Michelle Turpin

Journaling is one of those things that gets talked about a lot and practised a lot less. Usually because people think it means sitting down every morning with a beautiful notebook, a candle, and a deep desire to write something profound. And if that works for you, lovely. But for a many, journaling feels awkward, forced, or like yet another thing they are somehow failing at. I know because I found it a challenge when I was first introduced to journaling. And if I am honest, sometimes I still...

You look capable, so people assume you are fine. You keep going, so people assume it is managable. You get things done, so even you start believing this must just be who you are. Being good at coping does not always mean you are ok. Sometimes it simply means you have become very skilled at overriding yourself and your needs.

Self-love isn’t pretending you feel confident. It isn’t forcing yourself to “think positive”. And it definitely isn’t reserved for people who already like what they see in the mirror. Self-love is the art of deeply loving all aspects of yourself — including the parts you’ve been criticising for years. It's self-compassion in action. It’s building self-worth through truth, not perfection. It starts with getting honest about the story you're telling yourself.