120 Pages in 16 Days: A Quiet Win That Means Everything
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I wrote 120 pages in the past 16 days. Not just project work—this includes my daily journaling, gratitude practice, affirmations, intentions, and deepening nightly reflections. It's a mix of personal growth and creative output. And honestly? I’m really proud of it.

​This didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent practices shaped by some powerful reads in 2024:

✨ Atomic Habits reminded me that small habits = big results.
✨ The Art of Laziness helped me rethink productivity (less hustle, more intention).
✨ The Mountain Is You cracked open the ways I self-sabotage.
✨ Emotional Intelligence deepened my self-awareness.
✨ The Power of Intention anchored my daily mantras.
✨ The Perfect Story sharpened how I share what matters.
✨ And in 2025, The 10X Rule kicked things up a notch—it’s pushed me to dream (and do) bigger.

This page count isn’t just a number. It’s proof that daily writing, gratitude, and reflection can create real momentum. It’s a reminder to celebrate the quiet wins. The ones that happen when no one’s watching. The ones that change everything.
Here’s to the next 120 pages—and everything they’ll unlock. 

Last week, I shared my plan to spend the weekend flipping through my gratitude journals and reflecting on 2024 before the holiday chaos hit. (If you missed it, you can read about the plan here.) Now that I’ve had the time to sit with it and look back on the year, I wanted to share what came up for me during that reflection.

This wasn’t about setting goals for 2025 or evaluating whether I hit every target I set at the start of the year. This session was purely about gratitude—looking at the moments, people, and experiences that shaped my year and reconnecting with what mattered most.

Every day, I write down three things I’m grateful for. I’ve been doing that since the late ’90s, but over time, the practice has evolved. Alongside gratitude, I now include intentions, affirmations, and a simple wellness plan to start the day with focus and purpose. This yearly reflection feels like an extension of that practice—taking the time to look back at what stood out and what I want to carry forward into the new year.

Some themes stood out clearly this year!

Kiwi and Diesel—my constant companions—appeared in my gratitude journals almost every day. Kiwi is pure chaos, always full of energy and keeping me on my toes. Diesel, on the other hand, is cuddly and affectionate, a constant source of comfort. They’re not just pets—they’re family, and reflecting on how much they bring to my life is always grounding.

Groove is my focus fairy. Groove—a coworking app where you virtually connect with up to four other Groovers from around the world, set intentions, work for 50 minutes, and then regroup—was a game-changer this year. It gave me focus, structure, and even a sense of community I didn't know I needed, all in tiny bursts that made work feel more connected and productive.

Another recurring theme was the words opportunity and possibility. I kept seeing those words throughout my entries, whether it was gratitude for the potential for something good to happen or the chance to take a step in a new direction. Even when the outcome wasn’t certain, I appreciated the openness to try and see where life might lead.

Self-care also appeared consistently. From massages to time spent reading, these rituals have been anchors for me over the years. It’s not just about relaxation—it’s about showing up for myself and making time for the things that nourish me. I’ve also relished using my wellness benefits to make these moments happen, which is another thing I’ve been incredibly grateful for.

These reflections reveal a lot about myself and my relationships. The practice of looking back helps me notice patterns—like what I truly prioritize or what holds the most value for me, even if I didn’t see it clearly at the time. It’s a way to deepen my awareness and reconnect with what feels most meaningful.

For me, this practice isn’t about fixing anything. It’s not about wishing I’d done something differently or chasing perfection. It’s about honouring the year I’ve lived—gratefully, imperfectly—and letting those lessons quietly guide me into the next one.

This month, I’m launching a series of new gratitude journals, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey. If you’re thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, why not make gratitude one of them? There’s so much power in pausing, noticing, and reflecting—and I’m excited to help others explore it, too. Let’s make 2025 a year of intentional gratitude together.

As 2024 winds down, I’m making time this weekend to flip through my journals and reflect on the year before the holiday chaos hits. It’s my way of slowing down, reconnecting with what mattered most, and getting ready for 2025.

So, here’s the plan:

Flip through journals. I’ll rediscover the little things that brought me joy, the goals I set (and the ones I pivoted from), and those unexpected twists life threw my way.

Gratitude moments. My boys, Kiwi and Diesel, are obviously at the top of my list. They’ve been my daily dose of love and laughter all year.

Self-care shoutout. I’m beyond thankful for the time I took to heal, my benefits plan (thank you!), and everyone who showed up for me when I needed it most.

