I came across a list on Pinterest of 25 self-love journal prompts
https://www.ellduclos.blog/self-love-journal-prompts/.
Self love! That’s something we all probably could improve on, myself included. For the most part, I
don’t like myself. Never really have. But maybe this will help. Maybe this special list will make me
suddenly see the light. Let’s start this journey!
#1 What are 10 things you are really good at?
I am really good at wasting time. And avoiding cleaning. And procrastinating… Just kidding. Or am I?
But really.
1. I am good at writing, hopefully, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
2. I’m a good reader. Sometimes I read trash, but I’ve also read some of the classics.
3. I think I’m good at being there for people when they need me.
4. I’m a good care staff to the different people I work with. I’m not the best but I’ve had very few injuries
on my watch.
5. I’m usually a quick text back. I don’t like to leave people waiting.
6. I’m better than most at folding a fitted sheet.
7. I’m good at singing. I’m not great, but I have fun.
8. I’m good at boring tasks. Which I guess just means I have a lot of patience. Example: My husband,
Ben, can not handle doing our taxes. Finding the correct number in the correct box and transferring that
information over into a different box drives him insane. I don’t find it fun, but I’ll get it done.
9. I’m good at remembering dates, for the most part. Birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The other day, I looked
at the date and really thought it was a friend of mines birthday, someone I haven’t talked to since my
junior year, maybe? About an hour later, I get that notification, asking if I want to look at my Facebook
memories, and sure enough, I was right.
10. I’m good at getting things off the top shelf. Cause I’m tall.
But really.
1. I am good at writing, hopefully, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
2. I’m a good reader. Sometimes I read trash, but I’ve also read some of the classics.
3. I think I’m good at being there for people when they need me.
4. I’m a good care staff to the different people I work with. I’m not the best but I’ve had very few injuries
on my watch.
5. I’m usually a quick text back. I don’t like to leave people waiting.
6. I’m better than most at folding a fitted sheet.
7. I’m good at singing. I’m not great, but I have fun.
8. I’m good at boring tasks. Which I guess just means I have a lot of patience. Example: My husband,
Ben, can not handle doing our taxes. Finding the correct number in the correct box and transferring that
information over into a different box drives him insane. I don’t find it fun, but I’ll get it done.
9. I’m good at remembering dates, for the most part. Birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The other day, I looked
at the date and really thought it was a friend of mines birthday, someone I haven’t talked to since my
junior year, maybe? About an hour later, I get that notification, asking if I want to look at my Facebook
memories, and sure enough, I was right.
10. I’m good at getting things off the top shelf. Cause I’m tall.
And that’s it! All ten things I’m good at. It was harder than I thought. It was easier in the beginning,
coming up with those few negative things I wrote that I’m good at. I definitely need this self love thing
then. Gross. Let’s move on.
coming up with those few negative things I wrote that I’m good at. I definitely need this self love thing
then. Gross. Let’s move on.
#2 What are Five physical features you love about yourself?
Are they all gonna be this hard? Damn. I figured this would be more light-hearted. But it does have me
thinking, and I guess that’s good. Probably should have read through the whole list before I decided to
complete it, but now I’ve started so I must finish!
1. I have pretty eyes. I know, that’s everyone's go-to. But really, if you know me, you know this to be
true. They are nice and blue and have green speckles in the middle.
2. For the most part, I like that I am tall. Mainly because I can't really imagine being short, or even just
an average height. I’ve always, since I can remember, been taller than most, if not all, of the people I
know. And I like it.
3. I have really muscular calves, which some people don’t like, but I do. Especially if I’m wearing gym
shoes, cause then they seem extra strong.
4. So, maybe a bit TMI, but I love my boobs. I do! I was so worried when I started losing weight that
they would all go away, but I’m 100 pounds down, and I have a smaller band size, but the same cup
size. Hopefully that stays true as I lose more.
5. When I want to, I have really nice hair. I know most of the time I cut it very short, so you can’t really
tell, but it’s thick and soft. But even when it is short, it looks good on me. Or people tell me so.
thinking, and I guess that’s good. Probably should have read through the whole list before I decided to
complete it, but now I’ve started so I must finish!
1. I have pretty eyes. I know, that’s everyone's go-to. But really, if you know me, you know this to be
true. They are nice and blue and have green speckles in the middle.
