Empowered: A Motivational Journal for Women was recently released by Michaela Renee Johnson, and boy is it up to par! I was thrilled to see that some pages call for COLORING! I love coloring, and I can’t wait to do just that!
This journal is more than just your standard, write down what you’re thinking, and be done for the day. It’s full of prompts, useful quotes, and ideas that make you think about what you’re jotting down and why. It’s an excellent way to dig deeper into your inner thoughts and get to know yourself better.
A big THANK YOU to Claire Downing with Ascot Media! She is instrumental in allowing me to peek into this journal and gather my thoughts to share with you all! This journal would make an excellent gift for any special lady out there!
I am curious to speak with authors and anyone who can come up with a book, or journal like this, so I sent a few follow up questions to Claire! She sent my questions to Michaela, and voila; interview!
Interview regarding “Empowered:”
Me: To the untrained person, what exactly does a person who is a psychotherapist do?
Michaela: There’s some technical mumbo jumbo, but I believe psychotherapists help people gain clarity on patterns of behavior and relationships in their life that might be holding them back from living a courageous and authentic life. A good psychotherapist will be an excellent listener who meets you where you are, and in doing no harm, encourages you to speak your inner truth with grace.
Me: The “Empowered” journal is INCREDIBLE! I can’t wait to utilize it to its full potential for ME. You state within the journal that you’ve used several of these prompts yourself over time. Which ones would you say you enjoy the most?
Michaela: I love stargazing, so that is definitely one of my favorite prompts. It doesn’t matter what unfolds in my day (good or bad) ending the day with a great sunset and stargazing reminds me that I’m an important part of something so much bigger.
Me: You’ve been to 20+ countries, and I’m so jealous, by the way! Which ones have you been to that are your favorites? Maybe the top three favorites?
Michaela: By far, Thailand is my most favorite, but I haven’t been to Bali yet, so I’m sure that will rival Thailand. The people, the culture, the food, the scenery were all so fabulous. Lately, I’ve been really enjoying Alaska and the wild freedom I feel (even though it’s within the USA, it feels like another world).
A POSITIVE for COVID out of all this?!
Me: Has COVID negatively impacted your business with people not being able to attend your workshops physically? Do you have any online options that people could “attend” virtually?
Michaela: My experience with Covid as a psychotherapist has been positive in that I feel telehealth is now being normalized and is opening access to many who wouldn’t have considered treatment in the past. I also feel that it’s brought to light the importance of having someone to talk to, and in many cases, that is what a therapist can be, a non-judgemental listening ear.
Me: This is the first time I’ve heard of the Be You Find Happy podcast; how often does that air? To be honest with you, I’ve never listened to a podcast, LOL! I wouldn’t even know what to expect. Could you describe how they work exactly?
Michaela: Be You Find Happy is a weekly podcast that airs on Wednesdays on all major podcast platforms. It features celebrity guests and experts and fun current topics. It encourages people to speak their truth with grace and live a courageous life of authenticity. I love podcasts because I can put in my earpods and vacuum, fold laundry, etc. I think they can be a great way to make long drives more entertaining too. My experience is just about anyone can put out a podcast, so you’ve got to weed through some boring ones to find one that you really love. (LOL)
One of my favorite questions is in this section:
Me: There are so many beautiful quotes sprinkled throughout the journal – how did you pick out which ones you wanted to use? I LOVE quotes, and I find that they can empower you all by themselves if you take the time to reflect on them!
Michaela: I have definitely always found poetry and great quotes as a tool for motivation and finding happiness. I saw a hilarious meme about quotes and how they either completely lift you up, or make you laugh with the reality of life, that couldn’t be more true. I’ve often encouraged clients who start journaling to fill the pages with quotes, to begin with. It’s amazing how, when you flip to that page, you needed that quote, it’s kind of like a blast from your past self.
Me: Are you planning on writing any more journals or books in the future to help inspire others?
Michaela: I’m currently seeking a publisher for a fun women’s fiction that is a psychological thriller. It’s been a fun one to pen. I’m also about 20,000 words into a gritty self-help book as well.
Me: What are your favorite inspirational books that you return to again and again?
Michaela: You Are Here, Thich Naht Hahn, The Alchemist, Paul Coello, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein, and Glass Castle Jeanette Wells. To name a FEW, I’ve got so many life faves.
My final thoughts:
Michaela sounds like the kind of girl I could just sit back with, chat, and drink a glass of wine (or seven, depending on the day LOL!). Her journal is exactly what it stated: empowered. This journal makes me realize that I NEED to get to know myself better and dig deep!
What about you?! Do you find yourself wanting to know yourself better? Drop me a comment and tell me, I’d love to know!
You can also see more about Michaela and what she’s up to on her website, Michaela Renee! I can’t wait for her other works to come out and dig into those!
Love ya,
Kelly Ann
For a quick inspirational video that I recently posted, check out these amazing kids!
Relevant hashtags if you choose to share: #beyoufindhappy #michaelarenee #motivation #motivational #empowered #women #chooseyou #behappy #transform
Sounds interesting.
It is definitely an interesting journal! Made me stop and think quite a few times LOL!