Turning the Light On

You never really know when your “someday” idea will become your today.

For years, I’d talked about creating a growth mindset workbook for kids. I had the ideas, the outlines, the plans — but they never quite came together. Then, this fall, something shifted. I finally sat down, got started, and even reached out to a local self-publishing company to help me bring it to life. I was doing it — after years of talking about it, I was actually in motion.

But as I worked on the content, I realized how big that project truly was. It was exciting but heavy — and I felt this pull to create something smaller first, something that could reach kids more quickly and simply.

One Sunday night, after teaching and prepping my lessons for the week, I started digging into kids’ workbooks and journals for inspiration. Somewhere between the research and my brainstorming notes, an idea sparked: a journal that helps kids build a better relationship with mistakes and risks.

Instantly, I loved it — the tone, the purpose, even the name that popped into my head: My Bads. It felt lighthearted, honest, and exactly what so many kids (and parents) need help with.

And then, the floodgates opened. What about a journal to help kids grow their grit? My Grit. One that teaches assertiveness and healthy boundaries? My Boundaries. A confidence journal full of affirmations? My Shine. A friendship journal kids could pass back and forth? My Friendships.

I could suddenly see how each piece connected — how these ideas could grow into something bigger than a single workbook. That’s when I wrote the phrase turn the light on — and Lightbulb Journals was born.

I couldn’t sleep that night. I could already see what this brand could mean, who it could reach, and how it could grow. Within days, I shifted gears, focused completely on My Bads, and poured my energy into creating something kids could use right away. I reached out again to the publishing company (thank you to my friend and author Ehmsee Shane at Baton Books for the recommendation), bought the domain, and started building a website — with zero web experience, just a whole lot of determination.

For four weeks, I worked tirelessly on this project. I couldn’t stop. Sleep? Who needs it. Workouts? They could wait. I had to make this happen. Every excuse I’d ever had disappeared, and the energy was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just another idea — it was THE idea.

Now, just over four weeks later, the first journal is complete. It’s heading to the editors, and I’m watching this vision take shape.

I’ve always known when I’m walking in alignment with what I’m meant to do. For years, the picture of where I was going felt blurry — like I was chasing something I couldn’t quite see — but I always knew I was on the right path. Lightbulb Journals flipped the switch. Everything feels clear now. I can see how this connects everything I’ve learned — from teaching, coaching, and parenting — and turns it into something I can share with more kids everywhere.

As I finished the final page of My Bads, I knew exactly how I wanted to end it. I dedicated it to my sister, Dana.

Ask anyone who loved her. She had a special light about her — outspoken, goofy, and entirely herself. She shined an authentic light that didn’t need to be understood to be felt.

So I want to shine a light for her.

Because when we shine for someone we’ve lost, that glow doesn’t just honor them — it spreads. It reaches the people who need it most, including ourselves.

And for anyone reading this who feels like your light is unclear or flickering — don’t turn it off. Keep moving forward. Keep believing.

Stay bright,

Karla