I always believed luxury was something you wore or draped yourself in. But lately, I've realized it’s the moments we give ourselves that are the true luxuries—the quiet, reflective minutes that seem small but carry the weight of self-discovery. This thought crossed my mind as I made my way through a scenic hiking trail, my Crowned Journal tucked neatly in my bag, ready to capture whatever thoughts and feelings emerged as I took in the view. There’s something grounding about mindful journaling practice—like each step on this trail mirrors the steps I take through my own mind, stopping at the sights that need to be noticed, acknowledged, and savored.

Mindful journaling practice isn’t just about jotting down to-do lists or recounting the day’s events; it’s about consciously bringing myself into the present. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like the smell of pine needles and fresh air to remind you that being here, in this moment, is a luxury all its own. As I sit down on a rock, journal in hand, I take a deep breath and let my thoughts spill out on the page.

I flip to my favorite section—the guided prompts. They’re like little nudges, gentle reminders of the questions I might forget to ask myself. What are you feeling right now? What can you let go of today? Questions like these pull me back into myself, bringing me into the present with such clarity that I can feel the shift in my thoughts. Guided prompts like these are the heart of mindful journaling practice because they encourage you to be still, to be aware, to tune into what’s happening inside your mind instead of letting it run on autopilot. I wasn’t always like this, though.

There was a time when my mind was always five steps ahead, preoccupied with the next thing to check off my list. I used to rush through life, multitasking my way through breakfast, meetings, and dinner, barely noticing the beauty in the pauses. Now, with mindful journaling, those pauses are where I find the most richness in my day. It’s where I’ve started to grow—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

I’ve promised myself the best version of me, and this practice is part of that promise. The me who’s not just reacting to life but savoring it. It wasn’t until I started this mindful journaling practice that I realized how much I had been missing out on. I wasn’t present. I wasn’t really living in the now. But with each entry in my Crowned Journal, I found myself getting closer to that elusive concept: presence.

The Crowned Journal itself is an experience. The gold-edged pages feel like something precious, and they remind me that my thoughts are worth documenting. There’s a luxury in writing on such a beautiful surface, something that tells you to slow down, to take your time. Every morning, I open it with intention, promising myself that I’ll listen to whatever rises up from within. Sometimes it’s joy, sometimes it’s frustration, and sometimes it’s the soft, quiet contentment of simply being. But whatever it is, it’s mine, and it’s worthy of being written.

The affirmation cards that come with it have become a daily ritual. I shuffle through them in the morning, pull one out, and let it set the tone for my day. Today’s card reads, “I am in tune with my highest self.” I sit with that for a moment, reflecting on how much more in tune I’ve become since starting this practice. It’s not just about mindfulness or self-care—it’s about growth.

That’s the beauty of mindful journaling. It’s a luxury, yes, but it’s also a tool for self-discovery. I’ve learned more about myself in these quiet moments with my journal than I ever did rushing through my days, mindlessly filling in the blanks. Now, I’m present for my life. And it feels like the most decadent thing I’ve ever experienced.

As I write, I can feel the calm settling in, a kind of peace that comes only when you’ve fully arrived in the moment. I smile to myself as I think of how far I’ve come. The luxury self-care actions I practice every day are the pillars of my happiness. Today’s hike is special, not just because of the view, but because it represents something more. It’s an outward reflection of the inner journey I’ve been on—one of slowing down, being present, and giving myself permission to be exactly where I am.

Mindful journaling has changed the way I think, the way I feel, and the way I approach each day. It’s no longer about racing to the finish line but about enjoying the journey, one luxurious moment at a time. When I take breaks along the trail to write, I’m not just documenting the scenery; I’m documenting my growth. And that feels like the ultimate indulgence.

As the day stretches on and the sunlight filters through the trees, I take a moment to reflect on the kind of growth I’ve experienced. Before I started this practice, I was so disconnected—from myself, from my surroundings, from the present moment. Now, I feel a sense of harmony between myself and the world around me. It’s like I’ve been reacquainted with a part of myself I didn’t even realize I had lost.

This mindful journaling practice isn’t just about what’s happening in the moment; it’s about what’s happening within me. I’ve started to notice the little things more, like the way the leaves move in the breeze or the sound of my footsteps on the trail. It’s those small, seemingly insignificant details that bring me back to the present, that remind me I’m here, I’m alive, and I’m growing.

If I were to give my best friend some mindful journaling prompts for growth, they would be these:

1. What am I feeling in this exact moment, and why?
2. What am I most grateful for today?
3. What’s one thing I can let go of right now?
4. How can I show myself more love today?
5. What’s one lesson I’ve learned this week?
6. How have I changed in the past year, and what brought about those changes?
7. What’s something I’ve been avoiding, and why?
8. How can I be more present in my life?
9. What does happiness look like to me right now?
10. How can I create more joy in my everyday life?
11. What’s one thing I’m proud of myself for?
12. How do I want to feel at the end of today?
13. What’s a small act of self-care I can do for myself today?
14. What limiting belief can I release?
15. What does success feel like to me right now?

These prompts have helped me peel back the layers and get to the core of who I am. They’ve guided me through moments of uncertainty and clarity alike, reminding me that growth is an ongoing process, not a destination. It’s about becoming more aware, more present, more in tune with yourself.

And as I close my Crowned Journal for the day, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. This practice has become more than just a way to check in with myself; it’s become a way of life. A life where luxury isn’t about material things, but about the richness of experiences, the depth of self-discovery, and the quiet moments that make up the fabric of our days.

So here I am, sitting on this trail, journaling in the midst of nature, feeling more connected to myself and the world around me than ever before. This mindful journaling practice has changed me, and in doing so, it has given me the greatest luxury of all: presence. And that, my friends, is worth every page I fill.

I got my Crowned Journal from Opals & Carats, and every time I write in it, I’m reminded that life is what we make of it—luxurious, intentional, and full of meaning.