This is Journal Entry #3 of 2026
Hi friend,
I’ve been noticing something I didn’t quite have the language for until recently.
I don’t know if it’s emotional growth, or maybe just slowing down a little; choosing a quieter life, tuning out the noise, and leaning into the rhythms of my own. But, I’ve become more aware. More present. More observant of what’s happening within me, and not just around me.
A friend shared something that gave words to what I’ve been feeling for months:
“The Duality of Life.”
Life can be difficult, and still be rewarding.
Life can feel full, and yet lacking in certain places.
You can be joyful, while quietly grieving parts of yourself.
You can be failing in one area, and winning in another.
How can both be true at the same time?
I’m learning that they can. Learning to let two emotions exist at once. To stop rushing myself out of discomfort. To accept that I can feel both joy and pain, hope and doubt, confidence and uncertainty, all at the same time.
If I’m honest, the hardest part hasn’t been the emotions themselves; it’s been processing them that’s the most difficult Because when I feel, I feel deeply, and emotions can be overwhelming.
I came across an interesting study that shifted my perspective.
A study by Dr Jill Bolte Taylor suggests that an emotional reaction lasts only about 90 seconds. After that, what we continue to feel is sustained by our own thoughts; by replaying, reliving, and re-engaging with the triggering moment.
I now understand that not every emotion needs to be held onto. I can observe it and acknowledge it, but not every feeling needs to be fed.
And perhaps, that’s where contentment begins.
…& the Joys of Contentment
I love contentment. Especially after having known the wastelands of covetousness, grumbling, and comparison.
I’m speaking of Godly contentment.
Not the kind the world paints, where we’re quietly urged to want more behind the veil of a polished, picture-perfect life. But this deeper and often quieter kind that anchors your soul all through life’s changing circumstances.
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
1 Timothy 6:8
True contentment isn’t built on changing circumstances. It’s anchored in the unchanging nature of God. As beautifully expressed by Andrea Hoglund, inspired by Paul’s writing in Philippians 4:11–13:
“Godly contentment doesn’t rise and fall with our circumstances; it stands on the faithfulness of God. It isn’t wishful thinking; it is faithful feeling and living, rooted in the all-sufficiency of Christ.”
Contentment is steady. It holds.
It teaches us something simple, yet deeply challenging:
Want what you already have. And remember WHO you have.
The world tells us to increase our lives to match our desires.
But God invites us to bring our desires into alignment with what He has already given.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5
That’s not always easy. It goes against everything we see around us.
But it leads to freedom.
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15
And maybe contentment sounds like this:
I’m not waiting for something else anymore.
I’m here now.
That’s enough.
As you probably know by now, I’m deeply committed to living out God’s Word, so we’re not just hearers, but doers too.
And so, I always ask myself:
What does it look like to live this out practically?
How do we go beyond thinking about contentment and actually build a life that reflects it daily?
And in many ways, that question has shaped what I’ve been quietly working on behind the scenes…
A few things I’ve been creating
Finding joy in the present
I recently handmade some spring-inspired bow bookmarks. Truly a labour of love. They were born out of a simple but powerful reminder that sometimes, the things we dream about start with what’s already in our hands. For me, it was a small stash of fabric, a mini sewing machine, and a spark of creativity.
If you’d like to support my growing Etsy shop, you can explore the bows there and share them with your friends and family. That means the world to me as a small creator starting out.
Going deeper in the Word
If we’re to live in the fullness of the life Jesus has given us, His Word must sit at the centre of it.
I’m currently putting together a free guide on how to study the Bible in-depth, not just read it, but truly understand and apply it. Whether you’re just starting or have been walking with Christ for years, this will be for you.
Something new is coming…
In pursuit of intentional, content living, I’ve also been working on a very practical (and fun!) project launching 1st July 2026.
I’ll be sharing some behind-the-scenes on my socials soon if you’d like a little sneak peek 👀
Hint: it’s stationery… (of course, haha)
Thank you for sitting with me.
Wherever you are right now; whether life feels full, empty, joyful, or heavy, I pray you’re reminded of the fullness that already exists in your life.
And if you’re struggling to see it, I pray your eyes are gently opened to it.
You are deeply loved.
You are a light in this world.
Be light.
With love,
Chelsea
