Past trauma inspires Jamila Pinto to create women’s journal
IT IS said that vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. When Jamila Pinto was faced with one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, she found eye-opening and life-changing purpose in journalling. Tapping into that therapeutic space inspires her to help other women to heal their internal wounds.
“For The Woman 365 Healing Journal is a prompt journal designed to help women through their development and healing journey,” the managing director of Premiere with Pinto Company Limited told Living, adding, “It’s more than a mental-health journal. It’s focused on the overall well-being of the woman - mental, emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual.”
Inspired by motherhood, as well as Pinto’s personal growth, she recounted one of the lowest points of her life, “I was going through my healing process of a failed relationship with the father of my child, recovering from birth trauma and having an identity crisis. I just felt lost and defeated and I was writing about that - then the Spirit of God said that I should do a journal instead of an actual book.” So said, so done.
Mental health is a very important facet of life for the creative. The wellness of mind, heart, body and spirit has determined her words, actions, overall outlook on life and how she treats those around her, “It’s important for me to always remain centred and disciplined. And if I am not, I must be able to bring myself back to a place of peace and awareness.”
She strongly believes that other women would benefit from this accountability as the journal seeks to assist them in finding peace and stability.
“Women go through some of the worst and most stressful experiences in life. Whether it is motherhood, relationships or career. We need that constant reminder and check-in to know how we are doing, where we are and where we want to be. Even if we are doing great, we still need a self-check,” she added.
Her creative juices flowed between April and November of last year. And the book was released in the month before Christmas, just in time for 2024.
“I had to do a lot of the creating and designing between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. while my baby was asleep because I had my day job and would be taking care of my daughter. And I did that for months. I missed some weeks, but found it within me, through God, to finish up the journal. Thank God,” she highlighted.
Since many have cancelled January as an official start of the year, beginning the year-long journal in February still gives women the unique opportunity to do daily reflection and logging. The content includes four sections, one section per quarter of the year, with 12 curated themes (one per month) and weekly questions.
This journal asks women deep and insightful questions that prompts them to really look at themselves.
“The themes include awareness, forgiveness, love, peace, gratitude, abundance and more. And they allow women to really delve into and spend time discovering and knowing themselves. Down to the colours of the journal have been researched for it to have a positive psychological impact on its users.”
Investing heavily in her vision certainly put a strain on her finances, but it’s all worth it in the end.
Her hope is that her journal will encourage women to become the best versions of themselves and live their best lives, “to become equipped with how to deal with brokenness, stress and disappointment. Life won’t always be perfect but when the trials come along, they will be equipped, through this journal and God, to deal with it.”
You can find For The Woman 365 Healing Journal on the website forthewomanjournal.com or inside Devon House in Kingston at Rosie’s Crystal Gallery.