2. For the most part, I like that I am tall. Mainly because I can't really imagine being short, or even just
an average height. I’ve always, since I can remember, been taller than most, if not all, of the people I
know. And I like it.
3. I have really muscular calves, which some people don’t like, but I do. Especially if I’m wearing gym
shoes, cause then they seem extra strong.
4. So, maybe a bit TMI, but I love my boobs. I do! I was so worried when I started losing weight that
they would all go away, but I’m 100 pounds down, and I have a smaller band size, but the same cup
size. Hopefully that stays true as I lose more.
5. When I want to, I have really nice hair. I know most of the time I cut it very short, so you can’t really
tell, but it’s thick and soft. But even when it is short, it looks good on me. Or people tell me so.
Thinking this much about myself feels weird.
#3 What are 3 of your strongest qualities?
Are these all going to be lists?
1. I am loquacious. Which is an annoying SAT word I learned, and probably the only one that stuck
with me, because it means talkative.
2. I am kind. Or I really try to be.
3. I am vibrant. Colorful and creative, put together into a person? Vibrant? Let’s go with that.
1. I am loquacious. Which is an annoying SAT word I learned, and probably the only one that stuck
with me, because it means talkative.
2. I am kind. Or I really try to be.
3. I am vibrant. Colorful and creative, put together into a person? Vibrant? Let’s go with that.
#4 Write out your ideal version of your “dream life.”
Okay. Dream life. I have a super cool job that I love doing. I make all the money that I need and then
some. Ben also has a really cool job, but it doesn’t matter how much money he makes, cause I make
plenty. Good size house, big enough for a bunch of adopted and foster kids, and a guest room for when
our family comes over. Nice backyard with one of those super fancy pools they build on that pool
show, Ultimate Pools. Make that guest room a guest tree house in the backyard. And I have enough
free time off from my fancy job to travel everywhere, and volunteer, and donate money to do projects
I think are important. Also somewhere in this future myself or someone I know cures cancer. The end.
some. Ben also has a really cool job, but it doesn’t matter how much money he makes, cause I make
plenty. Good size house, big enough for a bunch of adopted and foster kids, and a guest room for when
our family comes over. Nice backyard with one of those super fancy pools they build on that pool
show, Ultimate Pools. Make that guest room a guest tree house in the backyard. And I have enough
free time off from my fancy job to travel everywhere, and volunteer, and donate money to do projects
I think are important. Also somewhere in this future myself or someone I know cures cancer. The end.
#5 What are three goals you want to accomplish before the end of this year?
Finally! An easy one. Cause I covered this last blog.
1. Reach my weight loss goal!
2. Save as much money as possible!
3. Have less Debt!
1. Reach my weight loss goal!
2. Save as much money as possible!
3. Have less Debt!
#6 Write out a gratitude list of Things you are thankful for.
I am thankful for a lot. My family, the whole thing, from near to far. I have always felt so thankful that
there are so many of us. My life, it’s not always perfect and it’s not always spectacular, but it’s mine
and I get to live it however I see fit. And my best friend, Anna, who has almost always been there for
me. Too bad she missed out on those first ten years of my life, but I have a feeling those will be the only
ones she won’t be around for. I am thankful for the person I have become; being with Ben these last
(almost) 5 years.
there are so many of us. My life, it’s not always perfect and it’s not always spectacular, but it’s mine
and I get to live it however I see fit. And my best friend, Anna, who has almost always been there for
me. Too bad she missed out on those first ten years of my life, but I have a feeling those will be the only
ones she won’t be around for. I am thankful for the person I have become; being with Ben these last
(almost) 5 years.
#7 Write out ten positive affirmations.
Is it bad that I had to Google what a “Positive affirmation” is? And then the definition wasn’t enough
and I had to Google examples? They seem corny. My understanding is that they are short, simple
saying you repeat to yourself to feel better? I’ll try to think of 10 and I’ll let you know when I start
cheating and using Google’s.
1. You is smart
2. You is kind
3. You is important.
and I had to Google examples? They seem corny. My understanding is that they are short, simple
saying you repeat to yourself to feel better? I’ll try to think of 10 and I’ll let you know when I start
cheating and using Google’s.