Payday memories. Fun fact: when I look back at my journals from the late 90s, “payday” showed up a lot. As a single mom back then, it was survival—groceries, a roof over our heads, and a little breathing room. Gratitude doesn’t always have to be about the big stuff. Sometimes, it’s about the basics.

Now it’s your turn—what’s something you’re grateful for this year? Drop it in the comments! 
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Oh, and if you’re a journaler like me, check out the custom journals I’ve created featuring my boys, Kiwi and Diesel. Want one with your own fur family member? Send me a message through my contact page, and let’s make it happen!

The end of the year always brings a familiar kind of chaos—holiday shopping, family gatherings, and, if you’re anything like me, trying to carve out moments to rest and recharge. But there’s another season we don’t talk about enough: the use-up-your-benefits-before-the-end-of-the-year season.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a strong workplace benefits package, this is the time to make sure you’re not leaving anything on the table. These resources—whether for physical or mental health—are designed to help us show up as our best selves. And yet, it’s so easy to let them slip by in the hustle of life.
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For me, this time of year is about reflecting on how far I’ve come in prioritizing my well-being—and that hasn’t always been easy.

From Giving Endlessly to Giving Back to Myself
I spent a decade working in the non-profit world, where benefits were practically unheard of. These roles, which are predominantly held by women, have been historically undervalued and underfunded. Passion for the cause was supposed to sustain us, but that often came at a cost—low pay, long hours, and no safety net.

When I transitioned to a role at Amazon, one of the biggest changes I noticed was access to a robust benefits package. For the first time, I had real support for both my physical and mental health needs, as well as for my family. These benefits have allowed me to address long-overdue health issues and focus on my overall well-being in a way I couldn’t before.
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It’s not lost on me that the system isn’t perfect. But having access to tools like therapy, physiotherapy, and even estate planning has been a game-changer in how I approach self-care. After years of being overworked and undervalued, finally having the resources to prioritize my health has been deeply meaningful.
 
Building a Self-Care Routine That Works
Today, my benefits have become an essential part of my self-care routine. They’ve given me the tools to address my physical challenges, focus on my mental well-being, and even take better care of my family—including the furry members. Here’s how I’m making the most of them:

• Physical Wellness Support: Thanks to my benefits, I’ve been able to address physical challenges like a tendon tear and sciatica with regular osteopathy, physiotherapy, and online workouts with a personal trainer, tailored to my injuries. These tools have helped me stay active and mobile, even from the comfort of home.
• Therapy & Wellness Coaching: Mental health matters, and having therapy covered has made it easier to prioritize. My online therapy sessions are a space where I can process life’s challenges and find clarity. I also work with a wellness coach who helps me set health goals and holds me accountable—a structure that’s helped me stay consistent.
• Vet Care for My Boys: As a Frenchie owner, I know how prone these little guys are to allergies and health issues. One of the benefits I’ve come to value most is free access to Vetster, which connects me with licensed vets across Canada at any time. Whether I need advice, a second opinion, or just peace of mind, I can consult a vet for free—no extra costs or hidden fees.
• Estate Planning: One unexpected benefit I’ve grown to appreciate is access to estate planning tools like Willful. Having a will gives me peace of mind, knowing my affairs are in order. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it allows me to focus more fully on the present.

Why Taking Care of Yourself Matters
For so many of us, taking care of ourselves can feel like an afterthought. We prioritize everyone else—our jobs, our families, our communities—and leave ourselves for last. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. For me, part of that self-care is pausing to reflect and set intentions—something I often do through journaling.

I wrote about this idea in 10 Little Life Lessons, where Lesson #9 is Take Care of You. When we invest in our own health and wellness, we’re better equipped to show up for the people we love and the work we care about.

This idea connects with the spirit of kindness I talked about in my recent World Kindness Day post. Taking care of yourself is an act of kindness to everyone around you—because when you feel your best, you bring your best to others.
 
Reflecting on Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, I’m reminded of the power of gratitude—not just for the benefits I’m lucky to have, but for the progress I’ve made in prioritizing my well-being. Journaling has always been my anchor in this process. Writing down moments of gratitude, reflecting on the steps I’ve taken, and setting intentions for the future keeps me grounded and focused.

Your End-of-Year Reminder
As we close out another whirlwind year, I want to leave you with this: The most valuable gift you can give yourself is your own well-being. Whether it’s using up your benefits, booking a therapy session, or simply taking time to reflect, these small acts of care are investments in a healthier, happier you.
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So, write, reflect, and recharge—and don’t forget to acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Gratitude for your journey is just as important as the steps you’ll take next. Remember: you’re worth every bit of care and attention you give yourself.

