The routine of journaling is—by far—one of our favorite self-care practices. And one of our favorite guided journals is—by far—Vessel by Rachel Garahan. Going beyond a typical gratitude journal, Garahan’s creation asks you to reflect weekly on 6 different overarching themes of life (Creativity + Learning, Relationships + Community, Business + Finances, Lifestyle + Freedom, Body + Wellness, and Nature + Spirit + Insight), and noticing how each is ebbing and flowing. Her second journal, 9 Months of Wonder, applies a similarly thoughtful approach to pregnancy.

Beyond her beloved journals, the Ojai-based mother of three (Ben, 9, Isla, 7, and Zoe, 4) is a personal-growth facilitator offering unconventional tools for self-discovery—including meditations, online courses, and in-person workshops that empower individuals to reclaim space for themselves, find clarity, and tap into the answers within. Especially in today’s maddening world, and the resistance it’ll require—we think this is especially key.

Below, she tells us about her powerful creations, alongside her other intentionally minded Mother Essentials of the moment.

Vessel Gratitude Journal. “A journal for both gratitude and weekly reflection, this journal came as a result of my own search for inner satisfaction and is the one weekly practice that I can honestly say is the most transformational. No matter what’s happening in my life, when I return to this ritual, I find greater joy, peace, and sincere gratitude for the life I have, completely shifting my mood and perspective.” Vessel, $24, Of It All.

Honey Mama’s Chocolate. “If there’s one thing I never want to live without, it’s my morning tradition of Honey Mama’s chocolate. I habit stack it with my least favorite wellness practice—taking vitamins—and their chocolate is so clean and rich, I never feel guilty starting my day with it. The cacao opens my heart and offers the perfect amount of caffeine to jumpstart my day or pick me up in the afternoons. The Sesame Citrus flavor—formerly known as Tahini Tangerine—is my favorite.” Honey Mama’s Sesame Citrus Bar, $9.99, Whole Foods.

CAP Beauty Matcha. “Along with cacao, a world without matcha is one I wouldn’t want to live in! Preparing it is a ritual my kids love partaking in, helping me to make mine and then a lighter version of their own. I add honey and mint for a refreshing pop and daresay it’s the best in town.” The Matcha, $38, CAP Beauty.

Ghia Soda. “I’m not much of a drinker, and these earthy sodas are my favorite way to wind down with something that substitutes for a slow-sipping cocktail.” Ghia Soda, $60 for 12-Pack, Ghia.

Nettle, Oatstraw, Peppermint Infusion. “Any time I start to feel even a little dehydrated, I know it’s time to make up a fresh batch of this herbal infusion. Known as ‘nature’s multi-vitamin,’ nettle quenches deep thirst while oatstraw works like a chill pill and peppermint freshens it all up a bit. I absolutely crave it ice cold in the afternoons.” Nettle Leaf Organic Tea, $8.25, Mountain Rose Herbs.

EarthTonics Skincare. “This botanical skincare line, made locally by a friend here in Ojai, is another big part of my daily ritual. It feels impossible to pick a favorite from her line, but the Botanical Mist, Cardamom Cleanser, Honey Bamboo Cleaner, and Mushroom Milk are all in heavy rotation.” Botanical Toning Mist, $44, EarthTonics.

Peace Sign Strainer. “Given to me as a housewarming gift, this strainer feels so ‘extra’ and brings an immense amount of joy to my everyday. I keep it within arm’s reach of our sink and made sure to let my husband know it’s something we’re meant to actually use!” Brass Peace Colander, $196, Reliquary.

Fruit Bars. “Twice a year (from end of summer to Halloween and then again from New Year’s to Valentine’s Day) we limit the sugar we keep in the house and these bars are loved by all three of my kids and substitute as the perfect ‘treat.’ My older ones even suck on them like lollipops, making them last forever.” Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars Variety Pack (24 Bars), $17.09, Amazon. 

Fireclay x Block Shop Tiles. “We’re in the middle of a major renovation and I’m envisioning this playful tile for the kids’ bathroom—a partnership by two of my favorite brands!” Tiles, $20 per piece, Fireclay x Block Shop.

Georgia O’Keeffe Hand of the Buddha. “One of the most meaningful places I’ve visited is Georgia O’Keefe’s home in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Her bedroom—surprisingly small, bare, and almost painfully modest, held only her bed, a chair, an adobe wood stove, and a thai hand in the mudra ‘fear not.’ This replica reminds me of the trip and her words: ‘I’ve been absolutely terrified every day of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from a single things that I wanted to do.’ It’s a quote that inspires me daily.” Hand of the Buddha Replica, $60, Georgia O’Keefe Museum Store.

Jelly Sandals. “Surprisingly comfortable and versatile from park to party, I wore these throwback sandals all through the summer as a reminder of the playfulness of childhood.” Melissa Jellies, $69, Urban Outfitters.

Denim Overalls. “These overalls made by my friend Ali Golden are the perfect silhouette for momming and ones I absolutely live in. I love them in white and they recently came out with a new dark denim version that’s high in my rotation.” Overall Jumper, $196, Ali Golden.

9 Months of Wonder. “Born from my experiences with each of my 3 babies along with the wisdom garnered from others, I created this pregnancy journal to support the conscious and creative mama who yearns to stay connected to herself and her babe throughout pregnancy and beyond. It’s the one I wish existed while I was pregnant—and while a 4th babe isn’t in the cards for me, I think of this book as my last baby—a beautiful way to close the chapter of young motherhood and pay it forward to new moms everywhere.” 9 Months of Wonder, $24, Of It All.

John Masters Rose + Apricot Hair Milk. “I’m very sensitive to scent and not a fan of most children’s products, which are typically overly fruity or sweet. This is the best leave-in conditioner for my girls’ long, tangly, post-pool hair and has the most divine smell of roses.” John Masters Organics Rose and Apricot Nourishing Hair Mask, $32, Amazon.

Sticker By Letter Books. “Loved by both my 4-year-old and 6-year-old, these sticker-by-letter books are the best activity book I’ve found to keep them engaged!” Brain Games Sticker by Letter: Magical Creatures, $10.21, Bookshop.

Pastel Magnets. “Our fridge is a revolving rainbow of artwork and these little candy-colored magnets are perfect for coordinating with the kids’ vibrant pieces.” Colorful Cute Fridge Magnets for Locker, $14.98, Amazon.

Essential Face Wipes. “I keep these in my car and have found them to be the best on-the go refresher after I’ve run out the door on the fly. I top with a bit of face oil and feel brand new.” Essential Face Wipes (40-Pack), $42.12, Ursa Major.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, HAWKS founder Emma Flanders, celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, and author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON.