Do you ever feel like your mind is always running, making you feel overwhelmed and causing you to miss out on important moments with your family?

You’re not alone, Mama. That’s why I’m excited to share this eye-opening conversation I had with Carla Reeves, a coach and journaling expert who’s changing how we think about our mental well-being.

Carla combines coaching with journaling to help people get unstuck and move forward intentionally in their everyday lives. Her approach is a game-changer for busy moms looking to create more fulfilment and peace in their lives.

Carla Reeves is a coach and journaling expert who helps people get unstuck and move forward thoughtfully and intentionally in their everyday lives. She combines coaching with interactive journaling to provide personalized guidance and encouragement throughout the self-discovery process.

Key Points Discussed:

• The biggest barriers to creating a more fulfilling life
• The impact of a noisy mind on our daily lives
• How journaling can help master mental clutter
• Tips for reluctant writers to start journaling
• The importance of separating yourself from your thoughts
• Practical journaling techniques to get started
• How to create your own rules and challenge self-imposed limitations
• Finding time for self-reflection as a busy mom
• The benefits of combining journaling with coaching

The Mind: Your Biggest Barrier to Fulfilment

Here’s why the mind is the most significant obstacle to creating a more fulfilling life:

• Constant Mental Noise: Our thoughts run 24/7, often without our conscious control.
• Lack of Thought Management: Most people aren’t taught how to manage their thought life effectively.
• Negative Thought Patterns: Unchecked thoughts can spiral into persistent negative patterns.
• Missed Present Moments: A noisy mind can prevent us from fully engaging in the here and now.

Without proper management, our minds can become our biggest hindrance. The constant stream of thoughts, often negative or worry-filled, can drown out the present moment and leave us feeling overwhelmed.

The Impact of a Noisy Mind

A cluttered mind can have far-reaching consequences:

• Overwhelming Chaos: Feeling frantic and unable to focus on what truly matters.
• Decision-Making Confusion: Difficulty in making clear, confident choices.
• Lack of Inner Peace: Constant mental chatter disrupts our sense of calm.
• Strained Relationships: Distraction can impact our connections with loved ones.

Journaling: Your Tool for Mastering Mental Clutter

Carla discovered the transformative power of journaling when she felt her sanity slipping as a new mom. Here’s how journaling can help:

• Thought Dumping: Get all your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
• Pattern Recognition: Identify recurring thoughts and beliefs.
• Self-Reflection: Gain insights into your own behavior and motivations.
• Emotional Release: Process and release pent-up emotions.
• Goal Setting: Clarify your aspirations and plan steps to achieve them.

Journaling Tips for Reluctant Writers

For those who don’t enjoy writing, Carla suggests:

• Digital Journaling: Use a Google Doc or notes app instead of handwriting.
• Voice Recording: Speak your thoughts aloud and transcribe later if needed.
• Bullet Points: Use short, concise points instead of long paragraphs.
• Timed Sessions: Start with just 5 minutes of writing per day.

Separating Self from Thoughts

A crucial realization in managing our minds is understanding that we are separate from our thoughts. This understanding allows us to:

• Observe Thoughts Objectively: View thoughts as passing events, not absolute truths.
• Interrupt Negative Patterns: Recognize and stop unhelpful thought spirals.
• Choose Responses: Decide how to react to thoughts rather than being controlled by them.

Practical Journaling Techniques

To get started with journaling, Carla recommends:

• Daily Check-Ins: Set aside 5-10 minutes each day for journaling.
• Use Prompts: Start with questions like “What’s overwhelming me right now?” or “What am I grateful for today?“
• 5-Day Thought Monitoring: For 5 days, write down your thoughts and how they impact your mood and energy.
• Pattern Identification: Review your entries and highlight recurring themes or language.

Creating Your Own Rules

Through journaling and self-reflection, you can:

• Identify Self-Imposed Limitations: Recognize rules you’ve set for yourself that may no longer serve you.
• Challenge Assumptions: Question why you believe certain “rules” must be followed.
• Rewrite Your Narrative: Create new, empowering beliefs that align with your goals.

Finding Time for Self-Reflection

For busy moms struggling to find time for journaling:

• Early Morning Sessions: Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier for quiet reflection time.
• Nap Time Writing: Use children’s nap times for quick journaling sessions.
• Bedtime Reflections: Spend a few minutes journaling before sleep.

The Value of Coaching

While self-reflection through journaling is powerful, working with a coach can:

• Identify Blind Spots: Gain insights into areas you might not see on your own.
• Provide Accountability: Stay committed to your goals and practices.
• Offer Fresh Perspectives: Get new ideas and approaches to challenges.

By implementing these strategies and committing to self-reflection, you can begin to master your mental clutter, create a more fulfilling life, and become the happy, present parent you aspire to be.

Remember, it’s not about journaling because you love it, but because you want something different for your life. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your inner landscape transforms.

Quotes to Note:

“Don’t do it because you love journaling. Do it because you want something else for your life. This is just a tool, and you can experiment with it.” – Carla Reeves

“When we’re not managing our mind and paying attention to it and kind of cultivating a healthy mind, it’s thinking about all the things, so we often live in a state of just overwhelm or being, feeling just frantic and chaotic.” – Carla Reeves

“Don’t believe everything you think.” – Carla Reeves

“My journal as a mom was like the one space that was just my own.” – Carla Reeves

“If you can change your thinking slightly, that’s when you can change your approach or change your behavior a little bit. And regardless of what your circumstances are, if you start to change even ever so slightly, other people are going to have to change their dance around you.” – Carla Reeves

Connect with Carla: Carla Reeves | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | FREEBIE
Podcast: Differently

Carla is known for her compassionate, direct, and truth-telling candor. For over a decade, multi-million dollar CEOs, creatives, and individuals ready to trade the status quo for a richer life have been relying on Carla to call out their blind spots, challenge their thinking, and expand their perspective. Carla believes in ditching the illusion that life will be great “someday” and equips everyday leaders with the tools to live more fully now.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me.

And as always, mama, I am here rooting for you and you are not alone on this journey.

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1. Ep 147. ​​Making Self-Care a Reality in Your Life
2. Ep 65. Creative Unconventional Self-Care Ideas
3. Ep 63. Routines that Energize Moms with Ashley Brown
4. Ep 38. 5 Steps to Make Self-Care a Priority
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3. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)
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