Self-Love Workbook for Women

Book Preface

WELCOME! As you embark on your journey toward self-love, I am excited to help you navigate by introducing you to a road map that will lead you toward a better relationship with yourself. I want to praise you for taking this big step forward. As women, we often struggle to set aside time for ourselves. This workbook is designed not just to talk about self-love and why it is important, but to show you how to find it.

Experts often talk about how important it is to have self-worth. Yet, how do we simply love ourselves? Wouldn’t it be nice if it were as easy as just knowing the definition of self-love? I have found that the pathway to self-love must include intentional practice, with mindful focus and energy devoted toward developing those skills. If self-love is the destination, the activities in this book are the fueling stations along the way. Your willingness to complete and practice the exercises is the fuel that will get you there.

Sometimes this process may feel like it takes too much effort or just doesn’t ring true. You may hit speed bumps or take a detour. It’s okay, since just as with true self-love, we are not focused on outcomes but on the process itself. Keep practicing! You are worth it, and purchasing this workbook is a wonderful first step toward making yourself a priority. Eventually your hard work will pay off and you will be on your way to loving yourself.

Through my personal experience, and in my 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in women’s issues, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of self-love. As a working mother in a helping profession, I have found myself running out of gas at the end of the day, my battery drained. Depleted, I wanted to zone out with Netflix and chocolate. Avoiding social connections because they felt too draining caused some problems in my life, leading to isolation and feeling burned out. It was in these moments that I realized how important it was to put myself first. Today, I work to help my clients do the same—to turn within and learn how to prioritize self-care and love.

Something amazing happens when women learn to find and nurture their gifts and strengths and begin to heal their lives. Whether you’re recovering from a distorted body image, leaving an unhealthy relationship, or simply deciding to put yourself first, this book provides helpful tools and exercises for creating a life filled with meaning and purpose. Through the use of affirmations and mantras, step-by-step practices, exercises, and thought-provoking prompts, this workbook encourages movement toward greater self-love. Having said that, please understand that this book is not meant to replace therapy, medication, or mental health treatment, and there is no shame in reaching out to a health-care provider for any help you may need. Rather, this workbook can serve as a wonderful adjunct for healing and growth. I like to think of it as a starting place and a map to show you the way.

This book is broken into two parts. In part 1, you’ll gain an understanding of self-love while recognizing why it’s so important to make it a priority. Part 2 breaks the concept of self-love into separate components, including chapters on releasing self-doubt, practicing self-compassion, building your self-worth, and creating healthier relationships, as well as activities throughout to practice and encourage self-reflection and inspiration.

It is perfectly fine to move at your own pace; in fact, I encourage you to not rush the process. Remember that this is a journey, and it will lead to many destinations, including a place of wisdom from which you are able to practice kindness and compassion toward yourself.

I am hopeful that as you go through this workbook, the lessons will be paved with your courage and willingness to be vulnerable. Some of these introspective prompts and activities may feel scary or overwhelming at times. Please try to make space and allow these feelings to be present as you move forward and practice the skills. Don’t worry if that sounds impossible—I will help support and encourage you along the way.

I am so excited to ride along as your copilot as you grow, learn, heal, and ultimately know what a gift you are in this world. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to share in your experience.