Welcome to the Journal

This is where I slow down and share the in-between and the tender, unpolished parts of life that don’t always make it to the highlight reel.

You’ll find reflections on rebuilding after burnout, cozy routines that feel like home, quiet creative experiments, and the kind of questions we ask when we’re finding our way back to ourselves.

Whether you’re here for inspiration, honesty, or just a softer pace — there’s a place for you here.

What if the in-between wasn’t something to rush through — but the beginning of a softer, truer way of living?

Read the lastest post below or explore via theme

  • Rituals, routines, and soft structure to ground you in what matters.

    Read Here

  • Honest stories from the messy middle of change.

    Read Here

  • Journaling, self-awareness, and emotional clarity to meet yourself with compassion.

    Read Here

  • Building a meaningful life without the pressure to prove.

    Read Here

  • Lessons from the road, and the journey home.

    Read Here

  • Books, playlists, cozy roundups, and things I’m loving lately — like a care package from a friend.

    Read Here

Slow Living Renee Michaela Slow Living Renee Michaela

Stop Shoulding All Over Yourself

We’re told intentional living starts at 5am with a perfect routine — but maybe it starts here: in one honest moment, where you choose what you actually need. A gentle reminder to drop the “shoulds” and come back to yourself.

Read More
Inner Work Renee Michaela Inner Work Renee Michaela

What Journaling + AI Taught Me About Myself

I thought journaling might help clear my mind, but I didn’t expect AI to help me see myself more clearly. In this reflection, I share how combining journaling with ChatGPT helped me uncover blind spots, challenge old patterns, and begin walking a softer, more intentional path forward.

Read More
Life Transitions Renee Michaela Life Transitions Renee Michaela

When Slowing Down Turns Into Getting Stuck

It’s been 57 days since I was laid off, and instead of sprinting toward the next chapter, I’ve been sitting in the quiet unknown. This post isn’t a list of takeaways or a tidy success story. It’s a reflection on what happens when life slows down without your permission—and the uncomfortable, beautiful lessons that surface when you finally stop trying to fix it all.

Read More