by Julie Holden | Mar 7, 2026 | Gothic fiction, mental health, Mind mood and fiction
A Gothic Misconception Picture a midnight corridor, a flickering lamp, creaking floorboards, and walls that whisper long-held secrets. Gothic fiction has a certain mood, and it can be easy to dismiss it as mere shadow and spookiness. But gothic fiction isn’t about...
by Julie Holden | Jun 30, 2025 | Journaling, mental health, Storytelling, well-being
(And How Your Journal Can Too) Storytelling and journaling are two sides of the same page – one gives voice to the world around us, the other gives voice to the world within. Together, they help us make sense of who we are and where we’ve been. We have always...
by Julie Holden | Jun 8, 2025 | Churches and Abbeys, Journaling, mental health, Storytelling, Walking, well-being
It was raining on and off as I drove home through the quiet village of Roos. The sky was shifting between slate grey and sudden brightness, the kind that makes you pause. I thought I might take a picture of the 13th-century church under the dramatic clouds, and maybe...
by Julie Holden | Apr 18, 2025 | Journaling, mental health, well-being
Have you ever sat down with a journal and not known where to begin? Maybe your mind is too busy, or you’re simply exhausted. Maybe you’ve tried journaling before, but gave up because it didn’t give what you hoped for. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many...
by Julie Holden | Jan 23, 2025 | Journaling, mental health, well-being
Simple Steps To Get Started Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress relief, and personal growth. But to truly make it a habit, creating a cosy, inviting space can turn your practice into a ritual to look forward to, rather than a task that has to...
by Julie Holden | Apr 12, 2024 | mental health, Mind mood and fiction, Positivity, Resilience, well-being
Would you believe that reading books like Moby Dick and The Lord of the Rings can help improve our brains and creativity? No expensive course, or attaching yourself to the electricity grid for a boost. Just open a good book to improve mind and mood. My husband died in...
