Journaling My Way Back to Peace (and Why It Matters for All of Us)
There are days when the noise of the world feels like too much to handle. The news, the worries about our children, the weight of trying to hold everything together as women, daughters, mothers, partners, friends…it’s a lot.
Raising teenagers in this world has stretched me in ways I never imagined. My fears for them, the uncertainty of what’s happening around us, and the constant pressure to keep showing up strong can leave my nervous system on edge. What I’ve realized… after years of running on empty…is this: when I don’t take care of myself first, everyone around me feels it.
It’s taken me a long time to learn that tending to my mind, body, and spirit isn’t selfish…it’s sacred. When I care for myself, I show up more grounded, patient, and loving for the people I care about most. And one of the simplest, most powerful habit that helps me do this every single day is writing/ journaling.
Journaling has become my daily salvation. Even if it’s just one page, spilling my thoughts onto paper shifts me from fear mode into the present moment. It clears the clutter in my head and reminds me that I’m not powerless. It opens space for my prayers…for my husband, our marriage, and each one of our children. It’s where I ask God to guide them, to cover them in peace, and to help them navigate the state of this world with strength and love.
And here’s the deeper truth: what we practice within the four walls of our home matters. Our children are watching. They learn not only from our words but from the example we set. When we choose peace…when we journal, pray, and steady our hearts… they see it. They feel it. And it brings peace to their own tender hearts and growing minds.
Here are 3 gentle practices to try if you’d like to begin journaling yourself:
- Free Writing
Give yourself permission to write without rules. No edits, no overthinking, no judgment. Just let every thought out onto the page until you feel a little release. - The Mental Release
When something is looping in your mind…a fear, a to-do list, an argument…write it all down. Sometimes simply seeing it on paper loosens its grip. - Prayer Pages
Write out your hopes and prayers…for your children, your parents, your relationships, your own heart, even the world. Let your journal become a sacred space where your love and trust take root.
Sisters, this practice isn’t about being perfect. It’s about choosing to show up for yourself so you can keep showing up for those you love. It’s about remembering that when we fill our own cup, we overflow into the lives around us.
I’m still learning this every day. But what I know for sure is this: when I pause, journal, and pray, I not only come back to myself….but I come back to peace. And that peace reaches my family too. And that changes everything.
From my heart to yours,
Stacey
