?”
Self-care involves listening to your needs and prioritizing your well-being. While journaling, ask “What do I need right now?” It could be anything from rest, relaxation, connection, or self-care practices. Make a conscious effort to honor your needs and prioritize your emotional well-being.
Nice list isn’t it?
As I mentioned earlier, I use these prompts all the time, both for my own journaling and as exercises for my clients.
Emotional healing is a process of understanding and accepting your feelings in order to move forward and create a more fulfilling life.
If we wrap it all up, I would say without doubt, emotional self-care is essential for a happy, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you coach yourself towards healthy emotional self-care.
These ten journal prompts will help you connect with your inner self, explore your emotions, and align your values, goals, and inspirations to create a fulfilling life.
Love that.
Here’s a wonderful quote from Rumis:
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Take steps to change yourself by focusing on your emotional self-care today, and watch your life transform tomorrow!
