As I stepped into my favorite coffee shop, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg hit me like a wave of nostalgia. It’s funny how fall has this way of stirring up memories—old flames included. I hadn’t expected to see him, sitting there at the corner table, flipping through a newspaper like it was 2010. You know that moment when your stomach does a little flip, like the universe decided to serve you a slice of your past with a pumpkin spice latte? That was me, standing there, coat in hand, staring at someone I hadn’t thought about in what felt like ages.

I pretended not to notice him at first, ordered my usual pumpkin spice hot chocolate (because yes, coffee just isn’t my thing), and found a table in the farthest corner. But of course, the universe wasn’t going to let me off that easily. We made eye contact, and in that instant, a flood of memories came back—late-night conversations, shared dreams, and the messy end that followed. He waved, and suddenly, I was 25 again, wondering what closure really means. I waved back, smiled. He walked over. And just like that, my cozy fall afternoon was about to get a little more complicated.

"Wow, it's been a minute," he said, pulling out the chair across from me. I could feel my carefully cultivated sense of peace and luxury-self-care persona cracking at the edges, but I held it together.

"It has," I replied, a little too casually, swirling the whipped cream on my hot chocolate. "How have you been?"

Small talk ensued—the kind where both people are testing the waters, figuring out how much of the past we’re going to acknowledge. It wasn’t awkward, but there was an unmistakable tension. As he talked about his new job and some tropical vacation he recently took, I found myself wondering why this person had once been so significant to me. And that’s when it hit me: the past is like fall foliage. It’s beautiful for a time, but eventually, it needs to fall away to make room for something new.

And that’s where my fall aesthetic journaling comes in.

I’ve always had a love affair with autumn. There’s something about the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the cozy layers that make me feel like I’m in my element. Fall is the perfect time for reflection, and this year, I’ve leaned all the way into it with my journaling practice. In fact, I started a whole new section in my Crowned Journal dedicated to what I call “Fall Aesthetic Journaling.” It’s part self-discovery, part luxury, and entirely personal.

As I sat there listening to him talk, I couldn’t help but mentally catalog the ways I’ve grown since our time together. That’s the beauty of journaling—it allows you to see your growth, your patterns, and the ways you’ve learned to take care of yourself. And let me tell you, my self-care has reached new heights this season.

After our conversation, I walked home with that familiar feeling you get after running into someone from your past—a strange mix of nostalgia and relief. Nostalgia for what was, and relief that you’re not that person anymore. And what better way to process all of that than by opening up my Crowned Journal and letting it spill out onto the pages?

My journaling this fall has been all about embracing change, letting go of what no longer serves me, and focusing on the things that truly bring me joy. Here’s what I’ve discovered along the way—and my top five unspoken tips for anyone looking to elevate their fall aesthetic journaling practice:

1. Lean Into The Colors Of The Season.
There’s something magical about fall’s warm hues—reds, oranges, and golds. I use these colors as a metaphor for change in my journaling. I write about the parts of me that are fading away like leaves falling from trees, and the new parts that are ready to grow. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. Journal Outside.
There’s nothing like writing with a cool breeze on your face and the sound of rustling leaves around you. I’ve started taking my journal to the park, sitting on a bench with a cup of hot cocoa (pumpkin spice, of course), and just letting my thoughts flow. Nature has a way of bringing clarity, and fall is the perfect season for it.

3. Reflect On Old Relationships.
Encountering an old flame like I did is bound to stir up some feelings. But instead of getting lost in what could have been, I use it as a chance to reflect on how far I’ve come. I write about the lessons I’ve learned, the ways I’ve grown, and the boundaries I now set for myself. It’s cathartic, and it helps me close the chapter with grace.

4. Celebrate Your Wins.
Fall journaling isn’t just about letting go; it’s also about celebrating what you’ve achieved. I make it a point to write down three things I’m proud of each day. It can be something small, like sticking to my morning routine, or something big, like navigating a challenging conversation (cue my encounter with the old flame). Either way, it’s about acknowledging the progress.

5. Infuse Luxury Into Your Routine.
Luxury self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive spa days (though I’m all for those too). For me, it’s about making every day feel special. I light my favorite candles, sip on my pumpkin spice hot chocolate, and wrap myself in the softest blanket while I journal. The Crowned Journal itself feels like a luxury item with its guided prompts, gold-edged pages, and those 100 affirmation cards that always seem to give me the exact message I need for the day.

Speaking of the Crowned Journal, I have to say—it’s been a game-changer in my self-discovery journey. There’s something about having a beautifully designed space to pour your thoughts into that makes the practice feel sacred. Each day, I open it up, pull out an affirmation card, and let the words guide my journaling for the day. Some days, it’s about gratitude, other days, it’s about forgiveness (for myself and others). But no matter the theme, it always feels like I’m reconnecting with the best version of myself.

And that’s the promise I’ve made to myself this season: to show up as the best version of me, every day. Fall has this way of making you want to reset, renew, and refocus. It’s like the world is slowing down, and you finally have the time to think, to breathe, to be. And in that stillness, I’ve found my happiness—not in someone else, but in the person I’m becoming.

So, what does my luxury self-care routine look like now? It’s a mix of small, intentional actions that make me feel grounded, yet elevated. Here's a peek at what today looked like:

• I started the day with a guided meditation, focusing on gratitude and self-compassion.
• Took a leisurely walk through the park, breathing in the crisp fall air.
• Treated myself to a pumpkin spice hot chocolate—because why not indulge in a little seasonal flavor?
• Opened my Crowned Journal and spent a solid hour journaling about the conversation with my old flame. I reflected on who I was then versus who I am now.
• Pulled out an affirmation card that read: “You are worthy of everything you desire.” Let that sink in for a minute.
• Lit my favorite vanilla-scented candle, ran a bath, and soaked in the quiet moments of the afternoon.

Each of these actions is simple, but together, they create a routine that feels luxurious, intentional, and deeply nourishing.

What I’ve realized this fall is that self-care is a reflection of how much we value ourselves. It’s not just about pampering (though I’m all for that too), but about showing up for ourselves in the small moments—like when we choose to journal instead of scrolling through our phones, or when we take time to process our feelings instead of pushing them away.

And yes, sometimes it’s about encountering an old flame and realizing that you’ve outgrown what you once thought you needed. Fall has a funny way of bringing those lessons to the surface. But with every page I fill in my Crowned Journal, I’m reminded that growth is ongoing. We’re always evolving, always becoming the best versions of ourselves.

So, here’s to fall aesthetic journaling, pumpkin spice hot chocolate, and the beautiful mess of self-discovery. As I close this chapter (literally and metaphorically), I can’t help but feel grateful—for the past, the present, and the incredible future that lies ahead.

And if you’re looking for the perfect journal to join you on your journey, trust me, the Crowned Journal is where it’s at. Get yours here and start writing your own story—one luxurious page at a time.