1. You is smart
2. You is kind
3. You is important.
(Yes, I’m stealing from The Help but those are my usual ones, if I have any)
4. I am stronger than I feel right now
5. You are not alone
6. People care about you
7. Will this problem you have right now matter as much a month from now?
4. I am stronger than I feel right now
5. You are not alone
6. People care about you
7. Will this problem you have right now matter as much a month from now?
That’s it for original ones, which honestly is more that I thought. Now I will pick some new ones from
Google to add to my everyday knowledge of Affirmations.
Google to add to my everyday knowledge of Affirmations.
8. I am worthy of respect.
(Simple but true. We should all remember that)
9.People notice my beauty because I notice my beauty
(Wow. that’s really pretty. I want to think that more often)
10. Happiness is my birthright.
(Another Wow)
Google did a better job of randomly inspiring me than I do of inspiring myself. Feel free to use mine or
Google’s affirmations in your everyday life, to make yourself think prettier thoughts.
Google’s affirmations in your everyday life, to make yourself think prettier thoughts.
#8 What are five of your best personality traits?
What’s the difference between a strong quality and a best trait?
Quora.com says, “Traits are often labeled as genetic, or by character or personality. Qualities may be
considered as being characteristics, but characteristics are not necessarily qualities; also qualities
may be recognized as virtues.”
considered as being characteristics, but characteristics are not necessarily qualities; also qualities
may be recognized as virtues.”
That really clears things up, doesn’t it? No! Yeah, I’m also still confused.
So I Googled, “Examples of personality traits,” and I picked 5 I think describe me. Although I kind of
feel like I’m cheating. But anyway…
1. I am enthusiastic. Especially if it’s something I’m excited or passionate about.
2. I try to be organized, but I don’t know how well I succeed. I make lists and charts all the time
though, so that counts for something.
3. I am almost too punctual. I have started using a feature on my phone that tells me how long it takes
to get places based on where I am currently, and most people probably use it to help them be on time,
so they aren’t late, I use it so that I’m not too early. Cause if I’m excited for something, I want it to
happen already! Or if I’m dreading something, I just want to get it over with. But being 20-30 minutes
early is really just inconvenient for me. I just end up reading in my car or in waiting rooms. And no one
needs more time in waiting rooms.
4. I am courteous. Sometimes too much so, if that’s possible. I’ve been hurt at work because I’m too
polite to say no when someone asks for my help. Maybe it’s more that I’m too courteous to strangers
or colleagues. Because sometimes I could be a little more courteous to the people who matter most.
5. I know in my list of qualities, I put loquacious, or talkative, but I’m going to list 'quiet' as one of my
traits. Cause I’m a contradiction! Deal with it! But seriously, I know there were people in high school
who were always shocked when I actually spoke in class. Especially in subjects that I struggled in, like
science, where I wasn’t confident in my answers, so I didn’t offer them often. Things that make me
anxious make me quiet. When I’m thinking, I’m quiet. And especially these last few weeks, when I’ve
been working alone on midnights, I have been very, VERY, quiet.
feel like I’m cheating. But anyway…
1. I am enthusiastic. Especially if it’s something I’m excited or passionate about.
2. I try to be organized, but I don’t know how well I succeed. I make lists and charts all the time
though, so that counts for something.
3. I am almost too punctual. I have started using a feature on my phone that tells me how long it takes
to get places based on where I am currently, and most people probably use it to help them be on time,
so they aren’t late, I use it so that I’m not too early. Cause if I’m excited for something, I want it to
happen already! Or if I’m dreading something, I just want to get it over with. But being 20-30 minutes
early is really just inconvenient for me. I just end up reading in my car or in waiting rooms. And no one
needs more time in waiting rooms.
4. I am courteous. Sometimes too much so, if that’s possible. I’ve been hurt at work because I’m too
polite to say no when someone asks for my help. Maybe it’s more that I’m too courteous to strangers
or colleagues. Because sometimes I could be a little more courteous to the people who matter most.
5. I know in my list of qualities, I put loquacious, or talkative, but I’m going to list 'quiet' as one of my
traits. Cause I’m a contradiction! Deal with it! But seriously, I know there were people in high school
who were always shocked when I actually spoke in class. Especially in subjects that I struggled in, like
science, where I wasn’t confident in my answers, so I didn’t offer them often. Things that make me
anxious make me quiet. When I’m thinking, I’m quiet. And especially these last few weeks, when I’ve
been working alone on midnights, I have been very, VERY, quiet.
