A Peek Inside My Digital Journal
I use Google Keep as my go-to digital journal, note-taker, and list builder. It’s my little corner for things I want to remember—whether it’s a powerful quote, a meaningful comment from social media, or a snapshot of wisdom that resonates.
Here are a few quotes and reflections I’ve saved that I believe will encourage you, make you smile, or give you a fresh perspective on life.
The Best Gift You Can Give is Your Presence
Emelie left a comment on a blog post on Cup of Jo that resonated deeply with me. She wrote:
“I have come to realize the best gift you can give anyone, especially your children, is to sit with them—your company. A lot of times, it doesn’t even involve talking. My 13-year-old told me:
‘Mama, when we tell you something, 90% of the time we just want you to listen. No advice. No sharing your experience. Just listen.’
Or when I tried so hard to ease her pain, she held back tears and said, ‘Please, I don’t need you to fix me. Can you just listen?’
I try to remember and live by that now. Whenever they open up, I listen—without words. I am there, holding their hands, walking with them through their pain. Though this mama’s heart wants to do more, fix more, and give more, this is what they need right now. So when they come out of their locked rooms, put down their headphones, and are ready to talk, I make sure I’m ready to listen.”
Her words are a powerful reminder: To the mama with teenagers—talk less, listen more, be present.
You Are More Than What You Accomplish
Morgan Harper Nichols’ words remind me to embrace my journey and let go of the pressure to prove my worth:
“Do your best while also remembering: your worth is not attached to what you accomplish… We don’t ask a flower to prove its worthiness. We allow it to just be.”
This is my permission to learn from nature—to grow at my own pace, to bloom in my season, and to be satisfied with what I’ve given. You don’t have to prove your worth, you were born worthy. You are enough just as you are.
Your Story Matters—How Do You Want It to End?
We love stories that end with happily ever after or a triumphant victory. But what about our own story?
On January 1st, I wrote this in my journal:
“Sometimes knowing how the story ends makes the journey—every plot twist, every challenge—feel necessary.”
And we do know how our story ends. Jesus has overcome, so we can too. Sometimes when I am emotionally and physically drained this truth is all I have the strength to hold on to. You can too, dear friend. Talk to Him, share every little detail—He already knows, and He’s always ready to listen.
How do you want your story to end? Let that vision shape how you live today.
A Reminder to Be Resilient
“If you conclude that your best days are over—they are. If you think they’re ahead—they are.” USB devotional Sept 2020
Jon Gordon’s words are a powerful truth:
‘Regardless of the adversity you face, your purpose must be greater than your challenges. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your purpose. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a hero. Heroes and victims both get knocked down, but heroes get back up, and armed with faith, they create a positive future.’‘
Life knocks everyone down, but heroes get back up. Armed with faith, they create a positive future.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV) says:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors.”
So when challenges come, GIRL!l we have to do all that we can to remember—you are more than your struggles. Your purpose is greater than your problems.
Embracing Who You Are
I picture a world where we all love who we are, appreciate how we look, and value the unique gifts God has given us. A page from my picture book Thankful for Zizi reminds me of that, and I hope other little girls see it too:
“Thank you, God, for making me beautiful and happy inside and out.” — Naomi Bailey, Thankful for Zizi
You were created with intention. Celebrate who you are.
Words Have Power—How Do You Recharge?
Today, I feel physically exhausted. But I know one thing—the right words have the power to lift us up.
So I ask you: How do you energize yourself? What words are holding you up right now? Let’s fill our minds and hearts with encouragement and truth.
These are just a few of the gems I’ve saved in my digital journal. I hope they encourage you as much as they have encouraged me. What quotes, thoughts, or words have inspired you lately? I’d love to hear them!
