I didn't mean to do it
But I'm so grateful I did...
I didn’t mean to start journaling.
I was just an angsty teenager having a really hard day and didn’t know what to do with my big feelings. None of my friends could come to the phone. So I picked up a mechanical pencil and a spiral-bound notebook and began to write.
I don’t remember what I wrote, but I do remember that I wrote for a really long time. And when I was done writing, I felt better. I felt lighter.
And that was enough to get me to pick up my pen again the next night.
And again the next.
I didn’t mean to make a regular habit out of journaling. But then I saw the benefits it was bringing to me. Not only did it help me process my thoughts and feelings, but it was a way for me to attest that I was truly living. And the life I was leading was meaningful.
I didn’t mean to stop journaling.
But I got married. And had some kids. And my life was no longer my own. I was busy and tired and honestly thought I’d remember all the cute and wonderful things my children did. It got really hard to write.
And the longer I went without journaling, the harder it was to get back into it. I’d start each entry with something like, “It’s been six weeks and four days since the last time I journaled…” And journaling became a chore, a burden, something to shame myself for not doing.
I didn’t mean to start journaling again.
But one day my then-husband came home and - out of the blue - told me, “I’ve decided I’d be happier not being married to you.” And I knew I had a choice to make: I could allow myself to spiral into negativity or I could reach out and grab hold of every good thing that came my way.
I chose the latter. And I started with my journal, making myself write what I was grateful for. It was really hard. I didn’t feel grateful for much. But I came up with eight things - EIGHT! - on the hardest day of my life. And I knew I was going to be okay.
I used my journal to write my way back to myself. To understand how I had gotten so lost and to not only figure out who I wanted to be but make a plan for how to get there. And then track my progress and learn to celebrate along the way.
I didn’t mean to teach others how to journal.
I started hanging around on LinkedIn and learned so much from what others were sharing that I wanted to put something of my own into the world. But I wasn’t sure what that should be.
So I figured I could write about journaling for three or four days, maybe stretch it to a week, while I figured out what I wanted to write about.
And, oh, was I surprised how this resonated with my community! Over and over I heard folks say, “I’ve never heard anyone talk about journaling the way you talk about journaling.”
“You make journaling so accessible.”
“You’ve helped me see that I can do this.”
So I kept writing. I kept sharing. I kept helping.
And then I held my first journaling group. It felt like I had come home. I had found a way to use my unique talents and gifts and interests to help others. And I was making an impact. Participants started saying things like this:
It always seems easier to keep commitments to others and not to ourselves. After journaling in a group setting with Amanda and others for only five days, my life has truly changed. With tears in my eyes as I’m writing this, I can honestly say by just committing to myself & showing up to journal regardless of what that looks like for me each day, I’m a better version of myself.
- Danielle C.
Over the last two years, what I’ve offered has shifted and changed, but at the core of each of my offerings has been this group journaling component. On the surface, group journaling looks exactly like what you’d expect: a group of people journaling together over Zoom.
But there’s so much more to it.
We have an opportunity for self-exploration and discovery as we journal independently, and then we have an opportunity to share where we’ve been and what we’ve found on our journey. We have deep conversations about surprises we’ve had, answers we’ve uncovered, connections we’ve made. And we learn and grow together. While each group I’ve led has been different, this remains the same:
We connect with ourselves and others in ways none of us thought possible before our session. As one participant said:
Amanda often talks about the magic of journaling and while I certainly have experienced the magic of journaling by myself, it's nothing compared to the MAGIC of the social journaling Amanda facilitates. I joined Amanda's journaling group because I wanted some accountability around my journaling practice. I received this and so much more. Not only did journaling with Amanda and the group shift my relationship to writing, but also I connected with some amazing people on a surprisingly deep level. Amanda knows just how to hold space for a group like this. I think SHE is magic!
- Emily C.
I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. But I’m so grateful I’m here doing this work, making a difference for my clients in this way.
I now have two core offerings:
The Journaling for Growth Membership Program is for individuals who know that journaling is important and it can help them learn and grow. But they may not know how to bring about these results on their own. Or it may seem too daunting. Or they love the magic of someone creating the roadmap for them to follow. With a combination of solo reflection and these beautiful group journaling sessions, participants gain the self-awareness, self-confidence, self-compassion, and self-love they’ve been longing for so they can show up with intention and attention in all the places that matter most. Learn more here.
Reclaim Your Narrative is a six-month program to help men and women struggling with their identity post-divorce. When our marriage ends, it’s easy to feel alone, rejected, inadequate, and scared and confused about the future. But it’s also an amazing opportunity to:
Reclaim Your Identity: Rediscover who you are beyond the confines of your past relationship, gaining clarity and confidence in your individuality.
Craft Your Future: Design a clear vision for the life you desire, equipped with practical tools and insights to navigate the journey ahead.
Embrace Empowered Living: Cultivate inner strength and self-awareness, empowering yourself to thrive both personally and professionally.
Forge Authentic Connections: Develop effective communication skills and deepen your relationships, fostering genuine connections with yourself and others.
Master Your Money Mindset: Understand your relationship with money and harness practices for financial well-being, ensuring stability and security as you move forward.
And in this program we do it together through a blend of journaling, assessments, somatic practices, and group reflection. We don’t have to feel alone. We don’t have to do this work alone. To learn more, book a call here.
If you are curious about what it would take to journal your way to the good things life has to offer you, let’s have a conversation!
Journal Prompts
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
Write about something you didn’t mean to do, but that had lasting positive results in your life.
Write about a time you discovered a talent or strength you didn’t realize you had. What was that talent? How has it been a gift in your life?
Journaling Fun and Support
My weekly livestream is back! Join me on Tuesdays at 8pm Eastern as I welcome a series of guests who do interesting, fun things that tie into journaling! This week, I welcome my friend Emily Crookston to talk about Thought Leadership! Tune in on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook (if you’re my mom!). Missed our last session on Pushing Beyond What’s Possible? Catch it HERE.
I’ve got something special up my sleeve for our next Journaling Mini-Retreat! If you’ve been separated or divorced and need a little TLC, you’re invited to join me on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 pm Eastern. Claim your spot here. 💛
Happy Journaling!
Awesome, Amanda. 😊