Throughout my career, I thrived on solving problems and creating detailed plans. Naturally, I carried that mindset into my personal life, holding my family to rigid schedules and structures. I thought my planning skills were a strength—until someone pointed out a hard truth: what I called 'planning' was actually an attempt to control my environment.

Sitting with that realization, I turned to journaling to explore my patterns of control. I noticed how spontaneous changes triggered me, as if they were personal attacks. My 'planning' was a shield against chaos, built during a time when I was running on empty—working full-time, raising two kids, and managing meals, activities, and transportation. It wasn’t sustainable, and small disruptions left me overwhelmed.

Journaling became my outlet. I scribbled frustrations, wrote random thoughts, and let it all spill onto the pages. It didn’t need to look pretty or be shared; most of the time, I filled cheap notebooks and tore them up when they were full. But that release was transformative. Over time, I started reflecting on how I wanted to react to spontaneous changes, which gave me ideas for how to show up next time— in a healthier, more intentional way.

Through this process, I’ve learned to let go of control and trust myself. Journaling helped me uncover and release emotions I didn’t even realize I was carrying. It taught me that I don’t need the illusion of security a plan offers; I need the freedom to navigate life as it unfolds.

Intimidated by the thought of journaling?

Reflection tools provide a framework to explore thoughts and experiences, making the process less overwhelming. For those unsure where to start, a few thoughtful prompts can unlock a flood of insights or challenge you to dig deeper into what truly drives you. As you build greater self-awareness, you will gain the clarity and confidence to take intentional, transformative action in your life.

Explore our Tools for LYFE™ collection, featuring free reflection guide options, or connect with us to discuss customized tools for your coaching business. Click the images below to learn more.