As we enter September, a month that embodies cleansing and renewal, it’s the perfect time to consider incorporating the transformative practice of journaling into your daily life.

Amid the whirlwind of our routines, especially as summer transitions to fall, moments of peace can feel hard to come by. Yet, there’s a simple tool that offers clarity, grounding, and renewal: journaling.

Let Go of Stress and Embrace Renewal

In this season of new beginnings, it’s natural to feel the weight of lingering stress. Journaling offers a way to release that pressure, creating space for clarity and rejuvenation. By writing down your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, you create a sacred space for self-expression. This act of releasing onto paper allows you to let go of mental clutter, offering a sense of relief and renewal.

Research even shows that journaling can lower cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress. As you write, you untangle the chaos, making room for calm and regaining a sense of control over your emotions. This September, why not make journaling your tool for shedding what no longer serves you.

Reclaim Your Confidence and Growth

Journaling is not just about letting go—it’s also about growth. In this season of fresh starts, chronicling your accomplishments and progress helps reinforce a positive self-image. By reflecting on your goals, even the smallest wins, you remind yourself of your resilience and strength.

Setting new intentions for the coming months and tracking them in your journal can be a powerful way to cultivate confidence. As you witness your growth, you’ll find yourself feeling renewed, empowered, and ready totake on what’s next with a fresh mindset.

The Science of Reflection and Healing

There’s more to journaling than just words on a page. Studies show that expressive writing improves mood, reduces anxiety, and promotes overall well-being. Journaling offers a deeper level of reflection that can help you reconnect with your true self, especially during times of transition.

Getting Started: Tips for

Journaling During This Season of Renewal

• Set aside dedicated time: Make space for journaling in your daily routine. Just like the changing seasons, consistency brings renewal. I find that beginning my day with meditation and journaling sets the tone for a more centered day.
• Write without judgment: Let your thoughts flow freely. This is your personal space for exploration, where your words don’t need to be perfect—just honest.
• Experiment with styles: Whether it’s gratitude journaling, goal-setting, or stream-of-consciousness writing, explore what resonates with you.
• Focus on affirmations: Use your journal as a tool to foster optimism. This September, embrace affirmations that align with your renewal goals.
• Reflect and renew: Look back on previous entries to see how far you’ve come.

Reflection is a powerful way to acknowledge the transformations that have unfolded in your life.

As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, let journaling be your tool for shedding the old and welcoming the new. Whether you seek stress relief, a confidence boost, or a way to document your growth,journaling offers a path to renewal this season.

​If you don’t know where to start, click below to download a free copy of my favorite Journaling Prompts to inspire your writing journey.​

I know I’ve put other pieces out like this, but it keeps coming up so here’s a new take on the subject. Divorce is one of those life experiences where even the best-intentioned friends can find themselves suddenly becoming the person who says the wrong thing at the wrong time. If you’ve got a friend going through this, and you want to avoid any foot-in-mouth moments, here are ten things you probably should never say. 

1. “I never liked them anyway.”
   This one’s a classic. You think you’re showing loyalty, but instead, you’ve just put yourself on the “Things My Friend Didn’t Tell Me” list. Besides, if they patch things up (it happens!), you’ve just made future dinner parties a bit awkward. 
2. “You’re better off without them.”
   This might be true—eventually. But in the heat of the moment, when your friend is reeling from the shock, it’s a bit like telling someone who’s just dropped their ice cream cone that they didn’t need the calories anyway. 
3. “I saw this coming.”
   Nobody likes a Monday morning quarterback, especially when their whole life is up in the air. You might as well be saying, “Why didn’t you do something sooner?” Even if you saw the storm clouds on the horizon, now is not the time to play weather forecaster. 
4. “At least you didn’t have kids.”
   Ah, the silver lining approach. Except, there’s no silver lining big enough to cover the storm that is divorce. Kids or no kids, this is a messy, painful process, and minimizing it isn’t going to win you any points. 
5. “You should try online dating!”
   Yes, because that’s exactly what someone wants to do after their world just fell apart—jump into the shallow end of the dating pool. Let’s not rush things; there’s plenty of time for them to rediscover the joys of awkward first dates. 
6. “What happened?”
   Envision this: your friend is drowning, and instead of throwing them a life raft, you ask how they got into the water in the first place. Not exactly helpful. If they want to share the story, they will, but don’t turn into a detective looking for clues. 
7. “You’ll find someone better.”
   Even if they will, right now, your friend is likely in the “all love is doomed” phase. It’s like telling someone with a broken leg that they’ll run a marathon one day. Sure, it’s possible, but they’re not really in the mood for motivational speeches just yet. 
8. “Everything happens for a reason.”
   Unless you’re prepared to explain the grand plan behind their heartbreak, it’s best to skip this one. Sometimes, life is just hard, and trying to put a philosophical spin on it can feel a bit like adding insult to injury. 
9. “You’re so strong; you’ll get through this.”
   Your friend might look strong, but that doesn’t mean they want to be. Sometimes, they just want to be a puddle of tears, and that’s okay. Let them be weak without reminding them of how tough they need to be. 
10. “I know exactly how you feel.”
    Even if you’ve been through a divorce yourself, resist the urge to draw parallels. Every relationship is unique, and your friend’s experience is theirs alone. Instead of comparing war stories, just be there to listen. Sometimes, that’s all they need. 

