Why All Moms Need a Journal for Self Discovery

Did you have a diary when you were little? Have you ever gone back and read it as an adult? If so then you probably laughed at how silly the things you wrote about were or cringed at mistakes that you made. That’s a part of self reflection and that is why all moms need a journal.

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Collage of Think Positive Be Positive Journals next to Pens with text overlay: Why All Moms Need a Journal

 

[bctt tweet=”Even if you dislike writing a journal is a key tool for self discovery. The conversations with yourself and reflections are why all moms need a journal.” username=”diyadulation”]

I originally wasn’t going to write about this first but then I realized that this is the perfect starting point for how to rediscover yourself after marriage and motherhood. Whether you love journaling or hate it, the fact is that is the quickest and easiest way to implement self reflection. Self reflection is key to growth.

A journal is also the best way to have a conversation with yourself. Once you get it out on paper, you can look at whatever is going on more objectively. Journals allow you to get to the root of problems, see how far you have come, and record your desires for the future.

 

Think Positive Be Positive Journal next to Pens

How to Choose a Journal

The journal you purchase depends on how you plan to use it. Since your new journal will be the glue in this process, I have a few recommendations for what to look for:

Spiral Bound

Heavy Cover

Lined Paper

Using Your Journal

Again, this is such an important and lengthy journey that I want you to have a journal dedicated to it. Don’t use some wide ruled notebook leftover from school supplies shopping. Purchase a dedicated journal for this process that you truly love.

Throughout the next 29 days I will reference your journal a lot for exercises and assignments. Purchase yours now to be prepared.

 

2 Women Sitting on Swings with text overlay_ Have a Conversation

Have a Conversation

When you get stuck or scared, use your journal to talk it out with yourself. Sometimes this means writing out everything you are feeling then stepping away for a day or two. When you come back to your journal with fresh eyes and emotions, you can work through what was troubling you with more clarity and logic.

I recommend breaking your journal up in two for this. Use the front half for how to rediscover yourself after marriage and motherhood. Then start from the back for any conversations you have with yourself. This makes it easy to find both within the journal quickly.

 

Woman Looking in Mirror with text overlay_ Forced Reflection

Forced Reflection

As I said above, a journal is the perfect way to force self-reflection. As you go through this journey, look back at where you began to reflect on how far you have come. You will inevitably be able to see how far you have come even when it doesn’t feel like you have come very far.

 

Think Positive Be Positive Journal next to Pens with text overlay: Why All Moms Need a Journal

Your journal is also the tool you will use for How to Practice Mindful Reflection at the end of this series. Consider your journal the ultimate tool for everything you are doing this month.

Don’t let a dislike of writing deter you from this. The conversations and forced reflection alone are why all moms need a journal. It is the best way to make these things habits and gather your thoughts. Introspection is a muscle and like any muscle, it gets stronger with practice. Journaling is no different. At the end of this journey, your journal with prove invaluable.

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Think Positive Be Positive Journal next to Pens with text overlay: Why All Moms Need a Journal

How to Rediscover Yourself After Marriage and Motherhood Series

  1. Introduction
  2. Why All Moms Need a Journal
  3. Determine Your Why for Self Discovery
  4. Find Your Cheerleaders
  5. DIY Positive Affirmation Cards
  6. Create Your SAHM Hierarchy of Needs
  7. The Hard Truth About Carving Out Me Time
  8. 5 Awesome Podcasts to Inspire Self Discovery
  9. How to Love Yourself First
  10. Stop Reacting to Life and Live Proactive
  11. How to Set and Protect Boundaries as a Mom
  12. How Moms Can Stop Being People Pleasers
  13. Why It’s Okay to Outgrow Relationships
  14. It’s Time to Break-up with Yourself
  15. Create a Mini Mom Oasis for Recharging
  16. Why Moms Should Date Themselves + How to Do It
  17. How to Get Your Free Time Back as a SAHM
  18. Turn Someday into Today
  19. Why You Should Throw Out Your Clothes
  20. Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
  21. How to Find New Hobbies You Love
  22. How to Create a Daily Self Care Routine
  23. Shut Down Your Negative Self Talk
  24. How a Haircut Can Help You Find Yourself
  25. Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete
  26. Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself
  27. Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly
  28. 10 Mom Date Ideas You Can Do at Home
  29. 10 Mom Date Ideas to Get Out of the House
  30. Embracing Your Weird as a Mom
  31. How to Practice Mindful Reflection 

10 Resources for a Better You This Year

We are back and ready to party at the Merry Monday link party. In honor of this special New Years Eve party, we are focusing on self-improvement for 2018. This week, I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you this year. Below you will find resources to help you plan out your goals, get organized, and rock your finances. This year will be the year you reach all of your goals when you put the work in now.

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

 

[bctt tweet=”Don’t miss these 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.” username=”diyadulation”]

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Practical Tips to Help You Choose Your Word of the Year (Moms Choose Joy)

With so many great words to live by, it is difficult to choose the best one for your goals. These tips will make it easier.

 

The Mental 80/20 Rule (Healthy Helper)

This is a fascinating take on the 80/20 rule. It is all about you. Learn how to set your priorities and think of you, finally.

