Practicing Self-Acceptance through Journaling Prompts

Below is a sneak peek of my audio-based course, Caring for Your Sensitive Self, which is available on Insight Timer. This exercise focuses on developing self-acceptance through identifying and challenging beliefs.

“Today we’re focusing on self-acceptance. In our last lesson, we identified messages we’ve heard about our sensitivity, and we identified beliefs we’ve internalized about ourselves and our sensitivity. Today, we’ll use that information to reframe and transform how we perceive ourselves.

Alright, grab your journal if you don’t already have it. In order to reframe thoughts, we need to identify current thoughts. We did this in the last lesson, so look back at your journaling to refresh your memory about what you identified. Pause here to take a minute to reflect and review.

Now, with each belief, I want you to answer a few questions. You may pause to write each question down.

First, where did this belief/thought come from?

Second, how is this belief impacting me?

Third, what could a more supportive belief sound like?

I’ll give you an example. I’ve had the belief that there is something wrong with me. First, I know that this belief developed out of experiences in which I didn’t get my emotional needs met. Others didn’t understand my sensitivity because they weren’t highly sensitive. And I didn’t know how to advocate for my needs. So, when others didn’t meet my needs, I came to the conclusion that I shouldn’t need so much, and that there is something wrong with me. Second, believing that there is something wrong with me has impacted my communication, how I advocate for myself, and increased depressive thoughts and feelings. Third, a more supportive belief could be “I am a sensitive person, and that is okay. When someone doesn’t understand me, it doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be this way. My sensitivity can feel lonely at times, but there is nothing wrong with me.”

Now, take a few minutes to answer these questions about at least one belief or thought.

This is not an automatic change. It takes practice and repetition to shift our beliefs. One way to start internalizing these new beliefs is to write them down and put them up where you’ll see them often. You might choose to write them on your bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker. I believe that you have the insight to find the supportive beliefs and thoughts. I hope you’ll give yourself the time and space to explore your inner wisdom.”

If you want more lessons like this, check out my course by clicking below!