The Best of Me: A Creative Art Journal Prompt for Self-Love
What does it mean to truly become your own best friend? It starts with compassion, curiosity, and the courage to explore your inner world.
In my new series, Loving Yourself First: Becoming Your Own Best Friend, I’ll guide you through weekly art and journaling prompts, paired with affirmations, to help you deepen your self-connection and tap into your creative spirit. Each post is designed to be playful yet reflective, giving you the tools to nurture self-love in a way that feels approachable and fun.
We’re kicking off our self-love series with an important reminder: You are enough and worthy of love, exactly as you are. These words aren’t just an affirmation—they’re a guide to seeing yourself with compassion and grace.
I am enough and worthy of love, exactly as I am.
To fully embrace the affirmation, there are a few simple ways to weave it into your daily routine.
Start by writing it in your journal—reflect on its meaning and how it applies to your life. Revisit it often to reinforce the truth that you are worthy just as you are.
Another great method is to write it on a sticky note and place it on your bathroom mirror, where you can read it aloud each morning as you prepare for the day ahead.
Free download available below
Use the phone wallpaper to keep the affirmation visible throughout your day, and print out the affirmation to place somewhere you'll see it often to remind yourself of your worth.
(At the end of this post, you’ll find a free downloadable phone wallpaper and printable—just sign up for my weekly newsletter to get access!)
The key is to make it visible, repeat it regularly, and allow it to sink in until you truly believe it!
Now that you’ve embraced the affirmation, let’s take that positive energy and channel it into a creative art prompt that allows you to express your unique self through art.
Creative Art Journal Prompt
In this creative art prompt, we're celebrating the best of you—those qualities that make you unique and wonderful. This exercise is all about reflecting on the traits you cherish most about yourself and expressing them through art. Whether it’s your creativity, kindness, optimism, or anything else that makes you feel proud, this prompt will help you visually celebrate your authentic self. Grab your favorite art supplies and get ready to create a piece that embodies the very best of who you are!
The Best of Me
Draw a self-portrait and surround it with words or symbols of the things you appreciate about yourself.
These could be qualities like kindness, courage, or humor, or even physical traits that make you feel special.
Let your page quietly celebrate the unique things that make you, you.
Annie, a reflection of me, sits contentedly, surrounded by words that celebrate the character traits she’s most proud of.
Here’s my art journal entry celebrating what I love about myself. It was a fun process, starting with marker sketches and ending with a digital version. The words I chose—empathetic, kind, positive, creative, loving, weird, optimistic, and silly—capture the essence of who I am.
This exercise has been deeply cathartic. As I get older, I’ve fully embraced my authentic self and let go of worrying about others’ opinions. I’ve always valued being different and staying true to who I am, resisting pressure to conform to roles that don’t align with my values. Growing up in a world that prioritizes conformity wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful for my strong sense of authenticity, which continues to guide me, especially as I build Hamletta Studios.
If you try this creative prompt, I’d love to see your work! Share it on social media with #CreateWithHamletta to inspire each other and celebrate self-love.
Reflect & Write
Now that you’ve illustrated what you love about yourself, it’s time to explore ways to nurture that self-love through intentional habits. Use this written journal prompt to help you brainstorm ideas and take the next step on your self-love journey.
Self-Love in Action:
Simple Habits for a Happier You
What does self-love mean to me?
If it were a daily habit, how would it look? List a few simple ways to show myself more kindness, like setting boundaries, taking breaks, or doing something I truly enjoy.
What would my future self thank me for today?
Self-love means giving myself permission to prioritize my needs, like putting on my oxygen mask before helping others. Taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When I nurture my well-being, I can fully show up for those I care about and love myself wholeheartedly.
Self-love and self-care haven’t come easily to me, often weighed down by guilt when I try to prioritize myself. As my children’s primary caretaker, I’ve often put my needs last, especially with my toddler constantly needing me. While I love being there for my children, I’ve realized that neglecting my own needs leaves me drained and disconnected. Now, I’m learning to embrace self-love as an act of strength, not selfishness.
For me, self-love includes:
Doodling and making art every day
Journaling to process thoughts, set intentions, and reflect
Nourishing my body with healthy meals
Exercising daily to stay healthy and energized
Getting ample sleep and staying hydrated
My future self will thank me for setting boundaries, resting, and pursuing passions guilt-free. Every small act of self-care is a gift to her.
Remember that taking time to nurture yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you’ve poured your heart into your self-portrait, reflected on habits that support your well-being, or simply taken a moment to embrace the affirmation, you’re already taking meaningful steps toward prioritizing yourself.
These small, creative acts are seeds of kindness planted for your future self. Keep showing up for yourself with compassion, and watch as your journey unfolds in beautiful, unexpected ways. Self-love is a journey, and every step counts. Let’s take this moment to honor who you are and begin building a deeper connection with yourself.
Click the image to unlock the Hamletta Studios Freebies Vault to download the adorable positive affirmation art featuring Ms. Hamletta!