#9 How can I love myself more?
I think by just leaving more time for myself. I like to help others, working extra, volunteering, etc. But
sometimes I put time for myself last. And time for myself could be this, writing. I like it. It’s calming.
And reading, which I’ve found a lot of time for recently. But really, I should just love myself more in
my head. Because I spend a lot of time blaming myself for things that aren’t my fault, that aren’t really
anyone's fault. Like when money is a little tighter, because I can’t work as much, because I got hurt.
It’s not my fault I got hurt. It’s not my client’s fault I got hurt. Even though the company didn’t train me
on gait belts, it doesn’t mean that if they had, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt. I just need to accept it and
get over it, instead of placing blame.
sometimes I put time for myself last. And time for myself could be this, writing. I like it. It’s calming.
And reading, which I’ve found a lot of time for recently. But really, I should just love myself more in
my head. Because I spend a lot of time blaming myself for things that aren’t my fault, that aren’t really
anyone's fault. Like when money is a little tighter, because I can’t work as much, because I got hurt.
It’s not my fault I got hurt. It’s not my client’s fault I got hurt. Even though the company didn’t train me
on gait belts, it doesn’t mean that if they had, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt. I just need to accept it and
get over it, instead of placing blame.
#10 Write out a perfect morning routine to stick to
As some of you know, I got a new job this week! And I’m very excited. This will be the first time I can
have a morning routine since High School, because every other job I’ve had either had ever-changing
shifts, or was a graveyard shift, which is hard to plan for. But starting Feb.5th, I will be at work every
day at 6:30am! Which sounds gross and early, but I’ll get used to it.
have a morning routine since High School, because every other job I’ve had either had ever-changing
shifts, or was a graveyard shift, which is hard to plan for. But starting Feb.5th, I will be at work every
day at 6:30am! Which sounds gross and early, but I’ll get used to it.
Before I start building my schedule though, I should probably say now that no, I do not shower every
day. It’s bad for your hair and skin! No, that does not mean that I’m dirty. No, I do not smell. Obviously
if I get dirty, doing yard work or working out, I shower. But if I had a regular day doing regular things,
I don't (and that’s just fine). And If you want to shower every day and get rid of all your healthy,
natural oils, you go right ahead. No judgement. But I would like that same respect, thank you very
much.
day. It’s bad for your hair and skin! No, that does not mean that I’m dirty. No, I do not smell. Obviously
if I get dirty, doing yard work or working out, I shower. But if I had a regular day doing regular things,
I don't (and that’s just fine). And If you want to shower every day and get rid of all your healthy,
natural oils, you go right ahead. No judgement. But I would like that same respect, thank you very
much.
Anyway…
5a- Wake up! It’s another (hopefully) beautiful day!
5:01a- Bathroom! Social media update!
5:10a- Shower and/or cook breakfast
(If it is a cooking day, make enough for two days, so you still have noms for shower days)
5:20a- eat, drink coffee, Youtube, put dishes in dishwasher
5:45a- Brush teeth and get dressed for work!
6a- Collect all things (Lunch, work apron, water bottle, jacket, keys, purse)
6:05a- Leave for work!
6:25a- Arrive at work!
6:30a- Clock in, put lunch in fridge, start day!
Yay! I’m actually very excited to have a regular schedule. And yes, on shower day’s I will eat in my
towel/robe, because I always get food on me, so the less meals I eat in an outfit, the less likely it is to
get stained. Same reason I put brush my teeth before getting dressed, I always get toothpaste on myself,
cause I’m a mess.
towel/robe, because I always get food on me, so the less meals I eat in an outfit, the less likely it is to
get stained. Same reason I put brush my teeth before getting dressed, I always get toothpaste on myself,
cause I’m a mess.
#11 Write out things you forgive yourself for
God! That’s gonna be a hard one. And probably pretty personal, but that’s okay. I’m a sharer. For times
sake, I’m gonna only do three things.
