Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. In fact, it’s the perfect time to pause and give yourself some much-needed TLC. Falling back in love with yourself is the foundation for stronger relationships, greater confidence, and overall happiness. And journaling? It’s the perfect tool to start that journey.

Below, I’ll share five impactful journaling exercises to help you reconnect with yourself this Valentine’s season.

A note from me: Okay so, I know that a lot of these Valentine’s ‘self love’ blog posts can be a little cringy! I promise that I’ve tried to make this one a little less rom-com and more actionable. However, it’s sometimes tricky to talk about loving yo’ self without being cringe. So, I guess this is my pre-warning!

Whilst you’re here, make sure to SAVE this post to your Pinterest board.

1. Reflect on What You Love About Yourself

I’m going to get the hardest one out of the way first. Because, let’s face it, NO-ONE likes listing things that they love about themselves!

When was the last time you genuinely celebrated yourself?

Life moves so fast that we often forget to acknowledge our own strengths and qualities. This journaling exercise will shift your focus to everything you love about you.

Start with this prompt: What are five things I love about myself? Don’t overthink it. Maybe it’s your patience, your quirky laugh, or the way you’re always there for others. Write them down and expand on why they matter to you.

If you can’t quite muster things that you love, use the word ‘like’ instead. And if you STILL struggle, use the word ‘admire’.

If this feels challenging, ask yourself: What would my closest friend or loved one say they love about me? Sometimes seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes makes it easier to recognize your worth. Over time, this practice can help you build a healthier self-image.

2. Explore Your Personal Values

Understanding your values is a key step in falling back in love with yourself. Your values are the compass that guides your decisions and shapes your identity. Journaling about them can help you reconnect with what truly matters.

Ask yourself: What values are most important to me, and how do I honor them in my daily life? For example, if kindness is a core value, reflect on how you’ve shown kindness to yourself and others recently.

This exercise also helps you spot areas for growth. If you realize you’ve been neglecting a value like creativity, make a plan to bring it back into your life. Falling in love with yourself means living in alignment with who you truly are.

To take this even further, answer these 100 questions for self-discovery.

3. Write a Love Letter to Yourself

Yes, it might feel a little cheesy at first, but trust me—this exercise is powerful. A love letter to yourself is a beautiful way to practice self-compassion and appreciation.

Start with: Dear [Your Name], I’m writing this letter to remind you of all the reasons you’re amazing. Then, let the words flow. Highlight your accomplishments, your resilience, and even the small wins that often go unnoticed.

This practice can feel emotional, but that’s a good thing! It’s a chance to acknowledge yourself in ways you might not have before. Revisit this letter whenever you need a reminder of your worth.

I KNOW that this one can feel super cheesy (sorry about that!). The following might help you!

4. Revisit Past Wins and Lessons

Sometimes, we focus so much on what we haven’t achieved that we forget how far we’ve come. Journaling about your past wins and lessons learned can help you feel proud of your journey and reignite self-love.

Use this prompt: What’s a challenge I’ve overcome, and what did I learn from it? Reflect on the strengths you tapped into during that time. Maybe it was your determination, creativity, or ability to adapt.

Then, shift your focus to wins: What’s an accomplishment I’m really proud of? Whether it’s graduating, landing a job, or even just getting out of bed on a hard day, every win matters. Celebrate them!

5. Dream Big and Set Loving Intentions

Nothing says self-love like giving yourself permission to dream. Journaling about your future goals and intentions can help you feel excited about what’s ahead while honoring where you are now.

Read next: How to Visualize Your Dream Life

Ask yourself: What does my dream life look like, and how can I take small steps toward it? Write about the kind of relationships, work, and hobbies that light you up. Then, set one intention to bring more joy or self-care into your life this month.

For example, if your dream includes more creativity, commit to starting a weekly art night or taking a class. Aligning your actions with your dreams is a powerful way to show yourself love and respect.

Valentine’s Day is a reminder to love, but that love doesn’t always have to be directed outward. By dedicating time to journaling, you’re creating a space to nurture your relationship with yourself.

These prompts aren’t just for February (but these ones are!)—they’re tools you can return to any time you need a self-love boost. So light a candle, grab your favorite journal, and fall back in love with the person who’s been with you through it all: you.