While flipping through an old journal, I found something I’d completely forgotten about: a workshop where we were challenged to write a six-word memoir.  Dated 1994, scribbled in blue ink:

“I’m doing the best I can.”

It stopped me.
Simple. Honest. A little heavy. But real — and still kind of true.

That journal entry brought me right back to the Six-Word Memoir Project — a storytelling challenge that invites you to capture your life in exactly six words. It’s a practice I hadn’t thought about in years, but now it feels like something I want to revisit. Because so much has changed. And also... hasn’t.

These days, I find myself repeating a different phrase: “I am a work in progress.”
(It’s practically my signature at this point.) But I want to expand that — give it a little more of me.

So here’s my 2025 version: Still growing. Still healing. Dogs included.

Six-word stories are one of my favourite ways to reflect. They’re quick, pressure-free, and wildly revealing. You don’t need the perfect words — just your words.

So here’s your invitation: What’s your six-word memoir today?

Post it in the comments. Write it in your journal. Share it with a friend. Or just keep it to yourself and let it sit with you awhile. Six words. One moment. One truth.

Go.

In Week 11 of The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron suggests creating a sacred space of your own—an altar for your artist self. A place that honours who I am creatively and emotionally? That felt worth exploring.

I already had a three-tier glass shelf that I wasn't using, so this week, I gave it new energy. I rearranged and redecorated it with intention. It’s not a shrine to my artist identity—it’s a mirror to my whole self.

Cameron’s original list includes all kinds of suggestions: a photo of your younger self, affirmations, candles, favourite creative tools, and small spiritual tokens. But what she really encourages is building a space that evolves with you.

Here’s what’s on mine:

• A kindergarten class photo—to reconnect with the child in me who was already feeling, already creating.
• A few of my paint-night creations. I’m not a painter—but I am a playful creator, and these canvases came from Artist Date nights I planned for myself to spark joy and creativity.
• My two children’s books: 10 Little Life Lessons, and a custom story I wrote and designed for my great-niece Emma, featuring her as the main character. One is my legacy, the other was a gift of love.
• A plant with a tiny sign that reads, “The root of all happiness is gratefulness.” Preach.
• A paw print from Huny, the dog who rescued me just as much as I rescued him.
• A stone Buddha face—chipped, imperfect, grounded. Like me.
• A decorative box that holds space for something I’ll talk more about in the next blog. Let’s just say it has to do with letting go.

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It’s not just a space for creativity. It’s a space for remembering. For gratitude. For becoming.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve been spending time with my journal — reflecting on the women who came before me, not for what they shared, but for all the things they never said out loud. My mother’s generation didn’t talk about trauma or pain. They minimized it, buried it, and moved on — believing silence was strength and vulnerability was weakness.

My mom passed in December 2021, and though we never spoke much about her past, I’ve come to recognize how much she carried alone. That kind of quiet endurance shaped so many women of her time — taught to keep the peace, to keep going, and to keep secrets.

In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron reminds us that writing can be a spiritual practice — a way to clear the mind and release what’s been stored within us. It isn’t about fixing the past; it’s about making space for truth. Through journaling, I’m learning that release doesn’t always mean resolution. Sometimes it simply means letting what’s heavy find a place to land on the page.
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Mother’s Day can stir up many things — gratitude, grief, or simply reflection. This year, I’m choosing quiet acknowledgment: for the women who carried what they couldn’t say, and for the ones learning to let it go, one honest page at a time.

I recently joined a book club for The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and we’ve just wrapped up Week 3. It felt like the right moment to pause and take stock of how it’s been going so far.

I didn’t join just for the reading; I joined because one of my goals this year is to build more meaningful connections. This book club gives me structure, a reason to show up every week, and space to reflect both in solitude and with others.

Weeks 1–3: Settling In 
The first few weeks have been grounding. The reading feels accessible and thought-provoking, and the group discussions help open things up even more. It’s one thing to read a passage and reflect on it alone — it’s another to hear how it lands for someone else.

These early conversations have reminded me how powerful shared perspectives can be. I’ve felt engaged, curious, and grateful to be part of something that encourages slow thinking and honest dialogue.

So far, The Artist’s Way has been equal parts gentle and revealing — a reminder that creativity isn’t something we chase; it’s something we uncover when we give ourselves permission to listen.

For this 12-week journey, I chose a journal from my Love Line. It felt right: open, curious, a little wild — the perfect companion for creative recovery. Every morning, I fill its pages with thoughts, resistance, gratitude, and the occasional spark of insight. It’s already becoming a visual record of my process — messy, emotional, and honest.

​If you’re walking through The Artist’s Way or exploring your own creative path, choose a journal that feels alive in your hands — something that reflects who you are and who you’re becoming. This heart-covered one is mine. 

When my great-niece Emma was born, I wanted to create something that would remind her — years from now — just how loved she’s been since the very beginning. That idea became To Emma, With Love, a keepsake book filled with letters written by the people who hold her closest in their hearts.

I reached out to family and friends, near and far, inviting them to share their thoughts, hopes, and stories for Emma’s future. What came back was a beautiful collection of voices — each letter unique, yet all echoing the same message: you are loved beyond measure.

One of the most meaningful parts for me was writing a letter on behalf of my parents — Emma’s great-grandparents — who are no longer with us. Putting their words and love onto the page felt like giving Emma a piece of them to carry forward, a reminder that love truly transcends time and distance.
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This project wasn’t about publishing or perfection. It was about connection, family, and the joy of creating something that will last long after the moment has passed. A book made not for the world, but for one very loved little girl. 💗

Before I began writing and publishing, my work — and my heart — were deeply rooted in supporting women and children affected by violence. I spent ten years in the non-profit sector after studying to become a Violence Against Women and Children Advocate in college.
That path wasn’t random; it was personal. Life experiences led me there — the kind that open your eyes, deepen your empathy, and shape how you move through the world.
Today, that same compassion flows into my creative work. The journals and notebooks I design are meant to hold space — for reflection, healing, courage, and self-discovery.
This International Women’s Day, I honour every woman who has found her way through pain, reclaimed her power, and continues to rise.

To every woman who has ever survived, created, or stood tall in the face of challenge — this one’s for you. 

Keep writing your story! 

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. 

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.