Can you relate to the thoughts below?
You're not alone.
Most of us carry an inner critic. Most of us, at some point, doubt our worth—quietly, daily, deeply. These Dear Diary entries reflect real, raw moments that many people experience but rarely say out loud.
Your self-worth influences how you think, how you feel, and how you show up in the world.
Read through the entries and notice… which ones feel familiar?
This is not about judgment. It's about recognition.
And maybe—about finding the words for what you've felt but never said.
Dear Diary,
I sat in that meeting today, silent again.
I feel like I'm not as smart as the others, and I keep wondering if my ideas are even good enough. I keep thinking I need to say something clever—just to prove I belong.
Dear Diary,
I spent 20 minutes scrolling today and somehow ended up feeling like I'm behind in life. Everyone else seems so put together. I know it's a highlight reel, but still—I don't feel like I measure up.
Dear Diary,
I wonder if he really loves me or just the idea of being in a relationship. He says the words, but it doesn't always feel real. I know his exes were more beautiful than me… and I can't stop wondering if I'm just temporary.
Dear Diary,
I lost my patience with the kids again. I tried to stay calm, but I snapped—and they cried. And I stayed angry. Now I feel like a terrible mother. I'm so sorry. I'm failing at the thing that matters most.
Dear Diary,
Didn't get the job. Again. Every "no" feels like another piece of proof that I'm not good enough. I tell myself it's not personal… but it always feels personal.
Dear Diary,
Tried on new clothes today. I hated it. It broke me. Why can't I just be a little more beautiful—more desirable? I'm so ashamed of my body.
Dear Diary,
I said no to something today—and then spent the whole afternoon feeling guilty. Why is it so hard to protect my time without feeling like I'm letting people down?
Dear Diary,
They gave the project to someone else. I smiled and said "no worries," but inside I felt invisible. I felt stupid. I felt not good enough. Will I ever be a success?
Dear Diary,
I want to do it. I really do. But to be honest, I don’t think I’m good enough. I should know so much more to do it properly. Everyone else in this field seems ahead of me. I probably won’t succeed at all.
Dear Diary,
I was surrounded by people today… and still felt completely alone. Like I don't quite belong anywhere. I don't know if it's them—or if something's just wrong with me.
Dear Diary,
I’ve replayed that conversation five times already. Did I say too much? Was I weird? Am I weird? I wish I hadn’t said it at all—now I’m sure they think less of me.
Dear Diary,
Everyone turns to me when they need something. And I always say yes. But I never ask for help. Even when I’m overwhelmed, I feel like it’s my responsibility to just handle it. When I do consider asking, it either feels like an uphill battle—or like everyone else is too busy. I end up thinking my needs aren’t important enough to bother anyone with.
Dear Diary,
They're all moving forward—new jobs, new homes, big steps. And I just feel stuck. I know life isn't a race, but today I feel like I'm losing.
Dear Diary,
He left. And I keep asking what I did wrong. Was I too much? Not enough? I keep thinking I should’ve done better—been more. There were times I wasn’t a good partner. I wish I could go back and do it over.
Dear Diary,
Everyone was laughing and talking—but I felt invisible. Like I was just… there. I smiled and nodded, but no one really saw me. I'm used to that feeling.
Dear Diary,
I worked so hard to make everything just right—and still, it wasn't enough. There's always something more I could've done. Does everyone feel like this?
Dear Diary,
Someone said I take things too personally. Maybe I do. But what if I'm not "too much"? What if I just feel things deeply—and I've spent my life believing that makes me wrong?
Dear Diary,
She shared her news with someone else, not me. I smiled, but I felt replaced. I don't want to need constant validation… but sometimes, I just want to feel wanted.
Dear Diary,
I needed to talk today. I really did. But I didn't want to be a burden, so I said nothing. I keep holding it in, and now it feels so heavy.
Dear Diary,
Even when things go well, I still question if I deserve it. Like I somehow fooled everyone. Like they'll figure me out any second.
Dear Diary,
Once again, I was "too much" at the party. I laughed too loud, talked too much. I wish I could just be quiet. I know they think I take up too much space. Maybe they're right.
Dear Diary,
Why am I so slow to react? Hours later, I think of the perfect thing I should have said. But in the moment, I freeze. I just stand there, quiet and weak. I wish I could speak up when it matters.
Self-worth isn't something you have or don't - it's something you can reconnect with.
SELF is here to support you with tools, reflections, and guided practices to help you quiet the inner critic, strengthen your self-worth, and come home to yourself, one gentle step at a time.
