Dreams & Goals

6 Questions to Ask Yourself This Week

On Friday, April 17, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the Youth Leadership Birmingham graduation. Youth Leadership Birmingham (YLB) is a program by Leadership Birmingham for high school sophomores and juniors who are dedicated to creating meaningful change in their community and the city we call home. Founded in 1986 by visionary Leadership Birmingham alumni who recognized the need to cultivate young leaders, YLB creates transformative experiences by bringing together diverse student cohorts across Jefferson County for comprehensive leadership development – all at no cost to participants.

Many of the parents and other adults in the room told me that even though my talk was for the kids, they found themselves taking notes. What a compliment! So, I’ve decided to share my remarks here on the See Jane Write blog.

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See Jane Write turns 15

Today, See Jane Write turns 15. Next year’s birthday— Jane’s super sweet 16 — will be a big one. (I’ve already put together a committee to plan the celebration.) But this year feels special too.

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My New Word for the Year 2026

I’m ditching my word for the year 2026 because New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones told me I should.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, I had the honor of moderating a discussion and Q&A with Jones when she visited Birmingham as part of her national book tour for her new novel Kin, which debuted #3 on the New York Times Bestseller list and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick. (You can read highlights from the discussion in The Birmingham Times.)

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45 Birthday Journal Prompts

Today is my birthday, and I kicked off my own personal new year with two hours of journaling. Yes, TWO HOURS. You know journaling is my jam.

Some people think of journaling as juvenile, equating it with the “Dear Diary” ranting and raving we did as kids or angsty teens. But I turn to journaling for self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-care. I turn to journaling to grow up and glow up. In fact, the older I get, the more important journaling becomes. At this point in my life, it feels as necessary as water and air.

It’s my birthday, but I want to give you a gift. In honor of my 45th birthday, I’m sharing 45 birthday journal prompts for you to try when your special day comes back around — or even right now.

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