 

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Vision Board Worksheet to Help You Define Your Dreams (Second Chance to Dream)

If you read Vision Boards Are Not Intuitive, then you know how hard it was for me to make mine a few years ago. This worksheet would have been a lifesaver. Check it out to dominate your vision for 2018.

 

Learn How to Transform Your Life by Doing One Thing at a Time (Moms Choose Joy)

I love this idea of making your life better by changing one small thing at a time. Moms are overachievers and forget to take care of themselves until their bodies force them to. This is a great way to add that care into your daily schedule.

 

Why I’m Selfish and You Should Be To (Pink Fortitude)

This is another great reminder to put you first. You can’t take care of your family if you don’t take care of your needs.

 

How We Paid Off $5,000 of Debt in One Month (Jessi Fearon)

This is a great motivation to finally pay off your debt. I’ve included it in this round-up because she shares some unique ideas for how she earned more money to sock towards their debt.

 

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Free Goal Printables for 2018 (Second Chance to Dream)

If you are looking for a quick way to line out your goals for the new year then these printables are for you.

 

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Free Printable Daily Planner Half Pages (DIY Home Sweet Home)

Do you need a no-frills way to plan your day? These daily pages are the perfect way to keep you organized without distraction.

 

How I Made $91,000 from Home This Month (The Busy Budgeter)

If you’re looking to start a blog in 2018, this post is absolutely inspiring. See how one of the best in the business is providing for her family with blogging.

 

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Colorful Candy Planner Sheets for Your Big Happy Planner (DIY Adulation)

Speaking of planners, these sheets will help you organize every party of your life. Track your habits, important dates, dominate your budget, and more with these printables.

 

Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

These 10 resources for a better you this year will help you lay the ground work for an awesome year. After you’ve set your goals and gotten organized, come back and party at the Merry Monday link party. Link up your amazing posts and projects. Then hop around to see what everyone else is sharing. Last, but certainly not least, have a safe and Happy New Year!

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Now is the time for focusing on self-improvement for the new year. I’ve rounded up 10 resources for a better you to make it easier than ever this year.

Create Your Future: How to Embrace a Habit of Reading

Welcome to August and another awesome Create Your Future post. This month and next month we are slowing things down. We are focusing on self-care for busy moms. One of the statements we hear over and over again is, “I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? I have always challenged that statement because it simply isn’t true. The truth is that you aren’t making reading a priority. You may know that I carry a book with me everywhere and fit in reading when I can. Today, I’m going to show you how to embrace a habit of reading and let you in on why it is my habit goal this month.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!

{The Boys Room Update posts will continue next week in case you are searching for that.}

 

“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!

How to Fit in Reading

There are many times that you can fit in reading that you might currently be overlooking. To utilize them, I recommend downloading a free reading app to your phone or carrying a book in your purse like I do.

Kids’ Practices – I love watching my kids have fun playing but I do not need to watch the same football drill 1,000 times. This is a perfect time to enjoy reading a book.

Waiting – Any time that you are at the doctor’s office, Starbucks, or the like and you have a long wait, pull out your book and read.

Facebook – Speaking of Starbucks, a lot of people pull up Facebook while they wait for their coffee. Any time that you are free to play on Facebook is time that you are free to read. Try to start small and replace one time of day that you would normally surf Facebook feeds with reading.

Kids Playing – I am a huge fan of spending time with the kids. Laughing, playing, and creating with them on a regular basis is important. It is also important to let them play independently. Take them in the backyard on a sunny day and let them play while you read on the deck.

 

[bctt tweet=”Find out how to embrace a habit of #reading with these awesome tips and tricks!” username=”diyadulation”]

 

“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!

Why Reading is My August Goal

As I said above, I love reading and do so frequently. If that is the case then why do I need to form a reading habit? This is actually a lead-in to next month’s habit of a set bedtime. My plan is to read, in bed, 30 minutes prior to sleeping. Reading before bed will help train my body that reading in bed is a trigger for sleep. More importantly, like many work-at-home moms, I am exhausted at the end of the day. I want to form a new way of decompressing after the kiddos are in bed that doesn’t involve Netflix.

 

“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!

Tips to Keep From Reading All Night

Have your ever been so enthralled in a book that you end up staying up until it is finished or sleep takes hold unbidden? This has happened to me more time than I care to admit. That is why I got out of the habit of reading before bed. So how can you stick to that reading time-frame and still get sleep? Here are 3 tips to help you:

  1. Alarm – Set a very quiet alarm on your phone that will play soft music or soothing sounds. You want it just loud enough to get your attention without startling you.
  2. Sticky Note – Determine where you will stop before reading and mark it with a sticky note. It won’t fall out while you read and you can see how quickly you are approaching it (making it easier to accurately mark in the future).
  3. Light Timer – This one is great because it forces you to stop reading however you won’t have the opportunity to get to a good stopping point (like the end of a chapter). Put your bedside lamp on a timer so that it automatically turns off when it is time to sleep.

 

“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!

Now you know how to embrace a habit of reading in your life. Feel free to share these tips with any friend that claims not to have time to read. Think of how many amazing stories you can experience when you are reading every day! You can always reach out to me if you ever need recommendations. I am currently reading “In the Woods” by Tana French and it is fabulous. What book are you currently reading? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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“I love reading, I just don’t have time to read.” Sound familiar? Find out how to embrace a habit of reading with these awesome tips and tricks!