Journaling Hacks: How to Reflect Your Way to a Better Life: E13

In this episode of the Go Slow to Go Fast Lifestyle Podcast, Kendra Chapman explores the importance of intentional living through reflection and journaling. She discusses the concept of hygge, shares personal experiences of finding joy in everyday life, and provides insights on how to choose the right journal for your needs. Kendra emphasizes the significance of setting goals and creating a journaling habit that serves your personal growth journey.

Transcript/ Show Notes 

Welcome to the Go Slow to Go Fast Lifestyle Podcast, where we explore the art of intentional living. Whether you're juggling life as a working parent, leading in your profession, or simply seeking more meaning in your everyday, this space is for you.

I’m your host, Kendra Chapman, and today, we’re diving into the power of reflection and how journaling can help you gain clarity, set goals, and ultimately create the life you want. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast and you just need a moment to pause, reflect, and reset, this episode is for you.

We’re also going to talk about cultivating Hygge—the Danish concept of coziness and contentment—and how to weave it into your journaling practice. If you’re new to Hygge, don’t worry—I’ll break it down for you.

And of course, I’ll share a highlight hack—whether for work, life, or both—to help you bring more balance, organization, and efficiency to your days. Then, I’ll let you know how to connect with me so you can share how you’re incorporating journaling and Hygge into your own life.

So, if you're ready to slow down and embrace the beauty of an intentional lifestyle, grab a cozy drink, find a comfy spot, and let’s get started.

Segment. 1: What’s Bringing Me Hygge This Week?

I really enjoy watching a couple, Bec and Sam and their two kids on YouTube in Ireland who are renovating a derelict farmhouse, the Irish Homestead, https://www.youtube.com/@theirishhomestead/videos who embrace the Slow Living lifestyle, decided to quit their 9-5 jobs and got a motor home and traveled for a while until they found a farmhouse they wanted to buy and rebuild. They post a video every Saturday and you can follow their trials and tribulations during this process.

We look forward to their videos because my husband and I had our own saga building our dream home for three years recently and we can definitely empathize with their struggles and wins as we’ve been there… and admire their work ethic and perseverance… they are much more handy that we are …

Segment 2: Hygge Highlight – How to Select the Right Journal for You

This week, I’ve been diving deep into researching journals—because let’s be honest, I love a good journal. Whether it’s for tracking medical appointments, setting life goals, or organizing my day-to-day tasks, I’ve been exploring different styles and formats to find the ones that work best for me.

There’s something about putting pen to paper that helps clear the mental clutter and bring a sense of calm and focus. Plus, finding a journal that feels good to use—whether it’s the paper texture, the layout, or even the color—can make all the difference in staying consistent with the habit.

I turned 50 last month and my mom gave me a journal…

I have many journals and I fill them up with recipes, thoughts, plans, writing ideas, for pod casts, books, reflections…

Right now I have three journals going, one for ideas, one to record my dreams and meditations, and one for work.

Now, let’s talk about picking the right journal. Because, trust me, not all journals are created equal! Here are a few things to consider:

1. Purpose – Are you looking for a daily planner, a gratitude journal, a goal-setting workbook, or something freeform for brain dumps and reflections? Knowing your purpose will help narrow down your options.
2. Format – Do you prefer lined pages, dot grids, or completely blank? If you’re a visual thinker, a bullet journal with dot grids might be your best friend. If you love structure, a guided journal with prompts could be a great fit.
3. Size & Portability – Do you want something small enough to toss in your bag, or do you prefer a larger journal that stays on your desk? If you like to journal on the go, a compact option is key.
4. Aesthetic & Feel – Let’s be real—if you don’t love how it looks and feels, you probably won’t use it consistently. Find something that sparks joy when you open it up.
5. Extras – Do you need a journal with pre-printed dates? A ribbon bookmark? A built-in pocket for storing notes or keepsakes? These little details can make your journaling experience more enjoyable and practical.
   1. Inserts, removable and reusable pieces…
   2. Zip portfolio
   3. Additional systems and practices built into the process of journaling
      1. Narrowing down your list of to dos to 3
      2. Reflection on what works and doesn’t
      3. Capturing your goals and focusing on the steps to meet them
      4. Tracking your progress along the way ….

If you’re new to journaling, start simple! A basic notebook can be just as powerful as a fancy guided journal—it’s all about making it a habit and using it in a way that serves you.

Segment 3: Let’s Connect

That’s all for today’s episode of Go Slow to Go Fast! Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s one thing that is bringing you Hygge this week? Are you a journal lover like me, or is this something new you want to try?

Let’s keep the conversation going!

📧 Email me at coachingwithkendrachapman@gmail.com
🌍 Check out my website at coachingwithkendrachapman.com
📱 Send me a DM on Instagram @coachingwithkendrachapman
📸 Tag me in your journaling journey—I’d love to see what you’re using!

Let’s embrace this new season together with intention and confidence. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who might need a little journaling inspiration from the Go Slow to Go Fast podcast!

And as always, stay connected and remember—take it slow, be intentional, and embrace the season you’re in. The rest and reflection in me honors the rest and reflection in you. As you head into the next week, may your thoughts be clear, your intentions be strong, and your light shine through.

Until next time—take care and keep leading with purpose.

Links to Journal Systems and Resources mentioned:

Full Focus Planner- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7VMZkBP5Oc

https://fullfocusstore.com/collections/planners

The Ultimate Guide to Journaling: Change Your Life in 2025 - Clark Kegley 

https://youtu.be/Zb3mA_LNYBk?si=fREHfkvvK7Va0MzV