The Journaling Journey: A Parent's Guide to Emotional Healing and Growth, with Mari McCarthy
Unlocking Fulfillment: How Journaling Transformed My Life and Can Transform Yours
Life as a parent can feel like a whirlwind. Between work deadlines, school pickups, and trying to squeeze in some “me time,” it can feel like there’s barely enough room to breathe, let alone focus on personal growth or family connection. I’ve been there. I’ve felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, and unsure of how to create the kind of fulfillment I wanted for myself and my family.
But then I discovered journaling. And let me tell you—it’s not just about writing words on paper. It’s about creating space for healing, growth, and connection. Journaling has been a game-changer for me personally, and it’s become an anchor for my family’s mental health and wellness.
In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned about journaling—how it can help you reconnect with yourself, improve your mental health, and even strengthen your family bonds. Think of this as a conversation between friends—a slightly more formal one—but still from the heart.
How Journaling Changed My Life
I’ll be honest: when I first started journaling, it felt awkward. What was I supposed to write? Would it even help? But as I kept at it, something amazing happened. Journaling became my safe space—a place where I could untangle my thoughts, process emotions, and rediscover parts of myself that had been buried under the chaos of daily life.
One thing that really stuck with me was something Mari McCarthy said during our podcast episode:
"Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper. It's spiritual therapy, energetic therapy, emotional therapy-it's a way to reconnect with your true self."
Her words resonated deeply with me because that’s exactly what journaling has done for me. It’s helped me find clarity in moments of confusion and peace in times of stress.
Why Parents Need Journaling More Than Ever
Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in the world—but let’s be real: it’s also one of the most stressful. Between managing our kids’ needs and trying to keep up with our own responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves. That’s where journaling comes in.
For me, journaling has been a lifeline during those overwhelming moments. Here’s why I think every parent should give it a try:
It Reduces Stress: Writing down my thoughts helps me clear my mind and lower my anxiety levels.
It Enhances Self-Awareness: Reflecting on my experiences allows me to better understand my triggers and emotions.
It Fosters Gratitude: Taking time to journal about what I’m thankful for shifts my mindset from stress to positivity.
As I said during the podcast:
"When we allow ourselves to journal and untangle our thoughts, there's such deep healing that really can't be substituted any other way."
And that healing doesn’t just benefit us—it benefits our families too.
Journaling as a Family Practice
One thing I’ve learned is that journaling doesn’t have to be a solo activity—it can also be a powerful tool for families. Encouraging each family member to journal individually fosters self-expression and emotional health. And when we come together to share what we’ve written (if we’re comfortable), it creates opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.
Here are some ways we’ve incorporated journaling into our family life:
Daily Gratitude Journals: Each of us writes down three things we’re grateful for every day. Sharing these entries at dinner sparks meaningful conversations and helps us focus on the positive aspects of our day.
Family Reflection Nights: Once a week, we gather as a family to reflect on our highs and lows from the week using prompts like “What made me happy this week?” or “What challenged me?”
Creative Journals for Kids: My younger kids love drawing pictures or writing stories in their journals—it’s their way of expressing emotions creatively.
Mari McCarthy put it perfectly: “Step one is having everyone get into the process of knowing who they are through journaling.” When each family member grows individually, the entire family becomes stronger.
Practical Tips for Starting Your Journaling Journey
If you’re new to journaling or feel intimidated by the idea of starting, don’t worry—I’ve been there too! Here are some tips that have worked for me (and that Mari shared during the podcast):
Start Small: Begin with stream-of-consciousness writing for 5–10 minutes each day. Don’t overthink it—just let your thoughts flow onto the page.
Experiment with Formats: Whether you prefer pen-and-paper journaling or typing on your computer, choose what feels most natural to you.
Use Prompts: If staring at a blank page feels daunting, try prompts like “What am I feeling right now?” or “What do I want to accomplish today?”
Be Consistent: The key is consistency—even if you only write a few sentences each day.
Create Rituals: Incorporate journaling into your morning or bedtime routine so it becomes a habit.
Even if all you do is doodle or jot down random thoughts, you’re sending yourself an important message: I matter.
Healing the Issues in Your Tissues
One thing Mari said during our conversation really stuck with me:
"We've been told all of our lives to stuff down our emotions-but bringing them up through journaling allows us to heal."
That hit home because so many of us carry unresolved emotions—what Mari calls “the issues in our tissues.” These are emotional burdens we may not even realize we’re holding onto until they start affecting our mental or physical health.
For me, journaling has been a way to uncover those hidden emotions and release them in a healthy way. It’s not always easy—sometimes it means confronting uncomfortable truths—but the sense of relief and clarity afterward makes it so worth it.
Famous Words on Writing and Healing
I love this quote from Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way: “Writing is medicine. It is an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion for any difficult change.” Her concept of “Morning Pages”—three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing each morning—is similar to what Mari advocates for, and it’s helped countless people unlock their creativity and heal emotionally.
Another favorite quote comes from Anne Frank: “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” That perfectly captures how cathartic journaling can be—it allows us to release pain while rediscovering our inner strength.
A Path Toward Fulfillment
Journaling has truly transformed my life—and it can transform yours too. It’s not just about writing; it’s about creating space for healing, growth, and connection.
So here’s my challenge for you: Grab a notebook (or open a blank document) today and start writing—even if it feels awkward at first. You don’t need fancy prompts or hours of free time; just start where you are.
As Mari McCarthy reminded me during our conversation: “Journaling is about reconnecting with your true self—and there’s nothing more fulfilling than that.”
Let’s take this journey together—one word at a time!
Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.
Thanks for reading and listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends!
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