1. I forgive myself for choosing to leave OE, for thinking that a job working with only one client, who
in the past has hurt me more than once before, was a good idea. What ifs are dumb, and I know as
humans we usually force ourselves to consider them, but I am done. It is forgiven. No more thoughts
of “What if I had stayed at OE?” “What if I hadn’t agreed to that extra shift.” “What If?” What If.”
“What if…”
2. I forgive myself for letting me feel bad about hurting people who didn’t deserve me. I know I did the
right thing by leaving some people in my past, and I will try not to think about it anymore.
3. I forgive myself for getting fat. Yes, I’m working hard now to fix it. And no, I couldn’t always
control what I ate growing up. But I’ve been in charge of all that for over 6 years now. So it’s not
excusable anymore, and honestly, I could have been making better choices before that. But the deed is
done. Forgive yourself and move on
sake, I’m gonna only do three things.
1. I forgive myself for choosing to leave OE, for thinking that a job working with only one client, who
in the past has hurt me more than once before, was a good idea. What ifs are dumb, and I know as
humans we usually force ourselves to consider them, but I am done. It is forgiven. No more thoughts
of “What if I had stayed at OE?” “What if I hadn’t agreed to that extra shift.” “What If?” What If.”
“What if…”
2. I forgive myself for letting me feel bad about hurting people who didn’t deserve me. I know I did the
right thing by leaving some people in my past, and I will try not to think about it anymore.
3. I forgive myself for getting fat. Yes, I’m working hard now to fix it. And no, I couldn’t always
control what I ate growing up. But I’ve been in charge of all that for over 6 years now. So it’s not
excusable anymore, and honestly, I could have been making better choices before that. But the deed is
done. Forgive yourself and move on
#12 What are three ways you can take actionable steps towards your dreams?
1. Writing more so I can get better at it
2. File for FAFSA so I can go back to school easier
3. Sign up for summer school
1. Writing more so I can get better at it
2. File for FAFSA so I can go back to school easier
3. Sign up for summer school
#13 What do you love most about your life?
The other people in it.
#14 How can you improve your mindset so you love yourself more?
Try to be less negative. Once my sibling yelled at me for looking on the bright side. There isn’t always
a bright side! Sometimes things suck! Just because I say optimistic things, doesn’t mean I feel that way.
a bright side! Sometimes things suck! Just because I say optimistic things, doesn’t mean I feel that way.
#15 Write yourself a love letter.
Do I have to?
Which really is a stupid question, I’m the one making myself write this. But really, it being so hard for
me shows that I probably need it.
me shows that I probably need it.
I’ve never really gotten a love letter. Ben’s not a writer. My mom wrote me when I was at camp and told
me she loved me, but that’s different.
me she loved me, but that’s different.
And even being a writer, I haven’t written anyone a love letter. Not in the way that I’m thinking of it
right now. I write sweet notes, I put effort into writing nice things in birthday cards, but never just like,
a full page of nothing but reasons why I love someone. It feels weird that my first one will be to myself.
But really, a letter doesn’t have to be a full page. The only thing I was ever taught about writing letters
comes from when I was pen pals with my dad’s aunt when I was like, 10. And the only thing I learned
was to make sure to ask questions, so that it’s easier for them to write back. So I will write myself a short
love letter. Don’t expect anything too grand.
right now. I write sweet notes, I put effort into writing nice things in birthday cards, but never just like,
a full page of nothing but reasons why I love someone. It feels weird that my first one will be to myself.
But really, a letter doesn’t have to be a full page. The only thing I was ever taught about writing letters
comes from when I was pen pals with my dad’s aunt when I was like, 10. And the only thing I learned
was to make sure to ask questions, so that it’s easier for them to write back. So I will write myself a short
love letter. Don’t expect anything too grand.
Dear Gretchen,
You are a pretty great girl. You are growing into the women I mostly wanted to be as a kid. You’re far
from perfect, but you give everything a lot of effort. And I respect that. I love your spirit and zest for
life. And I love you even when you’re sad and you think I don’t. Just keep going. And keep finding
things and people to love. Life will be good.
from perfect, but you give everything a lot of effort. And I respect that. I love your spirit and zest for
life. And I love you even when you’re sad and you think I don’t. Just keep going. And keep finding
things and people to love. Life will be good.
Love Always,
Gretchen
#16 Write out 15 compliments you can give yourself.
