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.

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  • Honest stories from the messy middle of change.

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

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  • Building a meaningful life without the pressure to prove.

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  • Lessons from the road, and the journey home.

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

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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.

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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.

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Life Transitions Renee Michaela Life Transitions Renee Michaela

Tiny Rebellions: Rebuilding Life After Burnout

Burnout recovery, life after caregiving, and finding purpose after a layoff — this blog explores how one woman is rebuilding her life slowly and intentionally through tiny rebellions, cozy rituals, and creative rest. If you're navigating a life transition and craving slower mornings, softer ambition, and intentional living, this is your reminder that healing doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.

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