Hosting My First Illustrated Journaling Session: What Happened Before, During, and After:)

20 strangers. One Zoom room. A lot of creativity.

Hi there, lovely human! If you’re here, it probably means you’re curious about living with more intention, creativity, or just a little less dopamine chaos. I’m so glad you’ve landed on this corner of the internet-it’s one I pour my heart into.

If this article resonates with you or sparks even a tiny shift in how you see yourself and your habits, I’d be so grateful if you considered subscribing (it’s free!) or leaving a tip to keep this space alive. Writing is a labor of love, and knowing it reaches people like you makes every word worth it. Thank you for being here-for reading, reflecting, and showing up. You’re the reason I do what I do. 💛

Now, let’s dive in…

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A Moment in Time

I remember sitting on the patio in Koh Samui last March, letting the soft morning sun filter through the palm leaves and kiss my face. The kind of light that makes you pause and just feel alive.

That day, I was journaling, not just writing, but drawing too. I had just come back from the night market, still buzzing from trying stand-up paddle boating for the first time ever. As I sketched the memory, I realized something: this was the first time in years that I felt truly creative joy. Not for an audience. Not for likes or shares. Just… for me.

When Creating Felt Like Coming Home

I remember writing in my physical journal (yes, I still use one!) how freeing it felt to create without pressure or expectation. No algorithms telling me what to make. No need to perform. Just pure, joyful creation because I wanted to, not because I should .

And here’s the thing: I wasn’t even sharing most of these pages with anyone. Not really. Just a few close folks on Substack. Being off social media gave me clarity. Space. And a deeper connection to my own creativity that honestly, felt like healing.

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My Little Sketchbook World Suddenly Grew Bigger

Cut to last week: 20 people from all over the world registered for my very first virtual illustrated journaling session . Some signed up literally 30 minutes before the event!

So much for keeping things private 😄 But honestly? That inner joy is contagious. When we tap into our creative selves, it shines so brightly that others can’t help but lean into its warmth.

My original intention was to talk about how I reclaimed my creativity by working with , not against, especially since my publication is all about creativity, identity, and representation. I wanted to write about self-sabotage and how to overcome it.

But what really resonated? The illustrated journaling spreads . The way I was documenting life intentionally. The messy, imperfect, beautiful moments that made up my days.

People started asking questions. Engaging in the comments. Sharing their own attempts. And before I knew it, I was planning a live session.

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First Session, Big Emotions

Let me tell you, I was nervous. This wasn’t just another Zoom class. This was about something I deeply cared about helping others reconnect with their creativity.

Yes, I’ve taught online before. Yes, I’m used to leading virtual sessions. But this was different. These weren’t students fulfilling a curriculum requirement. These were adults who came willingly, each carrying their own story about creativity:

• “I used to draw, but life got in the way.”

• “I sketch sometimes, but it takes too long.”

• “I want to learn this as a form of healing.”

Whatever their reason, I felt responsible. Responsible for offering them a space to explore creativity freely. To notice the world around them again. To document their lives in ways that felt personal and meaningful.

The Magic Happens

The energy during the session was electric. Even through Zoom. People cheered each other on. They shared vulnerably. They laughed like old friends reuniting. I saw familiar names from Substack pop up on screen

Lisa Cunningham DeLauney

,

Anjali Krishnakumar

,

Hoofrish

,

Jai Srinivas

,

Madhumitha Priyadarshini

,

Isha

and I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt full-circle.

To those who couldn’t be there, I’m looking at you,

Kelly Van de Vliet

— I thought of you often. You would’ve loved it.

Watch the magic unfold here, all the laughs and all the love!

When Your Purpose Whispers (and You Finally Hear It)

The real magic came after.

Reading the feedback, seeing the photos of participants’ pages, hearing how the session made them feel seen, inspired, and connected… I cried happy tears. Because it’s been a while since I’ve felt this sure of my purpose.

I’ve always believed that coaching others in creativity is my ikigai — my reason to get up in the morning. But imposter syndrome runs deep in my bloodline. So this experience? It was a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

What’s Next?

This isn’t just about learning to draw. It’s about developing a visual language that feels uniquely yours . One that’s not borrowed, copied, or filtered through someone else’s lens.

Each session builds on the last, helping you grow more confident in your style, your rhythm, and your voice.

The Reason I Am Inviting You In

Because I believe everyone deserves a life richer in quality, not quantity. A life filled with moments of wonder, curiosity, and joy. A life where you’re not mindlessly scrolling or chasing numbers, but instead noticing the texture of your coffee cup, the curve of a friend’s smile, the rhythm of raindrops on the window.

Illustrated journaling gives us permission to slow down. To see again. To feel again.

Come Make Magic With Me This Friday

I’d love for you to join me in the next session this Friday. Come step into this illustrated world, a parallel universe of sorts where you’ll rediscover the power of your own visual storytelling.

Where you’ll document both your inner and outer worlds in a way that’s deeply personal. Where you’ll feel empowered to express yourself without fear or perfectionism.

You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to be curious. Open. Ready.

See you there?