15! Jesus, that’s a lot. I hate compliments. Getting them. Yes, I appreciate that you noticed and liked
something about me. But I feel weird just saying thanks. And I feel weird quickly scanning you to find
something I like about you to say back. Fake, even though I probably really mean it.
1. Your eyes are so blue!
2. You’re so tall!
3. You’ve lost so much weight!
4. I like it when you smile.
5. You don’t suck at driving
6. You have great taste in friends
7. You’re a great cook!
8. You do a good job helping others
9. You got out of bed today! (Are praise and compliments the same thing? Uh…)
10. You did your best
11. Your hairs growing in nicely
12. That is such a cute shirt!
13. And shoes!
14. And face!!!
15. You always try your best
something about me. But I feel weird just saying thanks. And I feel weird quickly scanning you to find
something I like about you to say back. Fake, even though I probably really mean it.
1. Your eyes are so blue!
2. You’re so tall!
3. You’ve lost so much weight!
4. I like it when you smile.
5. You don’t suck at driving
6. You have great taste in friends
7. You’re a great cook!
8. You do a good job helping others
9. You got out of bed today! (Are praise and compliments the same thing? Uh…)
10. You did your best
11. Your hairs growing in nicely
12. That is such a cute shirt!
13. And shoes!
14. And face!!!
15. You always try your best
#17 What are 5 things you have done that make you proud?
1. Getting the courage to stand up for myself and leave my Dad behind.
2. Trusting someone enough to fall in love and get married.
3. Being strong enough to ask for what I want with my doctors, because they don’t always know what’s
best for me, in my life. And sometimes you gotta fight.
4. For realizing that I need to take better care of my mental health. For going to my psychiatrist and
therapist even when I don’t want to. For not being so scared anymore
5. I’m proud of being able to get a new job. It should be simple, but selling yourself, your skills and
what you have to offer, is hard when you don’t feel like you have much to offer.
1. Getting the courage to stand up for myself and leave my Dad behind.
2. Trusting someone enough to fall in love and get married.
3. Being strong enough to ask for what I want with my doctors, because they don’t always know what’s
best for me, in my life. And sometimes you gotta fight.
4. For realizing that I need to take better care of my mental health. For going to my psychiatrist and
therapist even when I don’t want to. For not being so scared anymore
5. I’m proud of being able to get a new job. It should be simple, but selling yourself, your skills and
what you have to offer, is hard when you don’t feel like you have much to offer.
#18 What bad habits and mindsets do you need to quit?
This seems similar to #14, where I changed my mindset to love myself more. So I’m just gonna do
habits.
1. Procrastinating. I do it a lot. With silly things and for silly reasons. Like chores. My reason is usually
that I don’t want to right now, like I’m ever going to want to. I don’t look forward to cleaning. But I do
love my house being clean.
2. Forgetting to brush my teeth. Should be easy. Morning. Night. Done. But I forget until I’ve left the
house. I should really get a purse toothbrush. Is it weird to brush your teeth places other than your own
bathroom? Maybe. But it’s better than not doing it. And I usually remember before bed, but I
remember when I’m already laying down.
habits.
1. Procrastinating. I do it a lot. With silly things and for silly reasons. Like chores. My reason is usually
that I don’t want to right now, like I’m ever going to want to. I don’t look forward to cleaning. But I do
love my house being clean.
2. Forgetting to brush my teeth. Should be easy. Morning. Night. Done. But I forget until I’ve left the
house. I should really get a purse toothbrush. Is it weird to brush your teeth places other than your own
bathroom? Maybe. But it’s better than not doing it. And I usually remember before bed, but I
remember when I’m already laying down.
Both of the above habits are really linked into this third one…
3. Laziness. It is a habit of mine. I go through periods of being active, but not lately. And yes, I’ve been
in pain lately. But I should be doing as much as I can. But I don’t. Cause I’m lazy. Stop it!
4. Not drinking enough water. I am literally always dehydrated. Every time I’ve been to the ER for
different things, dehydration is also one of the problems on my chart. I did the Healthy4Life program,
and part of that is every other visit, you get weighed on a special scale that tells you your percentage of
fat, muscle, and water. Humans are supposed to be up to 60% water. I don’t think I ever had a
percentage bigger than 10%. According to https://dripdrop.com/blogs/news/6-dehydration-facts-may-surprise
75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. So it’s not just me, but I’m still bad at it. But I often
forget that coffee dehydrates you. Cause I will count my coffee as part of my 8 8oz glasses a day. It’s
made of water, so it should count, right? Wrong! Non Caffeinated tea can count, and I do drink that, but
I don’t know why I always forget coffee is bad for you.
