“I can’t believe you’re still into fall aesthetic journaling,” my friend smirked, sipping her overpriced iced coffee while we sat at our usual café table. “You and your obsession with pumpkin spice. Next thing I know, you’ll be knitting scarves for squirrels.”
“First of all, pumpkin spice journaling is a lifestyle,” I shot back, twirling my pen like I was wielding a magic wand. “And second, I think squirrels deserve fashion just as much as anyone else. Don’t knock it till you try it.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Is this the same journaling where you wax poetic about exes, or is it just doodles of sweaters and boots?”
“Oh please, like I’d waste these gorgeous pages on anyone who ghosted me.” I laughed, flipping open my Crowned Journal. “No, this fall is about more than just nostalgia—it’s about self-discovery, darling! You know, getting all cozy with your thoughts while the leaves turn gold, reflecting on how far you’ve come, who you’re becoming… and okay, maybe the occasional doodle of a pumpkin or two.”
“Wow,” she deadpanned, “I’m sure your future self will really appreciate the in-depth analysis of gourd shapes.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but giggle. “Look, you just don’t get it. Fall aesthetic journaling is about setting the mood—candles, sweaters, spiced drinks—it’s practically therapy with better lighting."
She leaned back, a playful grin creeping up. “Alright, therapist. So what have you discovered during these very profound journaling sessions? That you're secretly a witch with a pumpkin spice cauldron?”
“Ha! If I had a cauldron, I’d be whipping up self-love potions daily," I winked, then flipped to a page in my Crowned Journal that I'd been filling out earlier. "But seriously, fall aesthetic journaling is less about the pumpkins and more about finding those moments of clarity... you know, when the weather starts to change, and suddenly everything feels different—like the world is asking you to pause and reflect. October is the perfect month for that. It’s like nature’s way of telling you to reset.”
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. “Okay, so what’s your October revelation then? Hit me with your deepest, darkest self-reflection.”
I smiled, looking down at the golden edges of my journal pages. “Honestly? I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’m really promising myself to be the best version of me. I’m done with the whole ‘waiting for something to happen’ thing. Journaling has helped me see how much I’ve grown. It’s like when I encounter an old flame—there’s this sense of nostalgia, sure, but now I look at them and realize... I’ve moved past that. I’m on a different level now, you know?”
“Yeah, well, we all love a good glow-up story,” she teased, though I could tell she was starting to take me seriously. “So how does journaling fit into this luxurious self-improvement plan? What do you write about?”
“Anything and everything,” I said, getting a bit more animated. “Fall aesthetic journaling is a whole vibe. I write about gratitude, the little things that bring me joy, how I’m navigating the changes in my life. This month, especially, is all about mental clarity and emotional detoxing. It’s like when the trees let go of their leaves—I’m shedding the old versions of me.”
She blinked, half impressed, half amused. “Okay, okay, therapist-slash-poet. But where does the luxury part come in? Because you’ve got me curious.”
“Oh, honey,” I said, leaning in like I was about to share a secret. “Luxury isn’t just about the material things. It’s about how you treat yourself. It’s waking up, brewing a pumpkin spice hot cocoa—yes, I said cocoa—and savoring it while you journal. It's lighting the most delicious-smelling candle, wrapping yourself in cashmere, and letting your thoughts flow onto the page. And can I just say, the Crowned Journal? It’s the ultimate indulgence. Those guided prompts? They ask all the right questions, pulling out the emotions you didn’t even realize were buried. Plus, the affirmation cards are like little love notes to yourself. I start each morning picking one to set the tone for my day.”
“Wait, you’re seriously telling me that a journal—with affirmation cards, no less—has changed your life?”
“Absolutely,” I said, smirking. “And don’t pretend like you wouldn’t love it. You’re basically a luxury connoisseur yourself. Besides, it’s not just journaling—it’s a ritual. Every time I sit down with it, it’s like I’m saying to myself, ‘You’re worth this time, this effort, this reflection.’ That’s what luxury self-care is all about. It's not just bubble baths and spa days—it’s how you nurture your soul on a daily basis.”
She paused, clearly mulling it over. “Alright, I’ll give it to you—there’s something kind of chic about the whole thing. Maybe I’ll get one of these Crowned Journals for myself. I mean, why not? If we’re going to invest in skincare, clothes, and overpriced coffee, why not invest in our mental health too?”
“Exactly!” I said, flipping back to the front of my journal. “It’s like a little luxury for the mind. And with fall, there’s just something about it that makes everything feel a bit more magical. The air is crisp, the world is changing, and so am I.”
She laughed. “Okay, okay, therapist! I’m in. But you better share that pumpkin spice hot cocoa recipe with me.”
“Ah, yes,” I said, smiling mischievously. “The secret to the perfect pumpkin spice hot cocoa... let’s just say it involves a little cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and the tiniest bit of chili powder for a kick. Oh, and marshmallows. Always marshmallows.”
“Chili powder? That’s wild. But honestly, if anyone could make pumpkin spice even more bougie, it’s you.”
I grinned, knowing she’d soon be hooked. “Just wait till you try it while journaling. It’ll change your life. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll stop teasing me about my fall obsession.”
We shared a laugh, but as she took another sip of her coffee, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the luxury of this simple moment, for the growth I’ve experienced through journaling, and for the promise I’ve made to myself to keep evolving. Fall aesthetic journaling has become my way of capturing all of it—the changes, the reflections, the rituals that make life feel just a little more special.
As I watched the leaves outside the café window slowly flutter to the ground, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. This season was about more than just the pretty colors and pumpkin-flavored everything. It was about shedding the old, embracing the new, and indulging in the little luxuries that remind us just how beautiful the journey of self-discovery can be.