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IN: Lifestyle, Wellness

10 Self-Care Journal Prompts for Tough Times

September 7, 2023 By Melanie No Comments

Writing has always been a significant part of my healing journey. My heart has spilled out on paper during some of the most difficult moments of my life.

From navigating the life changing effects of my parent’s divorce, to the sorrow of watching my childhood dog pass away in my arms, the heartbreak of calling off the wedding to my college sweetheart, and currently, the indescribable pain of pregnancy loss

Pages upon pages of notebooks are filled with some of my deepest thoughts, feelings, hopes, regrets, and worries.

I’ve come to realize through years of writing that sometimes the things we can not say aloud need to find a safe space to be shared, even if the words will never be read by anyone else.

My journals are a place to let go of all the thoughts weighing on my heart and release the negative feelings associated with them. It’s a simple form of self-care that I hope will bring you some comfort as well, no matter what you may be going through. If you aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve shared a few prompts to get started.

Save these journal prompts for when you may need them:

  1. Make a list of 10 things you are currently grateful for.
  2. Explore the things you are currently mourning and allow yourself to write openly about everything that is weighing on your heart. Remember, no one else will read it and you don’t have to revisit if you don’t want to.
  3. What is something you’ve learned about yourself in this season of life?
  4. Write about a previous time you’ve faced adversity and overcame it. What did you learn and how did it help you grow?
  5. Who in your life have you felt most supported by and what do you appreciate about them?
  6. Fill a page with kind words to yourself. Write everything you need to hear most right now.
  7. Write about a memory that makes you happy and share details as if you’re telling the story to a friend.
  8. Even when it seems like everything is going wrong, write about one thing that went “right” recently, no matter how small.
  9. Write a list of all of your strengths and how they have helped you get to where you are today.
  10. What are a few things that are within your control that you can shift your focus to?

Remember that journaling is a very private, personal activity and there’s no wrong way to approach it. If writing feels particularly healing to you right now, I recommend setting aside a few minutes every day to jot down your thoughts and check out THIS post if you’d like more tips on how to build a consistent journaling habit. If it has the opposite effect, then it is absolutely okay to save it for another time.

From my heart to yours,

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Wellness

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Meet Melanie

Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in Denver. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. 💕 Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com

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Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos
Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin

✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025

The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

#autumnvibes #fallactivities #applepicking #fallgirl #autumnaesthetic #falltrip #pinterestaesthetic

#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits


Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall

Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

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a slow self care shower always hit different and i
a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine

✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho
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Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd

The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur
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“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are
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One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife

With October just days away and autumn officially
With October just days away and autumn officially underway, it’s the perfect time to create a little “solo date” bucket list of cozy activities to celebrate the season ☕️ 

Swipe and save for 10 ideas and let me know which one(s) you’ll be trying! 

#fallvibes #fallgirl #autumnselfcare #solodate #solodateideas #autumnadventures #fallbucketlist #iamanautumn #pinterestgirl

The sweetest leaf peeping Fallorado adventure with
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Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got ✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

#autumnvibes #fallactivities #applepicking #fallgirl #autumnaesthetic #falltrip #pinterestaesthetic
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li #ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits
Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁 Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

#fallaesthetic #fallincolorado #familyphotoshoot #pinterestaesthetic #fallorado #leafpeeping #autumndays #babysfirstfall #newparentslife
a slow self care shower always hit different and i a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine
✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho ✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood holiday✨

I’ve been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat all day and can’t wait to sing my heart out at tonight’s release party!! 🎶💃🏻🪩 Who else is going and what are your favorite songs on @taylorswift’s new album? 

Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd
The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur The most wholesome outing with my two favorite furbabies, because our pups deserve a little fall sweet treat (and the quality time) too 🐶🧡☕️ 

#pumpkinseason #romanticizeyourlife #rescuedogmom #coffeerun #pslseason #fallvibes🍁 #coffeetreat
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” 🍁 

One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife
With October just days away and autumn officially With October just days away and autumn officially underway, it’s the perfect time to create a little “solo date” bucket list of cozy activities to celebrate the season ☕️ 

Swipe and save for 10 ideas and let me know which one(s) you’ll be trying! 

#fallvibes #fallgirl #autumnselfcare #solodate #solodateideas #autumnadventures #fallbucketlist #iamanautumn #pinterestgirl
The sweetest leaf peeping Fallorado adventure with The sweetest leaf peeping Fallorado adventure with my little fam & good friends🍁☕️ Swipe for a peek into my camera roll and for all the best fall vibes (+ the cutest baby duo at the end!)

📍Steamboat Springs 

#autumnincolorado #coloradofall #autumnvibes #autumnishere #leafpeeping #fallcolours #falltrip #autumnadventures
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