3. Laziness. It is a habit of mine. I go through periods of being active, but not lately. And yes, I’ve been
in pain lately. But I should be doing as much as I can. But I don’t. Cause I’m lazy. Stop it!
4. Not drinking enough water. I am literally always dehydrated. Every time I’ve been to the ER for
different things, dehydration is also one of the problems on my chart. I did the Healthy4Life program,
and part of that is every other visit, you get weighed on a special scale that tells you your percentage of
fat, muscle, and water. Humans are supposed to be up to 60% water. I don’t think I ever had a
percentage bigger than 10%. According to https://dripdrop.com/blogs/news/6-dehydration-facts-may-surprise
75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. So it’s not just me, but I’m still bad at it. But I often
forget that coffee dehydrates you. Cause I will count my coffee as part of my 8 8oz glasses a day. It’s
made of water, so it should count, right? Wrong! Non Caffeinated tea can count, and I do drink that, but
I don’t know why I always forget coffee is bad for you.
#19 What are 10 things that make you the happiest?
Things that make me happy. So not people. Or places. Or Ideas. None of those nouns. Items. Okay.
1. My car. It’s pretty, and reliable. And It makes me happy.
2. Books. Preferable good books. But even seeing a large amount of bad books still makes me smile.
3. New school supplies. Beautiful and full of new potential.
4. My engagement ring. What it represents, but also just the ring itself is beautiful. And it doesn’t fit
my ring finger anymore, I wear it on my middle now, so that makes me proud. All good things.
5. Nice pens that write well.
6. Hoodies that fit nicely and are the perfect weight for how cold you are.
7. Comfy chairs that have good support so you can sit and read or write or drive for a while without
having to get up or re-position. More specifically my tractor seat desk chair. It looks and feels exactly
like the seats on my grandpa's tractors, but smooth, shiny black instead of paint-pealing and rusted
from rain and sun.
8. My phone. That should probably be my #1. Mostly because it is almost literally limitless with the
things it can do and tell me. But mostly because it helps me so much day to day. And I am happiest
when I am not lost. When I can communicate with whoever I want, whenever I want. And I can look up
all the tattoo ideas I could ever think of.
9. TV. I shouldn’t watch that much TV, but I do. I like it
10. Modern, indoor plumbing. Cause it’s about the simple things in life. And Indoor plumbing definitely
“Sparks Joy” to me.
1. My car. It’s pretty, and reliable. And It makes me happy.
2. Books. Preferable good books. But even seeing a large amount of bad books still makes me smile.
3. New school supplies. Beautiful and full of new potential.
4. My engagement ring. What it represents, but also just the ring itself is beautiful. And it doesn’t fit
my ring finger anymore, I wear it on my middle now, so that makes me proud. All good things.
5. Nice pens that write well.
6. Hoodies that fit nicely and are the perfect weight for how cold you are.
7. Comfy chairs that have good support so you can sit and read or write or drive for a while without
having to get up or re-position. More specifically my tractor seat desk chair. It looks and feels exactly
like the seats on my grandpa's tractors, but smooth, shiny black instead of paint-pealing and rusted
from rain and sun.
8. My phone. That should probably be my #1. Mostly because it is almost literally limitless with the
things it can do and tell me. But mostly because it helps me so much day to day. And I am happiest
when I am not lost. When I can communicate with whoever I want, whenever I want. And I can look up
all the tattoo ideas I could ever think of.
9. TV. I shouldn’t watch that much TV, but I do. I like it
10. Modern, indoor plumbing. Cause it’s about the simple things in life. And Indoor plumbing definitely
“Sparks Joy” to me.
#20 Write a positive advice letter to your future self.
Dear Gretchen,
Stick with your gut feeling. Whether it’s about a person, a place, or whatever. Usually your first
impression is accurate. Don’t let other people sway you so much. Stick to what you think!
impression is accurate. Don’t let other people sway you so much. Stick to what you think!