Growing up, Christmas was all about family—loud, joyful, and full of life. The men would gather around the table, puffing on cigarettes until the room filled with a thick, blue haze, while the clatter of dominoes echoed through the house. Meanwhile, the women bustled in the kitchen, crafting filhoses—light, golden Portuguese donuts fried to perfection and dusted generously with cinnamon and sugar. The smell alone was enough to make your mouth water, and we couldn’t resist sneaking a piece while they were still warm. Eating them fresh, the crispy outside and soft, pillowy inside melted in your mouth, leaving a sweet, spiced warmth that made you feel like Christmas had already arrived. Us kids? We’d pass the time putting on shows, even performing our own version of So You Think You Can Dance long before it ever existed—anything to keep ourselves entertained until midnight, when we could finally tear into our gifts.

In my early adult years, though, the holidays took on a different tone. I was married to a man who tried to isolate me from my family and friends, often choosing holiday gatherings as the perfect time to start an argument. What should have been a day of celebration and connection became something tense and heavy, the joy clouded by the knowledge that a fight was coming. The magic of Christmas faded, and I found myself feeling alone, even in a crowded room.

During those difficult years, journaling was my refuge—a place where I could release my fears, process my feelings, and find strength in my own words. When I couldn’t speak my truth out loud, I could write it down, creating a safe space for myself on the page. Journaling helped me hold on to who I was, even in moments when I felt most isolated.

Reflecting on that time, I realize that journaling has helped me navigate not just the holiday season, but many of life’s challenges. It’s a practice that connects with the deeper work of healing—work that can happen quietly, on the page, long before we’re ready to share it with others. In fact, this connection between writing and healing inspired me to create this Christmas journal collection. I wanted to offer something for people at every stage of life, as a reminder that, whether your holiday season is filled with laughter or you’re in need of quiet reflection, there’s value in capturing those moments.

As I wrote about in Write, Reflect, Heal, journaling can be a powerful tool for self-care and mental wellness. Writing through your experiences—whether they’re joyful or challenging—helps bring clarity, peace, and even transformation. And just as Movember encourages men to open up about their struggles and prioritize their well-being, I hope these holiday journals encourage everyone to pause, check in with themselves, and explore what’s really on their minds and hearts this season.

I’ve designed these journals with a variety of styles, hoping that one will speak to you. Whether you’re drawn to the playful charm of Frenchie Christmas, the clean simplicity of stencil patterns, or the radiance of surreal paint designs, each cover is crafted to evoke the spirit of the season and make space for your personal holiday reflections. And just as each of us is different, each journal invites a unique experience—whether you’re jotting down joyful memories or sorting through complex emotions.

Christmas has always been a time to pause, reflect, and cherish what matters most. Through journaling, you might find a way to hold on to those memories—or even rediscover a little bit of magic, wherever you are in life.

I’ve always loved writing—whether it was crafting playful, rhyming verses or inventing stories, putting pen to paper has always felt natural to me. Journaling, too, has been a constant in my life, a place where I could process my thoughts and find clarity, especially during times when life felt like it was spinning out of control.

​In 1994, my world changed overnight. I left a harmful marriage and suddenly found myself a young, single mother, standing at the edge of a daunting new life. At the time I didn't know it, but journaling would become my lifeline. In the quiet hours after I put my daughter to bed, I’d fill pages with anger, fear, and confusion, trying to make sense of what had happened and what I was feeling. Slowly, through those nightly rituals, I began to rebuild myself. Journaling was no longer just writing—it was reclaiming my voice and my sense of self.

Powering Through with Journaling
I learned that journaling isn’t just a hobby—it’s a powerful form of self-care, a space where you can be entirely honest with yourself. It’s a place to unload your burdens, clarify your thoughts, and find a sense of peace. Writing allowed me to ground myself, even when everything else felt uncertain. It became my quiet ritual, a small act of self-care that helped me stay connected to who I am.

And since it is International Men’s Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of supporting the men in our lives—whether it’s our fathers, brothers, partners, or friends. In my blog post about Movember, I wrote about the healing power of journaling. While it’s often seen as a practice for women, I believe journaling can also be transformative for men, offering them a way to process emotions, release stress, and gain clarity. Let’s encourage the men we love to take those first steps toward self-care, whether that means opening up to someone, writing down their thoughts, or simply creating time for reflection.

