With Love, Katie.
For a long time, I told myself I wasn’t a “journaler.” I wasn’t consistent and my handwriting was messy and I had no time for this. I didn’t have profound thoughts to write down, i had no idea what benefits will have writing my thoughts, so i was like: journaling it is definetly not for me.
However, I really needed way to hear myself again in the noise of motherhood, work, life. Cuz we all know, motherhood it ain’t a silent thing. But, back to journaling…
So one day, I opened a notebook and simply wrote: “I feel tired and I really need to cry.” That was it. But it was enough to start.
And since then, journaling has become one of the most gentle, grounding practices in my life. Silent nights, sleeping girls and a journaling momma. A healthy, mindful women.
Journaling Is More Than Being a SuperWriter
Listen, let’s get this out of the way: you don’t need to be poetic, deep, or disciplined, you don’t need the “right” notebook and you don’t even need to write every day. Really.
Journaling is not about performance. It’s about presence, and not only the phisical presence. t’s a quiet space where you meet yourself—without judgment, filters, or to-do lists.
I remember starting drinking matcha one day: I was like…okay, let’s see, will I be present in the process and will I enjoy it? Will I be mixing matcha in hot water after 3-4 month too? (Am I? Yes sir, I am.)
In a world that constantly pulls you outward, journaling brings you inward. For women and mothers who give so much, this becomes essential. It should be your me-time, your therapy time.
Here’s what journaling can do:
- Clear mental clutter (because your brain was never meant to hold everything)
- Release emotions (so they don’t sit and simmer beneath the surface)
- Reconnect you to your desires, thoughts, and needs
- Help you track patterns in your mood, energy, or cycle
- Give you a sense of clarity when life feels messy
It becomes a safe place where you can be honest, messy, raw, whole. Actually, it is a safe place where you can really be you. Angry and mad, or happy and grateful. No judging.
My Personal Practice
I do not write in the mornings. Listen, for me mornings are for eggs, healthy breakfasts and quality family time before work (I had some hormonal balance problems, and since then breakfast are sacred for me).
Some evenings, I write one sentence. Sometimes I make lists. Sometimes I write letters I’ll never send or feelings i never dare to scream out of my soul, but hten again sometimes I write prayers, dreams, or memories with my babies and hubby.
There’s no rule for writing, just start it today.
My journal has become my mirror, my relief, my reminder of who I become and a little bit of therapy too. And it is part of my holistic journal.
-> Here are 10 holistic lifestyle tips, to start easy. No rush.
How to Start (With No Pressure)
1. Choose a notebook that feels inviting.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—just something you’ll want to open.
Keep it nearby, maybe in your dormitory, to make sure you see it every night or morning, if you are a morning person.
2. Pick a time of day that feels calm.
First thing in the morning or right before bed are beautiful moments to pause and reflect. I love the evenings.
3. Start with a simple prompt.
- How do I feel today?
- What’s taking up the most space in my mind?
- What do I need right now?
- What made me smile today?
4. Let it be messy.
There is no wrong way to do this. Your handwriting doesn’t need to be pretty. Your grammar doesn’t need to be perfect.
5. Don’t force it.
Some days, you’ll write a lot. Some days, just a few words. Both are enough.
There will be days when you don’t know what to say and than let this be your gente reminder. Just try writing:
- “I don’t know what to write.” (and go from there)
- A list of what’s bothering you, what made you feel sad
- A gratitude list (big and small, it does not matter, just make sure you learn what gratitude is)
- A letter to your future self
Or use this soft entry:
“Today, I want to make space for…”
The Benefits I’ve Felt
Since I started journaling regularly, I’ve noticed:
- I react less and reflect more. First one is waaaas important, beacuse i felt so many times overwhelmed
- I feel more in tune with my body and emotions
- I understand my own patterns and stories, and whys
- I offer myself more grace
And in this season of life, but even more, I dare to say that in 2025 presence feels like a superpower.
Why Give It a Chance?
If you’re tired, scattered, overwhelmed—your journal can hold it, but so does if you’re joyful, dreamy, hopeful—your journal can hold that, too.
Start where you are and just write what you need. This will have long term effects, just like your holistic journey
Even one sentence is a beginning and even one word is an anchor. There you go, you had your first word. You don’t have to wait until you’re “ready.” You’re ready the moment you pick up the pen. So go ahead and just open the notebook and start today.
