journaling
Have you ever felt like something inside you is shifting, but you’re not quite sure what it means yet? Like you’re standing at the edge of a new beginning, but you don’t have the words for what’s next?
If you’re nodding right now — So many of us quietly reach this place. And you’re not stuck either. You’re simply between chapters. And here’s something I’ve learned from walking through my own transitions: when you’re unsure where to go next, reflection is often the first step forward.
In my last post, I talked about the 5 signs that show you might be ready for a new chapter in life. If any of those signs hit home, this post is for you — because now we gently shift from awareness to action. Not with pressure. Not with a five-year plan. But with a journal and a little honesty.
There’s something powerful about seeing your thoughts on paper. It’s not just journaling for the sake of writing — it’s intentional reflection. A space to pause, check in with yourself, and hear your own voice underneath the noise.
A reflection journal:
Think of it as a mirror — not to judge what you see, but to notice, to understand, and to meet yourself with compassion.
This doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to feel safe. Light a candle. Wrap yourself in something cozy. Put on music that soothes you. Let your body know this is a space for slowing down.
Sometimes, staring at a blank page makes it harder to begin. That’s why I created The First Step: A Beginner’s Reflection Guide — a free, gentle workbook to help you pause and realign before moving forward.
Inside, you’ll find prompts like:
Each question is designed to help you reconnect with yourself in a compassionate way, not to pressure answers, but to open up honest ones.
Write what comes up — even if it’s unclear, emotional, or unexpected. Don’t worry about grammar or sounding “deep.” Just be present with your truth.
After journaling, take a moment to read what you’ve written. Is there a phrase or feeling that repeats? Is there something you’ve been quietly longing for, but haven’t named out loud? These are the breadcrumbs leading you into your next chapter.
You don’t have to map out the entire journey today. But if one insight felt important —
Ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take toward that? Because every new beginning starts with one small act of honouring.
If you’re ready to go deeper with this practice, I’ve created a beginner-friendly reflection guide just for you. It’s called The First Step — because that’s exactly what it is.
Inside this free download, you’ll find:
Starting a new chapter doesn’t require a clear plan. It just asks for a little willingness to listen to yourself, to trust what’s rising within you, and to honour it with intention.
Even if all you do today is pause, reflect, and take a breath, that counts. And I hope this reflection journal becomes a soft place to land, and a strong place to begin.
Welcome to your space for real self-growth. I’m here to support you as you grow into your most authentic self.
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A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.
One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.
Let’s do this thing called ‘growth’ together!
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Want to start journaling in 2025 but don’t know where to begin? This step-by-step guide will help you tap into the transformative power of journaling and make it a meaningful part of your self-growth journey.
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