The Mindful Journal Podcast

When Was the Last Time You Checked on You?

Have you been showing up, checking boxes, handling responsibilities, and caring for everyone else — but somewhere along the way, stopped checking in with yourself? In this episode of the Mindful Journal Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to come back to yourself when you’ve been running on autopilot. Sometimes we look “fine” on the outside, but inside we feel overwhelmed, disconnected, emotionally tired, or unsure of what we actually need. Together, we’ll reflect on Psalm 139:23–24 and use journaling as a gentle way to invite God into the places we’ve been ignoring, avoiding, or pushing through. This is your reminder: checking on yourself is not selfish. It is stewardship. In This Episode We talk about: * What autopilot can look like in everyday life * Signs you may be ignoring yourself emotionally, spiritually, or physically * Why emotional honesty is part of healing * How journaling helps you notice what you’ve been carrying * Why God can handle what is really going on in your heart * How to pause, reflect, and take one faithful next step Scripture Focus Psalm 139:23–24“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Journal Prompt What have I been ignoring within myself that deserves my attention? Journal Questions * What emotions have I been pushing down, avoiding, or minimizing lately? * What signs has my body, mind, or spirit been giving me that I need to slow down? * Where have I been functioning on autopilot instead of being fully present? * What thought keeps repeating in my mind that I need to bring before God? * What do I need right now: rest, honesty, support, prayer, boundaries, clarity, or compassion? * What is one small faithful step I can take this week to come back to myself? Mindful Faith Action Set a 5-minute check-in with yourself today. Ask: What am I feeling?What do I need?What do I need to bring to God instead of carrying alone? Then write this sentence: I am allowed to notice what I need without judging myself for needing it. Closing Prayer Lord, search my heart with compassion. Show me what I have been ignoring, carrying, avoiding, or trying to handle on my own. Help me stop performing strength and start practicing honesty. Teach me how to come back to myself without shame and come back to You with trust. Lead me in the way that brings peace, wisdom, healing, and renewal. Amen. Go Deeper Join Open Word [https://openword.app], our mindful journaling app, for daily prompts, themed challenges, guided reflections, and gentle ways to build a rhythm of reflection — one prompt at a time. Then come deeper inside The Mindful Journal Club [https://community.mindfuljournal.club], our community space for Bible study reflections, journal sessions, encouragement, product updates, merch drops, and first access to news about when StoryCards® will be available again. Start today at openword.app! One prompt. One prayer. One honest reflection at a time. Happy Journaling! The Mindful Journal Club™ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe [https://alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

New Journal App Loading!!

I’m launching my app PROMPTED on Saturday, Dec 13 with a 12 Days of Christmas experience: • 1 prompt/day (days stay locked so it stays intentional) • daily scripture + reflection + activity • write, audio, video, or photo journal • optional community sharing • surprises + gift cards + prizes This isn’t meant to keep you on your phone. It’s meant to help you slow down, talk more, and connect with others—one day at a time. This is a test run, so if you find a bug, there will be a survey that goes out after the 12 days. Your feedback helps shape the year-round version! Thanks in advance friends! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe [https://alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Today's Journal Prompt: What surprised you this week?

I thought my week was uneventful…until I remembered I had a call with someone at @Disney [https://www.instagram.com/Disney/] The real surprise? My dad remembered my high-school nickname was ‘Lilo’🌺. Journal Prompt: What surprised you this week? Grab your journal & jot it down 📓👇 ▶️ Part 2 & 3 below sharing why this moment means so much! Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own bubble, we forget others see us — we forget people care—my Dad’s call reminded me he’s been paying attention all along. Journal Prompt: When did you feel truly seen this week? None of us is perfect, especially our parents, who do their best. As Mother’s & Father’s Days approach, let’s extend grace and kindness to those who raised us. 🌿💛 Journal Prompt: Reflect on a time this week when you gave—or received—unexpected grace. Write it down in your journal! Thanks for following my trip down memory lane with dad and #Disney! Join The Mindful Journal Club™ for mindful tips, journal prompts, and actionable mini-practices to help you navigate life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe [https://alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Honest Reflection + Trusting in a Higher Path

