How Keeping A Journal Can Keep You Calm

July 30, 2025

I've always been a fan of journaling. I remember doing it in elementary school. Jotting down little stories about what interesting things happened that day or what fun activities our family did over the weekend. I wish I would've continued that into adulthood. I mean, I like journals, they make some really pretty ones and I've purchased a few over the years with the intention to write down happy memories with my kids so that I can remember them one day.

All of those good intentions go out the window when you're a young wife and mom. The stress of daily life and chores piles up. Meanwhile, your dreams and goals seem to get shoved under that pile. The next thing you know, you find yourself in midlife and even more shockingly, navigating the unpredictable signs and symptoms of perimenopause.

I started journaling again right around my fortieth birthday. That is when I started to feel a shift in my mood. And by shift, I mean I was anxious or annoyed more often and with shorter periods in between.

There were days that I felt great! I remember thinking, “why can't I feel like this all of the time?”. So, I decided to jot down how I was feeling in hopes of pinpointing what triggered my bad (or good) moods. The only thing I can say is that my symptoms progressed slowly over time and have finally reached their peak at age 45. I thought that there was something I was doing that caused my mood to shift so abruptly. I hadn't realize until now that my mood shifts were purely physiological and were inevitable no matter what I did and that perimenopause was a real thing with real symptoms that I was experiencing.

In this season of life, I also tend to forget things a lot faster. There was a time when I could tell you exactly where something was anywhere in my house. Even in the attic! A place that I didn't go to very often. I could tell you step by step the exact tote, what position it was in and what was next to it. That skill is no longer available to me. Most days, I'm lucky if I know what day it is. I don't know where I'd be without my calendar...Can you relate?

I also realized that I felt better after journaling. It became an outlet for me. The act of focusing and writing down my thoughts and feelings was like a release valve. Not typing them on a phone or computer screen. Actually having to really think about what I wanted to say before I wrote it down. Just my thoughts and pen to paper. I started making it a ritual. Sitting down when it's quiet. Lighting a candle and making a cup of tea. All things that make me feel calm and relaxed.

I want you to be able to create this outlet for yourself as well.

Considerations when looking for a journal...

1.) Does the overall size to fit your preference and needs?

2.) Is the content layout geared towards your goals?

3.) Is it pre-dated or not. If this matters to you.

This Cedar & Myrrh mindfulness journal is great because it highlights positive affirmations and goals throughout your journey to keep you on track. Personally, I love that there are no pre-printed dates. So you can start it whenever you want.