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.
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AuthorCreator of gratitude journals, children’s books, and tools that celebrate the power of reflection. At A Red Lava, I blend mindfulness and storytelling to spark joy, inspire growth, and empower meaningful moments—one page at a time. Archives
February 2025
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