Why I Created the Year of Intention Journal

There was a time in my life when I was doing everything I needed to do. I was showing up for my kids and my husband. I was managing routines and responsibilities. It took some time until I realized, I was carrying more than I talked about. More than I even realized at the time.

Situations had me in survival mode. My emotions were all over the place, and I was so focused on keeping everything steady for everyone else that I stopped paying attention to myself. I did not pause long enough to ask how I was really doing or what I needed.

Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I had to do something different.

I started reading books and listening to podcasts looking for techniques or tools to help me out. Not everything stuck, but a few ideas stayed with me. The Let Them theory helped me understand how much energy I was spending trying to make things right for other people and letting things bother me that were out of my control. The idea of clearing my mind weekly became important. Writing things down so they were no longer circling in my head gave me relief.

I also started gratitude journaling. I learned that when you intentionally look for good things, even small ones, your perspective shifts. Life does not suddenly become easy, but it does become lighter.

As helpful as these tools were, they were all scattered. I was pulling bits and pieces from different places, trying to create a routine that actually worked for me.

That is where the idea for this journal began.

Why Other Journals Did Not Work for Me

Most journals focus on one thing. Planning. Gratitude. Goals.

What I needed was something that brought together the small routines I was already doing consistently. The things that were helping me clear my mind, reflect, and stay grounded did not exist in one place.

I love creating journals, so it allowed me to build exactly what I needed. But it took time to find my rhythm. It took trial and error to understand what actually worked me and what felt overwhelming.

I wanted a journal that was simple. One that encouraged reflection without pressure. One that allowed space for growth without requiring perfection.

How the Journal Is Designed and Why

The Year of Intention Journal is built around how personal growth actually happens. Gradually. Gently. With intention.

The yearly reflection and intention section helps you look back at the past year and take a deep dive into yourself. It encourages you to think about what you enjoyed, what helped you grow, what challenged you, and what you want more or less of moving forward.

Once reflection is complete, you set intentions for the year ahead. Not resolutions. Intentions that are rooted in awareness. You are not trying to become someone new. You are paying attention to who you already are and how you want to show up.

The journal is undated by design. While many people naturally start at the beginning of the year, growth and reflection do not depend on a calendar. You can start in January or any time you feel ready. This journal meets you where you are.

How I Actually Use the Journal

Since it is the start of a new year, I am currently focused on the yearly reflection and setting my intentions. Some questions I answered right away. Others I sat with for days before writing anything down. A few answers continue to evolve.

Not every page needs to be completed all at once.

Each month, I use the journal as a check in point. I look back at my weekly reflections and my yearly intentions. This helps me notice patterns early. Small adjustments happen naturally instead of letting things build into bigger issues later.

That monthly pause keeps me aligned and aware without feeling overwhelming.

The weekly reflection is one of the most valuable parts of this journal for me. Each week, I clear my mind by writing everything down. Thoughts, tasks, worries, reminders. That page stays active all week. I cross things off, add new items, and refer back to it often.

Alongside that, I reflect on the week itself. What went well. What felt off. What I want to carry forward or leave behind.

Doing this weekly helps me stay focused and refocus when needed. If I notice something I did not like, I can course correct quickly. Without looking back and recognizing patterns, it would be easy to repeat the same behaviors without realizing it.

Some weeks, there is not much to note, and that is a win too.

The daily pages are simple and grounding. In the morning, I write my intention for the day. It gives my day direction, even when things feel busy or unpredictable.

I also write my gratitude from the previous day. Most of the time, it is something small. A quiet moment. A conversation. Brushing my daughter's hair. These moments matter.

This daily practice helps me stay present and focused on what is good instead of getting lost in what feels heavy.

This Journal Is for You

This journal is not only for difficult seasons. It is for anyone who wants to be more intentional, more aware, and more connected to themselves.

It is for people who feel stuck and for people who feel content but want to grow. It is for those who think they do not need a journal and for those who already love writing things down.

Paying attention to yourself changes how you live. Small reflections lead to small changes. Over time, those changes add up to a happier and more grounded life.

You do not need to overhaul everything. Start with one weekly mind clear. Or one daily gratitude. That is enough to begin.

An Intentional Beginning

The Year of Intention Journal is not about fixing your life. It is about noticing it.

It is about learning from your experiences, adjusting with intention, and giving yourself space to grow at your own pace.

If you are ready to start, whether it is the beginning of the year or simply the right moment for you, the Year of Intention Journal is available at elliefrancesdesigns.com.

Start small. Start when you are ready.