My Inner Voice Journal

This journal is a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and practice being kind to yourself. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection.

Prompt 1: My Inner Critic

Think about a time recently when you felt critical of yourself. What specific thoughts did your inner voice say to you? Write down those thoughts below.

Prompt 2: Reframing with Kindness

Now, imagine your best friend came to you with the exact same thoughts you wrote above. What would you say to them? How would you offer comfort, understanding, or encouragement? Write down your kind and supportive response.

Prompt 3: A Self-Kindness Message

Write a short, encouraging message or affirmation to yourself that you can use when you're feeling down, made a mistake, or are facing a challenge. What words of self-kindness do you need to hear?

Prompt 4: Daily Practice

What is one small thing you can do today or this week to show yourself a little more kindness? (e.g., take a break, forgive a mistake, celebrate a small win)

Kindness Challenge: Your Personal Cheerleader

Objective: To create tangible reminders of self-kindness and positive self-talk.

Materials: Index cards (or small slips of paper), pens/markers

Instructions:

1. Identify a Challenge: Think about a situation where you often feel self-critical or discouraged. This could be about schoolwork, sports, friendships, or learning something new.

2. Craft a Kindness Message: On an index card, write a short, kind, and encouraging message to yourself for that specific challenging situation. Imagine you are your own best friend offering support.

   • Examples:
     • "It's okay to make mistakes. You're learning and growing!"
     • "You are capable and strong. You can do this!"
     • "Take a deep breath. You've got this, no matter what happens."
     • "Treat yourself with the same patience you offer others."

3. Decorate (Optional): You can decorate your card with a small drawing, colors, or anything that makes it feel more personal and uplifting.

4. Share (Voluntary): If you feel comfortable, you can share one of your self-kindness messages with a partner or the class. (Remember, this is completely optional and a safe space!)

5. Placement: Find a place where you can keep your card as a regular reminder. This could be on your mirror, inside a locker, in a notebook, or taped to your desk. The goal is to see it when you need it most!

Reflection Question: How does it feel to create a kind message specifically for yourself, rather than just thinking about what others might say?

Inner Voice Check-in

Instructions: Take a moment to silently reflect on the questions below. You don't need to write anything down, just think about your answers.

1. When you wake up in the morning, what's usually the first thought that pops into your head?
   
   
   
2. If your thoughts had a "voice," what does it usually sound like? Is it kind, critical, neutral, or something else?
   
   
   
3. Think about one thing you're looking forward to today. What does your inner voice say about it?

Self-Kindness Reflection: Exit Ticket

Instructions: Please answer the following questions honestly. Your responses will help you reflect on what you learned today.

1. What is one new thing you learned about your "inner voice" today?
   
   
   

2. Describe one way you can show yourself kindness this week.
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not at all, 5 = very much), how confident do you feel about challenging a self-critical thought and replacing it with a kinder one?
   (Circle one: 1   2   3   4   5)