If you’ve never tried journaling, I encourage you to give it a chance. In my children’s book, 10 Little Life Lessons, I talk about the importance of "taking care of you." That advice isn’t just for children—it’s a reminder that we all need moments to reconnect with ourselves. Taking just a few minutes to put pen to paper can help you release stress, gain perspective, and find strength you didn’t know you had.

Creating a Space for Your Story
To make journaling a little more enjoyable, I’ve designed a series of journals, each with a unique, vibrant cover. Some are inspired by nature’s beauty, others by my beloved French bulldogs, Kiwi and Diesel. Inside, there’s space for daily reflection, goal-setting, or simply jotting down whatever’s on your mind. I wanted each journal to feel like an invitation—a warm, welcoming space for your thoughts and dreams.

If you’d like to explore these journals, just click on an image above that speaks to you to find it on Amazon or visit my product page. My hope is that they’ll inspire you to create a space for self-care, reflection, and growth. Maybe, like me, you’ll discover a new part of yourself along the way.

Your Story Matters
I’d love to hear your stories, too. If you’re already into journaling, how has it impacted your life? What role does it play in your daily routine? If you’re thinking about starting, consider what you might uncover on the page—a new perspective, a sense of peace, or a glimpse of strength you didn’t know you had. Sharing our stories is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with each other—and with ourselves.

Alongside Remembrance Day (Veterans Day in the U.S.) and American Thanksgiving, November brings opportunities to reflect on men’s mental health. With International Men’s Day on November 19 and the entire month dedicated to Movember, this is a time to consider the unique struggles men face—particularly those who fall through the cracks of support systems.

For years, I worked in the Violence Against Women (VAW) sector, helping women who were trying to leave abusive situations. Our goal was to create a “bubble” of support—a network of shelters, legal aid, counseling, and financial guidance to help women rebuild their lives. I saw firsthand how life-changing these resources could be. But I also know that many women leave abusive relationships alone, without any support system, and even those who seek help may find shelters full, leaving them to face impossible choices on their own.

When it comes to men—especially those who have been abusive—there is often no “bubble” at all. No guidance, no system to help them understand their actions, process their pain, or develop healthier coping mechanisms. Many are left isolated and angry, perhaps facing legal consequences but without any constructive support to help them change. Without intervention or introspection, too many of these men go on to repeat the cycle of harm with someone else. And if children are involved, they may still have contact with their ex-partner and kids, which allows them to continue creating turmoil and distress in the lives of those they’ve hurt.

This isn’t to say we should feel sorry for men who’ve caused harm; accountability is crucial. Reflecting on my own experience, I know firsthand what it’s like to have lived with someone who refuses to take responsibility. My ex-husband never admitted fault, never acknowledged the pain he caused. It took me 16 years and multiple court appearances to receive even a small amount of child support, and it trickled in so infrequently that it never made a dent in daily financial needs. Organizations like White Ribbon and Movember are doing incredible work to address this gap, challenging toxic masculinity, raising awareness, and encouraging men to take action.

Had my ex-husband sought support to confront his issues, he could have played a meaningful role in his daughter’s life. Despite my efforts to include him—bi-monthly visits, birthdays, graduations—he always found an excuse. Emergencies would suddenly come up, or he’d send his parents in his place. The result was that he and our daughter never had a relationship to speak of. His unresolved anger and tendency to blame others left him estranged from the one person who would have benefited most from his presence.

One of the tools that has helped me immensely in my own healing journey is journaling. It’s become a constant in my life—a safe place to process, reflect, and find moments of gratitude, even on the hardest days. I truly believe that journaling can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to make changes or understand themselves better, and that includes men. That’s why I created a series of journals, each with a mustache-themed cover (and even a few featuring my favorite French bulldogs rocking colourful 'staches!). My hope is that these journals bring a bit of fun into the process and serve as a gentle reminder that self-care doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Society often teaches men to “tough it out,” but real strength isn’t about pushing emotions aside. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to sit with what you feel.

If you’re new to journaling, there’s no need to overthink it. Start small—just jot down one thing that went well today, a challenge you faced, or something you’d like to work on tomorrow. A couple of sentences is all it takes to create a space where you can clear your head and sharpen your focus. Think of it like a daily check-in—a way to step back, regroup, and keep yourself on track.

This Movember, consider giving journaling a try or gifting a journal to someone who could benefit from a bit of space to reflect and grow. These journals are available on Amazon worldwide, making them easy to access. You can view the full range on my product page, or click on any of the images above to go directly to the Amazon listing.

Real change starts within, and sometimes, all it takes is a pen, a piece of paper, and the courage to look a little closer at what’s inside.