The Pause That Prompted Everything
Thank you for being here in my absence.
When I started The Joy of Story, I imagined showing up here every week—offering sharp prompts, gentle encouragement, and real talk about writing, language, and life.
And I did—for a while.
But in the background, I was waiting. I’d applied for my book coaching certification, and while I kept writing with joy, I found myself in a holding pattern. I wanted to give you more—but I wasn’t sure what “more” would look like.
Until now.
Welcome to The Write Remedy.
This space—and its mission—has evolved. So has the name.
When I became certified in journal writing, I knew these tools could support the women at the cancer center where I worked. But I also had a bigger vision: to bring mindful writing into medical schools, where burnout and disconnection are taking a toll.
As the wife of a physician and the mother of a medical student, I’ve seen it up close. The pressure. The exhaustion. The stress that builds with little opportunity, time or tools for introspection.
If there’s ever been a place that needs a remedy for burnout—and a way to reconnect with empathy—it’s inside our hospitals, classrooms, and clinics.
But that’s not the only place.
When medicine meets midlife.
Does it seem random to serve women in menopause and medical professionals?
These are two groups that are always caring for others, that often place their own needs at the bottom of the to-do list.
That’s why I hold space for both.
For the medical student running on fumes.
For the midlife woman wondering where she went.
For the people who are so busy helping others, they’ve forgotten themselves.
I believe in meeting women exactly where they are:
In the brain fog of menopause
In the quiet search for clarity
In the stories they haven’t told yet—but need to
Whether you’re writing to heal, to think, or to remember who you are—
The Write Remedy is here for that.
Here’s where I’ve been.
Last week was a vision board moment.
I flew to Miami to speak at the EmpowHER event—a gathering of powerhouse women, physicians, visionaries, and creators. I stood in front of a room full of brilliant minds and spoke about journaling as medicine for burnout and brain fog. I shared how this small, consistent practice—five minutes, one pen, one prompt—can literally rewire your brain and reconnect you with yourself.
And it was everything I had hoped for—and more.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO DR. JILA SENEMAR FOR BELIEVING IN ME AND THIS METHOD.
Every speaker validated the need for what I do. Every panel of physicians emphasized the power of lifestyle + medicine. I even got to shout out Dr. Jessica Shepherd (who asked for a writing prompt!).
We weren’t just talking about symptoms. We were talking about story. About using menopause as a time for reflection and reimagining.
About becoming.
Journaling is like a weighted vest for your brain.
It grounds you, strengthens you, and helps you move through the hard stuff with intention and purpose.
Unedited version of my speech. Excuse the background noise!
But the moment that changed me didn’t happen on stage.
It happened on a bench outside, with a 23-year-old woman I’d never met.
We talked about journaling. About Instagram. About her future. About mine.
She told me she was “just figuring things out”—but I could already see her spark, her clarity, her courage. I offered encouragement.
And then she gave me advice:
Be yourself. Be brave. Be seen.
And I listened.
Because she had the kind of wisdom most people don’t discover until their second act.
And I realized—this is the work.
Not just the branded post or the speech or the offer.
It’s these quiet, in-between moments of connection.
Where clarity sneaks up like an old (young)friend.
Why I hit pause—and why I’m back now.
That moment reminded me of what I want The Write Remedy to be:
Not just a newsletter.
A lifeline. A landing place.
A virtual bench where you and I sit down, talk future stories, and help each other make them real.
I want to be here for you like a notebook you return to when life feels messy—and you just need a prompt that makes you feel seen.
I see you.
What’s Next on The Write Remedy
🧠 Brain Fog Remedies & Stories
From physicians and real women rewriting their midlife chapters—on paper and in life. If interested in being interviewed for the series - shoot me a DM or comment below. Let’s connect!
📚 Substack Journal Club
Each month, we’ll explore a theme—Clarity, Confidence, Creativity, Calm.
And I’ll walk with you through it, pen in hand.
✨ This is for you—so send me your requests for topics and themes. We’re in this together.
I may have been quiet.
But I never stopped writing.
And I’ve never stopped believing that words are the way back to yourself.
If you’re new here—welcome.
If you’ve been here since the beginning—thank you.
And if you’re somewhere in between—you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
We’re just getting started.
With love,
Karen
VIP Journaling Opportunity
🎟️ Registration Open
Exclusive EmpowHER Miami Workshop Open
Limited spots available. Sign up below.
What a fabulous invitation. Thank you for sharing :)