Sincerely,
Gretchen
#21 Describe yourself positively in 10 words.
I am an optimistic, bright, imaginative, sassy, unusual, young woman.
#22 What’s standing in the way of your happiness and what can you do to fix that? (Positive thoughts
only)
only)
Myself. I stand in the way of my own happiness. To fix it, I need to relax, take things as they come, and
know that I can’t always be in control.
know that I can’t always be in control.
#23 What are 5 good habits I want to start next month?
1. Drinking 64oz of WATER a day. Tea does not count towards my goal. Extra fluid is good.
2. Be in bed by 8pm every week night, asleep by 9pm ideally. Weekends, don’t get too crazy with
relaxed bedtimes, and make sure you still have at least 9 hours in bed, 1 extra to calm down before
sleep.
3. Make your lunch and pick your outfit the night before work.
4. Wear proper outerwear. Just because you can handle the cold, doesn’t mean you have to be cold. You
have a coat. And hoodies. And sweaters. And yes, you get hot easily. Plan layers while you’re planning
your outfit.
5. Start a skin routine. You’re only 24 for so long! And apparently, everyone should be wearing
sunscreen every day. And I’m fair-skinned AF.
1. Drinking 64oz of WATER a day. Tea does not count towards my goal. Extra fluid is good.
2. Be in bed by 8pm every week night, asleep by 9pm ideally. Weekends, don’t get too crazy with
relaxed bedtimes, and make sure you still have at least 9 hours in bed, 1 extra to calm down before
sleep.
3. Make your lunch and pick your outfit the night before work.
4. Wear proper outerwear. Just because you can handle the cold, doesn’t mean you have to be cold. You
have a coat. And hoodies. And sweaters. And yes, you get hot easily. Plan layers while you’re planning
your outfit.
5. Start a skin routine. You’re only 24 for so long! And apparently, everyone should be wearing
sunscreen every day. And I’m fair-skinned AF.
#24 What are 5 flaws that you accept and how can you look at these flaws in a positive light?
1. I can’t control everything, even though I want to. Sometimes surprises are nice. Let other people lead.
But don’t be too much of a follower
2. I am not perfect, but that gives me something to strive for, and always trying to improve is admirable.
3. Other people’s flaws that bother you, are what makes them the people you love.
4. You're honest, and sometimes that hurts people, but for the most part it’s a good thing. People come to
you for your opinion and put their trust in you.
5. I am childish, but that has helped me a lot in my career, at OE with some of my clients, and hopefully
at the new job as well.
1. I can’t control everything, even though I want to. Sometimes surprises are nice. Let other people lead.
But don’t be too much of a follower
2. I am not perfect, but that gives me something to strive for, and always trying to improve is admirable.
3. Other people’s flaws that bother you, are what makes them the people you love.
4. You're honest, and sometimes that hurts people, but for the most part it’s a good thing. People come to
you for your opinion and put their trust in you.
5. I am childish, but that has helped me a lot in my career, at OE with some of my clients, and hopefully
at the new job as well.
And last, but not least…
#25 Write yourself a thank you letter
Dear Gretchen,
Thank you for being strong and brave. Our life would have been very different if you had never found
your courage. Courage to make your own choices. Courage to be willing to fail. Courage to fight for
what you believe in.
your courage. Courage to make your own choices. Courage to be willing to fail. Courage to fight for
what you believe in.
Thank you for taking care of us. For finding and going to doctors, even though that wasn’t something I
was really raised to do.
was really raised to do.
Thank you for wanting to change. To make yourself better. For never accepting that things are as
good as they could be when you know there is better out there.
Thank you. For everything.
good as they could be when you know there is better out there.
Thank you. For everything.
Love,
Gretchen
It is complete! I have done it. It took more time and thought than I believed it would, but I think it was
beneficial. Sometimes it made me feel silly, but mostly it made me realize that I need to give myself a
break, mentally.
beneficial. Sometimes it made me feel silly, but mostly it made me realize that I need to give myself a
break, mentally.
Leave a comment with which question(s) you think would have been the hardest to answer. And feel
free to leave some of your own answers to these questions if you would like. Thank you for reading.
free to leave some of your own answers to these questions if you would like. Thank you for reading.
-Gretchen
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