Not That Special
Shame can convince us that we deserve punishment for our mistakes, even when we readily offer compassion and forgiveness to others. Johnna reflects on self-punishment, perfectionism, and learning to extend the same compassion to ourselves.
30 Books Worth Reading
Looking for your next read? Arizona trauma therapist Johnna Harris shares 30 books that have influenced her personally and professionally, covering trauma healing, self-compassion, relationships, parenting, mindfulness, habits, grief, and more.
Let’s Get Real About Affirmations
Do affirmations actually work? Johnna explores why positive affirmations can sometimes feel fake or frustrating—and how creating more believable, authentic statements can make them more useful in everyday life.
Tears Are Part of Therapy
Wondering if it’s okay to cry in therapy? Johnna explores common beliefs about crying, why tears don’t make you weak, and what can happen when we stop managing our emotions and begin listening to our bodies.
It’s Not the Trauma Olympics
It can be easy to minimize trauma by comparing our experiences to what others have survived. Johnna explores why we downplay painful experiences, how that response can protect us, and why acknowledging what happened can become part of healing.
How Can This Be Easy?
What happens when crisis and survival have felt familiar for so long that safety feels threatening? Johnna reflects on the difficulty of learning to be present after trauma, when chaos, numbness, and disconnection once helped you survive.
Soul Restoration
Sometimes taking a break is exactly what we need. Johnna shares one of her favorite ways to slow down, get out of her thoughts, and make space for a little “soul restoration.”
The Recipe Revealed
What does it take to let go? Johnna offers a playful recipe made with acceptance, vulnerability, authenticity, self-compassion, and a generous pinch of courage.
Letting Go of the Past
Shame can turn past mistakes into stories about who we are. Johnna explores how self-compassion can help interrupt cycles of rumination and self-punishment and create a different relationship with the past.
Letting Go of Boredom as the Norm
What happens when life finally becomes stable—and suddenly feels boring? Johnna reflects on adjusting to life without constant chaos and shares playful ways to bring spontaneity and enjoyment into ordinary routines.
Letting Go of Material Possessions
The things we own can carry more emotional weight than we realize. Johnna reflects on letting go of clothes, books, sentimental items, and other possessions that may be adding clutter rather than value to our lives.
Let’s Take a Break
Healing and letting go can be exhausting, and sometimes the best thing to do is take a break. Johnna shares a little encouragement, positivity, and some of the playful lunchbox notes she creates for her daughter.
Letting Go of Expectations
Expectations of ourselves, our lives, and other people can create pressure, disappointment, and resentment. Johnna explores the difference between expectations and standards—and how letting go of outcomes we can't control can make room for greater acceptance.
Letting Go of Why
Why can it be so hard to stop asking why? Johnna explores how searching endlessly for explanations can sometimes keep us stuck in our thoughts—and how shifting from “why” to “how” can create space to acknowledge emotions and move forward.
When to Let Go
How do you know when to hold on and when to let go? Johnna shares the “Control Test,” a simple way to distinguish between what you can change and what you may need to accept.
A Recipe for Letting Go
Letting go doesn't come with an instruction manual. Inspired by a conversation with a dear friend, Johnna introduces a series exploring what it means to let go of control, fear, anxiety, expectations, and the things we cling to.
Morning & Night Routines
Morning and nighttime routines can create a clearer beginning and end to the day. Johnna shares the simple habits that help her feel more grounded, rested, and intentional—and encourages readers to build routines that actually fit their lives.
Letter to my Inner Child
Messages and experiences from childhood can shape how we see ourselves long into adulthood. Johnna shares a deeply personal letter to her inner child and an exercise for gently exploring childhood experiences, self-worth, love, and belonging.
Journaling for Self-Worth
Not sure what to write when you journal? Johnna shares 30 journaling prompts designed to explore self-worth, self-compassion, confidence, boundaries, fears, happiness, and the things that help you feel more like yourself.