Good day everyone, welcome back to “Who I Am” and the journey that I’m going through. Sit back, grab your coffee, and enjoy the ride. ☕✨
Today I was reflecting on journaling because, in many ways, this section of my webpage is just that—a modern journal with a digital twist. Trust me, my physical journal, when I could get past the mental blocks from my past trauma, was way more chaotic. You’ve already seen the random topics I come up with. Now that I’ve embraced journaling through this tech upgrade, the changes I’ve noticed are remarkable. If I miss a day of posting or don’t put in much effort, my mind feels untamed—thoughts spiral out of control, my nights grow restless, and the next day drags. The contrast to how I felt in the past, when journaling seemed impossible, is stark. Productivity wasn’t even in the realm of possibility back then. Journaling now feels like discovering a hidden key to mental clarity.
But there’s more to journaling than simply keeping me sane (although, let’s be honest, that’s a pretty big deal). It’s a grounding practice, like hitting the reset button on a chaotic mind. Mental health isn’t just about managing specific conditions—it’s something everyone works on, in one way or another. Thanks to my Plains Cree heritage, I’ve learned that forgiveness holds immense power—not for others, but for ourselves.
I’ve come to see, through journaling, that forgiving myself hasn’t always been my strong suit. Journaling acts as a mirror, revealing the places where guilt, shame, and those “I should’ve known better” thoughts are hiding. It’s helping me unpack the emotional weight I’ve been carrying, not to erase the past, but to free myself from its grip. Forgiving myself has been a difficult journey, but journaling offers a safe space to start, one word at a time.
And it’s not always about deep emotional healing—sometimes it’s simply about getting those swirling thoughts down on paper. For those who are allistic, journaling offers structure and clarity, allowing them to prioritize and address stress that might otherwise go unnoticed. For those of us who are neurodiverse, its benefits can run even deeper. Journaling helps externalize sensory chaos, giving our minds the space to organize thoughts rather than leaving them stuck in a mental whirlwind. This externalization brings clarity while reducing the overwhelm caused by constant over-processing.
Forgiveness also connects to these improvements. By sorting through my thoughts and emotions in my journal, I’ve started forgiving myself for small stumbles and moments of doubt. That self-kindness translates to better focus, fewer emotional distractions, and greater productivity. Journaling isn’t a magic solution, but it’s an empowering way to give yourself permission to grow.
About that midday nap—can we talk about how maddeningly compulsory it feels? It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s as if my body flips an off switch whether I want it to or not. Even on days fueled by fresh-ground coffee and ADHD medication, the nap insists on being part of my routine. By the way, fresh-ground coffee seems to make a real difference for those of us with ADHD, providing better focus and energy compared to preground coffee. It’s one of those little discoveries that’s easy to appreciate.
But here’s the frustrating part—the nap doesn’t feel restorative in the usual sense. As I journal and explore my thoughts, I see striking similarities to my ASD-related meltdown naps. It’s as though my body reacts to sensory overload in the same way, shutting down in an attempt to cope. These midday shutdowns are easier to wake from than a full meltdown, but they’re still surprisingly difficult. Even in my own home, where comfort should reign, the sensory impact of my surroundings seems to play a role.
For allistics, a midday nap can serve an entirely different purpose. It can clear the fog and provide a mental and physical reset, boosting focus and productivity for the rest of the day. Journaling works beautifully alongside this practice, helping untangle thoughts and ease stress before taking that break. Whether the nap stems from sensory overload or is simply a moment of recharge, journaling can make it a meaningful pause rather than a chaotic escape.
You don’t even have to call it “journaling.” The name doesn’t matter nearly as much as the act itself. You could call it “Thought Dumping,” “Brain Spill,” “Mind Clearing,” or “Daily Mental Detox.” The goal is always the same—to rid yourself of toxic, overwhelming thoughts while making room for the positive ones. Gratitude, goals, affirmations, or even simple reflections can help shift your mental state. It’s this intentional process that makes journaling such a valuable tool for improving mental well-being and productivity.
If digital journaling is your preference, there are excellent apps to explore. For iOS and Mac users, Day One combines sleek design with the ability to add photos and tags. Android users might love Journey, which syncs effortlessly with Google Drive. For Windows users, Diarium offers a fantastic journaling platform. Those seeking free tools that work across multiple platforms can try Notion, which blends journaling with organizational features, or Penzu, with its focus on simplicity and privacy. The tools are there to support you, but even a sticky note or notebook can make a big difference.
I’ve only recently started to build a journaling habit this year, finally breaking free from the mental blocks that held me back for so long. As a teen, my father would find my journals and punish me for their contents, making it incredibly difficult to trust the process of writing my thoughts down. It wasn’t until I began using my website in this untraditional way that I found a safe space to finally let my thoughts flow. And even though my journey has just begun, the changes I’ve experienced already feel life-changing.
The boost in productivity I’ve felt is something I want everyone to experience—regardless of gender or whether you’re neurodivergent or allistic. It’s about discovering what works for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your journal—or whatever you want to call it—and see for yourself just how powerful and transformative it can be.
Who am I? 
I would love to hear from you!