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.

Today is World Kindness Day—a beautiful reminder to practice kindness in every direction: toward others, yes, but also toward ourselves. In my children’s book 10 Little Life Lessons, Lesson #3 is simple but powerful: Be kind. Though I wrote it as a lesson for kids, I think it’s one we adults sometimes need even more.

For a long time, I struggled with being kind to myself. I carried a lot of guilt and shame after my marriage ended. Leaving was the best decision for me and my daughter, but I still felt the weight of ‘failure’ in having a marriage end. It took time, but I eventually learned that self-kindness was essential. Now, I make self-care a priority, and it’s transformed how I show up for myself and for others.

Lesson #9 in 10 Little Life Lessons is Take Care of You, and I try to live by it every day. Before committing to anything else, I make sure to prioritize my own well-being. Each morning, I journal, reflect on what I’m grateful for, and set my intentions for the day. In the evening, I take a few quiet moments to look back on the day—acknowledging what went well and considering what I can learn from any challenges. This daily practice has become a powerful way to be kind to myself, allowing me to grow while celebrating small victories along the way.​

Journaling, in particular, has helped me process my thoughts and prioritize my own growth. Starting each day by writing down what I’m grateful for has changed my outlook and helps me approach life with a kinder, more open heart. It’s a practice I believe everyone can benefit from—that goes for men, too. In my last blog, I talk about men’s mental health, offer some tips for those new to journaling, and share reflections from my work in the violence prevention sector. 

If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to support a friend or loved one—or to show yourself some kindness—consider gifting a journal. I’ve created a wide collection, with designs for anyone on a self-care journey. Visit my products page to find one that speaks to you.
​
If you’re looking for ways to spread kindness today—and every day—here are ten simple acts that can make a real difference:
​

1. Call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, just to say hello.
2. Give genuine compliments—everyone loves to feel appreciated.
3. Write a positive review or testimonial for a small business you support.
4. Bring a surprise coffee or treat for a friend or coworker.
5. Take a moment to express gratitude to someone who has positively impacted your life.
6. Check in with a friend who may be going through a tough time.
7. Donate items you no longer need to a local shelter or charity.
8. Write a heartfelt note for a loved one, sharing why they’re important to you.
9. Practice patience with yourself and others—it’s a powerful form of kindness.
10. Offer to teach a skill or share your expertise through online workshops or classes.

​Let’s make kindness a daily practice—not just today, but every day. Whether it’s through small acts of care for others or by nurturing yourself, kindness has the power to transform lives—including your own. How will you share kindness today?

Looking for a Way to Keep Kindness Close?
If you’re inspired to bring more positivity into your life, consider our "Spread Positivity Notebook." 
Whether you use it for journaling, capturing affirmations, or setting daily intentions, this notebook is the perfect space to reflect on kindness and gratitude. It’s not just a notebook—it’s a reminder to spread positivity in all that you do.

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.