I have never used a planner, but am so excited to begin 2021 with my copy of the Brave Sis Journey Journal! It’s the perfect organisational tool to set goals this year and map step by step how to achieve them. What sets it apart from other planners, is that it highlights the achievements of women of colour who have often been overlooked throughout history. I love reading their stories.
There are thought provoking questions asked throughout the “Birthday Party” sections. For instance, reflective prompts from January 1-15th focus on the lives of Felisa Rincรณn de Gautier, Anna May Wong, Charlotte E. Ray, Fanny Jackson Coppin, Selena Sloan Butler, and Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaamano Nae’a Rooke. I’d never heard of any of these women, not even the former slave who earned a scholarship to Ohio’s Oberlin College, the first predominantly white college to admit Black students. Ohio is the state I was born, raised, and educated in… yet I hadn’t learned anything about Fanny Jackson Coppin’s achievements. She taught free literacy classes for Black people and later founded a mission in South Africa with her husband. We are asked:
In what ways can we emulate her drive and clarity of vision?
There is much to love about the Brave Sis Journal, including the illustrations. I cannot wait to buy a new set of pencils and start coloring! This book has already helped me to connect with my inner-child. I am looking forward to writing, doodling, pasting (I’m a fan of creating magazine cut-out collages), and generally being creative as I make this book truly my own.
The cover is made of beautiful linen. What I hadn’t realized is that it can be painted! I am going to use watercolors to personalize mine. I envy my daughter’s artist talent- my own painting skills are lacking- but the beauty of this book is that it doesn’t require perfection. It’s there purely for my own self-expression, growth, and discovery. I’m going to try not to judge it. What matters is the process, not the outcome.
Fundamentally this is a wellness journal. The founder, Rozella Kennedy, shares her personal story of battling with anxiety and depression in the introduction.
My heart literally hurt; my head pounded; my pulse raced; and mean voices in my own head were laughing and lamenting and worrying and tsk-tsking nonstop. Yet at the same time, after prayers and begging for clarity, the blessings of kindness came in to counterbalance the harm I had experienced. Through tiny steps of self-care, I began clawing my way back.
One afternoon, during a simple little five- minute phone-app meditation, a tiny voice in my head rasped: BE BRAVE.
Rozella Kennedy, Founder of the Brave Sis Project
Sharing her story is an act of bravery. Many of us can relate to what Rozella expresses about feeling insecure, anxious, and in need of self-love. Setting aside time to work through this journal in the coming year is a way of valuing myself. The way I see it, Brave Sis is an investment in the future.
Each month there is a section to focus on four areas: Self, People, Soul, and Space.
There are also blank pages for journaling, drawing or whatever you choose to do with the space. Traditional calendar squares are featured as well. I’m really pleased with everything about my new planner for 2021!
If you would like to give yourself or a loved one a copy of the Brave Sis Journal, click here. There is 50% off all journals with the code 2021SSH through tomorrow, January 4th. What a bargain!!! You won’t regret it. In fact, I’d go so far as to say..
๐๐ พ๐ ๐ ณ๐ ด๐๐ ด๐๐ ๐ ด ๐ ธ๐!
Creations of a Patchwork Momma 
One thought on “Have You Discovered the 2021 Brave Sis Journey-Journal?”