This week on The Mindful Journal Podcast, we’re exploring the transformative journey of living from your truth. Join me as I share intimate reflections on questioning our daily affirmations, embracing moments of stillness, and allowing divine guidance to lead us through doubt. This episode is for those seeking to connect with their inner self—discovering your true gifts, vulnerabilities, and the power of authenticity. It’s a safe space for confronting the tension between fear and hope and for learning to trust the gentle whisper of a higher path. Show Notes: * Opening Reflections * Begin by centering yourself—find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take several deep, slow breaths. * Questioning the repetition of affirmations like “Trust God” when doubt creeps in and the importance of confronting those doubts rather than burying them. * Reaffirming the Power of Your Words * Reciting affirmations without genuine belief can feel empty. * Key Takeaway: Authentic affirmations should resonate with your inner truth—if they don’t, adjust them to reflect what you truly believe. * Discovering Your Core Self Through Stillness * Exploring the question: “Who am I at my core?” * The value of creating moments of stillness to bypass the noise of daily life and uncover your hidden gifts and talents. * Actionable Tip: Set aside a few minutes daily to disconnect from distractions and listen to your inner wisdom. * Embracing Divine Guidance Amid Uncertainty * Addressing the power of vulnerability and the beauty in questioning our affirmations. * A reflective conversation on how in moments when doubt is overwhelming, divine guidance can provide comfort and direction. * Actionable Tip: When overwhelmed, write down a word that captures your current emotion, followed by a word that represents hope—using these anchors to redirect your focus. * Living Authentically in a World of Doubt * Bringing the insights together: recognizing that our journey towards authenticity involves embracing doubt, vulnerability, and the power of stillness. * Key Takeaway: Every intentional step—no matter how small—builds a foundation of resilience and genuine self-belief. Journal Prompt: “Write about a moment when, despite overwhelming doubt, you paused, embraced stillness, and felt a spark of divine guidance. How did this experience reshape your vision of yourself, and what did it teach you about living authentically in the midst of uncertainty?” Journal Guidance: Write freely, allowing your reflection to unfold as a deep, honest conversation with your inner self. There’s no right or wrong—only your truth. Want to book a Custom Journal Session? Send me a message at info@mindfuljournal.club! Keep journaling, keep breathing, and I'll see you soon. Join The Mindful Journal Club™ for mindful tips, journal prompts, and actionable mini-practices to help you navigate life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe [https://alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Finding Hope in a Seemingly Hopeless World

In this episode of the Mindful Journal Podcast, I share insights and strategies for finding hope amid today's uncertainties. When it feels like one negative moment overshadows countless positives—amid mass layoffs, stressful situations, and rapid change—I invite you to embrace small, mindful actions that build emotional resilience. Together, we’ll explore how to acknowledge our pain, nurture gratitude, and reframe challenges into opportunities for growth. This conversation is for anyone feeling unsure, scared, or overwhelmed, offering a safe space to share your journey and discover that even in chaos, hope is possible. Join The Mindful Journal Club™ for mindful tips, journal prompts, and actionable mini-practices to help you navigate life. Show Notes: * Acknowledging the Reality of Change: * Explore how rapid changes and uncertainties in our world (mass layoffs, financial stress, shifting job markets) can leave us feeling overwhelmed. * Understand that it’s okay to experience fear, anger, and sadness—these emotions are valid and part of our human experience. * Mindful Practices to Cultivate Hope: * Gratitude Check-Ins * Intentional Breathing * Small Acts of Self-Care * Building Emotional Resilience: * Learn practical tips for developing emotional intelligence and reframing negative experiences into learning opportunities. * Journal Prompt: * Reflect on a time when one negative experience made you feel overwhelmed. What are three specific, small actions you took—or could take—that helped you regain hope and balance? How do these choices shape your vision for the future? * Tips for Beginners: Write freely, without overthinking. Treat your journal as a safe space for honest reflection. Join our Mindful Journal Club [http://htttps://community.mindfuljournal.club]—a supportive community dedicated to sharing stories, offering encouragement, and building resilience together. Reach out to me at info@mindfuljournal.club and share your experiences on navigating life’s uncertainties. Keep journaling, keep breathing, and I'll see you soon! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe [https://alexisrussell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]