Let’s be honest now – we’ve all bought those gorgeous journals with the best intentions, right? The ones that sit on our nightstands, gathering dust, silently judging us for only writing in them twice. For those seeking holistic healing, this might feel especially familiar.

Through my personal growth journey, I found myself resistant to anything that felt like a “should.” Journaling became one of those things – another box to check, another way to feel like I wasn’t doing enough on my spiritual healing journey.

Here’s the truth bomb I need you to hear: mindful reflection doesn’t require a perfect journaling practice.

The real magic of self-healing happens in those quiet moments when we actually tune in to ourselves. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee before checking your phone. Perhaps it’s in the shower when your mind finally slows down enough to process that conversation from yesterday. Or maybe it’s during your evening walk, headphones off, just you and your conscious living practice.

These mindful moments? They’re just as valuable as any written entry for emotional healing.

Don’t get me wrong – journaling can be incredible for those who connect with it. Writing helps some people process their emotions in a way that mental reflection can’t match. But forcing yourself into someone else’s self-awareness routine? That’s about as helpful as trying to squeeze into jeans that don’t fit. Just like our clothes, our rituals and practices need to fit us.

Nowadays I use habit almost every day to reflect. Sometimes I voice-memo my thoughts while driving. Other days, I might spend five minutes lying in bed, practicing natural anxiety relief through mental review. Occasionally, yes, I’ll grab that dusty journal – but only when it feels right, not because I “should.”

The goal isn’t to document every thought or feeling. It’s about developing a relationship with yourself through mindfulness for mental health. It’s about noticing patterns, understanding your reactions, and growing from your experiences.

So if you’re feeling guilty about your abandoned journaling practice, consider this your permission slip to let it go. Instead, focus on finding your own rhythm of spiritual mental health practices. Maybe it’s meditation for anxiety relief, maybe it’s talking things through with yourself during your millennial self-care routine, or maybe it’s something entirely different.

The most sustainable practice is the one that actually feels good to you. Period.

Your self-healing practice should feel like meeting up with a friend you actually want to see – not like a dentist appointment you’re dreading but know you need.

Remember: Self-awareness isn’t about following someone else’s rules. It’s about creating space to hear your own voice and explore alternative mental health treatments that resonate with you personally.