Some mornings feel like they’re wrapped in velvet. There’s a softness in the air, a gentle invitation to slow down and indulge in the luxury of stillness. Today is one of those mornings. The kind where everything feels right, where your mind drifts toward the things that make you feel most connected to yourself—like journaling. But not just any journaling—daily intention setting through journaling. It’s the ultimate act of self-love, of tuning in to what you truly want and need.

I start my day as I always do, with a cup of jasmine tea that smells like a dream and my Crowned Journal—the journal I’ve grown so attached to that it feels like an extension of my hand. This is where my day begins, not with emails or to-do lists, but with words. Words have always been my sanctuary, the way I make sense of the world, and there’s something about setting intentions with them that feels almost like magic.

Today’s intention is simple: ease. I want to glide through the day, not rush or push, just flow. And as I write those words on the page, I think about how much this practice has changed me. How the very act of journaling has become a luxurious ritual, one that not only grounds me but also propels me forward. It’s like breathing life into my day before it even begins.

 

 

But recently, my journaling has taken on a new flavor—one that’s laced with romance, and not just the kind you share with someone else. It’s the romance of learning, of expanding my mind and heart. You see, I’ve started learning a new language, and it all began because of a man—an impossibly charming Frenchman, of course. His voice had this cadence, this melody that made everything sound beautiful, even the most mundane sentences. I found myself wanting to wrap my mouth around those words, to taste them, to understand them in a way that only language can offer.

At first, it was just about the sounds. But then I fell in love with the meanings—the nuances, the way certain words hold emotions you can’t quite capture in English. It started with love words. Because what better way to fall in love with a language than to begin with the words that mean love itself?

Here’s what I’ve learned so far, the words I’ve started to sprinkle into my journaling, like little jewels:

1. Amour (French) – The most classic of all, amour means love. But it’s more than just a word. There’s a weight to it, a sense of gravity. You don’t say amour lightly, it’s reserved for something profound, something deep. I used it today as I wrote about my love for these quiet mornings, this sacred time with myself.

2. Cariño (Spanish) – Cariño is affection, but in a way that’s warm, intimate. It’s the way you might feel toward someone you hold close. Today, I used it to remind myself to approach the day with affection—not just for others, but for myself. To be gentle, to be kind.

3. Saudade (Portuguese) – This one has no direct English translation. It’s a word that describes a deep, nostalgic longing for something or someone you’ve loved and lost. I wrote about saudade today when I thought about the version of myself I used to be, and how far I’ve come. It’s not a sad word—it’s bittersweet, a reminder of growth.

4. Te quiero (Spanish) – A more casual way of saying “I love you,” but still full of warmth. Today, I wrote this as an affirmation to myself. A simple declaration that I love who I am becoming.

5. Lieben (German) – This one is straightforward: love. But there’s a strength to it, a firmness. When I write lieben in my journal, it feels like a commandment to live with love, to make it the foundation of everything I do.

6. Je t’aime (French) – The French phrase for “I love you.” The man who inspired this journey said this to me once, and I remember feeling like the world had slowed down just for that moment. I write it now in my journal whenever I need to remind myself of that feeling—how words can change the way you see everything.

7. Amar (Spanish) – To love, but in a way that’s active, vibrant. It’s a reminder to love with intention, with purpose. Today, I used it to affirm that I will move through the day with love as my guide.

8. Chérie (French) – A term of endearment, like “darling” or “dear.” I often use it when I’m writing about myself, as a way to soften the edges of self-criticism. Today, I called myself chérie in my journal, reminding myself that I deserve tenderness.

9. Bacio (Italian) – A kiss. I love how this word feels light, almost playful. Today, I used it to describe how I want to approach the day—with the lightness of a kiss, not weighed down by anything heavy.

10. Mi amor (Spanish) – My love. It’s personal, intimate, and full of warmth. Today, I used this to describe how I want to treat my life—with the same love I would give someone I care about deeply.

11. Mon cœur (French) – My heart. It’s a phrase that carries a kind of vulnerability, a way of giving someone your whole heart. I used it in my journaling today as a reminder to keep my heart open, no matter how busy or chaotic life gets.

12. Te quiero mucho (Spanish) – I love you very much. I wrote this to myself today. It feels indulgent, but in the best way possible, like wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket. There’s no reason not to love yourself deeply.

13. Ti amo (Italian) – The Italian version of “I love you,” it’s a phrase that’s filled with passion and warmth. I used it today to remind myself to live with that same warmth, that same passion for life.

14. Ma moitié (French) – My other half. I wrote this as a reminder that I am whole on my own, but it’s beautiful to have someone who complements me. It’s a phrase that reminds me of balance, of partnership.

15. Mi vida (Spanish) – My life. It’s a way of saying someone means the world to you. Today, I used this to describe how I want to feel about my own life—that it is precious, meaningful, and full of love.

These words have become part of my daily intention setting. They’re not just beautiful—they’re a reminder of how language, much like journaling, can transform the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Every day, I sit down with my Crowned Journal and write these words. I weave them into my intentions for the day, into the affirmations I give myself. I use them as a way to ground myself in love, not just for others but for the life I am creating. The man who first spoke those words to me may have been the catalyst, but now they’re mine. They’re the language of my self-care, the language of my love for myself.

There’s something powerful about journaling in a language that’s not your own. It’s a way of stepping outside of yourself, of seeing your life through a different lens. And every time I write those words, I feel like I’m infusing my day with a little bit of romance, a little bit of magic.

As I sip my tea, feeling its warmth spread through my body, I realize how much this ritual means to me. The simple act of setting intentions, of writing down these words, has transformed the way I approach my life. It’s no longer about rushing, about pushing myself to do more. It’s about savoring the moment, about moving through the day with grace and ease.

And today, as I close my Crowned Journal and take a deep breath, I feel that ease settle into my bones. I am reminded, once again, that I am more than what I do. I am more than my achievements, my tasks, my responsibilities. I am a woman who deserves love, who deserves care, who deserves time to herself. And in this moment, with the world still quiet, I know that I have given myself the greatest luxury of all—the luxury of being fully present, fully alive, and fully in love with my life.