So, if you find yourself talking to a friend going through a divorce, remember less is more. Offer a shoulder, a sympathetic ear, and maybe a glass of wine. Everything else can wait. 

Divorce can be a challenging and isolating experience, and having the right support can make all the difference. If you’re navigating the complexities of divorce or just need someone to talk to about the next steps, I’m here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation with me today, and let’s work together to find the clarity and peace you deserve. 

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Love and Light,

Michèle

Attend an Outdoor Concert or Festival

Attend an Outdoor Concert or Festival– If you’re fortunate enough to live near venues that offer outdoor music, take advantage of it. Even smaller local festivals and farmers markets offer live music that can be enjoyed while strolling through the various vendors. There’s something about the way music carries in the wide-open space which adds a hint of romanticism to the sound wafting over the crowd. This one is high on my summertime selfcare list.

Taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is crucial as you navigate life transitions. You’re not alone, and there is a path forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. If you know someone that could use a little boost of Self Care, please feel free to share this tip with them by hitting the button below.

Linger Over Breakfast

Linger Over Breakfast – Pick your favorite little breakfast spot or host at home. Breakfast requires so little effort and yet, can be so fulfilling when you’re joined by your bestie or even a few of them. Laugh, reminisce, maybe even get a little weepy. The point is to get out of your normal routine and into a more pleasurable place where you can unwind and just be you.  

Taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is crucial as you navigate life transitions. You’re not alone, and there is a path forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. If you know someone that could use a little boost of Self Care, please feel free to share this tip with them by hitting the button below.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes two to tango,” but when a marriage hits the rocks, it’s tempting to point the finger at our partner and say, “It was definitely their fault.” It’s easier to dwell on what they did wrong than to take a good, long look in the mirror. But if we want to grow, heal, and create healthier relationships in the future, we must muster the courage to look within and own our part in the breakdown. 

Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is just another lecture on how you’re to blame for everything, let’s get one thing straight: Self-reflection isn’t about shaming yourself or shouldering all the responsibility. It’s about empowering yourself. When we acknowledge our role, we open the door to awareness, growth, and, most importantly, change. 

Consider this: What if your next relationship could be your best one yet, simply because you took the time to understand what went wrong in the last one? It’s not about revisiting the past to wallow in guilt; it’s about learning from it. 

Let’s say, for example, you realize that you tended to avoid conflict—I can certainly relate to this—sweeping issues under the rug until they piled up and turned into a full-blown mess. Recognizing this habit isn’t a ticket to beat yourself up; it’s an invitation to do things differently next time. Maybe you’ll learn to communicate your needs more openly, or perhaps you’ll work on developing a tolerance for those uncomfortable conversations that are crucial for any relationship. 

Self-reflection also allows us to see our blind spots—the things we might have been too close to notice. Did you prioritize your career over your marriage without realizing it? Did you expect your partner to read your mind instead of clearly expressing what you needed? These are the kinds of insights that self-reflection can bring to light, and with them comes the opportunity to grow and do better in the future. 

So, here’s the bottom line: We all have room for improvement, and that’s not a bad thing. By embracing self-reflection with a healthy dose of compassion (and a sprinkle of humor), we can break free from old patterns and pave the way for relationships that are more fulfilling and resilient. 

After all, the best way to avoid stepping on the same old landmines is to finally recognize where they’re lying in wait. And that’s a lesson worth learning—no matter how many times we’ve tangoed before. 

Ready to learn a new dance? Schedule your free consultation with me today and together we’ll discover a new dance.  

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Love and Light,

Michèle