Did Your Mom Read Your Diary?
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A friend once told me she hasn't felt safe writing in a journal since she was in middle school and her mom read her diary. She's almost 50 now and knows she has a book inside her — talks about it all the time — but can't face herself on the page. Some part of her still believes she'll be punished. Since then, several other women have told me the same thing. Mom read her diary, daughter got in trouble, learned she wasn’t safe in the pages of her journal, and never picked it up again. The original wound metastasizing into something that now blocks the very tool that could help her heal. It brings up my feminist rage, because I too grew up feeling unsafe. But somewhere along the way, I managed to discover reflective journaling as an effective and well-researched tool for self-healing. Over time, I was even able to evict my inner critic, which was never my own voice, and rewire my brain for positive self-talk. It’s really changed how I move through the world. I want that for you! Your writing doesn't have to be for anyone else. In fact, I suggested my friend destroy what she writes — maybe even in a ceremonial way. The power is in the writing and meeting yourself honestly on the page. It’s not always easy, and that’s why I’m making space to do it together, this Saturday, March 21, at the Midlife Reinvention Clinic — a free live Zoom event. Just us, our journals, and three powerful prompts. One hour. No slides, toxic positivity, or nosy moms reading your words.
Books Are My Love Language 📚The Woman They Could Not Silence by bestselling author Kate Moore is a 560-page beast that I haven’t yet finished, but I had to tell you about it because I feel better knowing it exists. This is the true story of Elizabeth Packard, a housewife and mom of six in the 1860s whose husband had her committed to an insane asylum because he felt threatened by her independence. Shockingly, Elizabeth wasn't the only sane woman confined to the Illinois State Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, by an angry husband, father, brother, or uncle. In fighting for her own freedom, she helped free millions more. Because the thing about losing everything is that you then have nothing left to lose. If anyone has ever tried to silence you by calling you "crazy,” I suspect you'll find this story as validating and inspiring as I did. Have you read it? Hit reply and let me know. It's in my Bookshop if you want it.
Weekly Journal Prompt ✍️When did you stop feeling safe saying what you really thought, and who taught you it wasn't allowed? What would you write right now if you knew no one would ever read it? Write bravely, my friend. See you next week. -Amber 🥰 PS. If you're ready to start now, my journals will meet you right where you are. Explore the full series. |
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I'm Amber Campbell — journalist, writer, and midlife reinvention coach. I help women rebuild after big life ruptures like high-conflict divorce, family estrangement, empty nest, and career change. I didn't just study this work. I lived it. Every week I write a personal letter — honest, reflective, no toxic positivity — about what it really looks like to become your own hero after everything blows up.