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Are you facing a new beginning in the middle of your life?
- Divorced?
- Career Change?
- Loss of a Loved One?
- Medical Changes?
- Retirement?
- Empty Nest?
New Beginnings like divorce and heartache can be devastating in any stage of life. In your fifties or sixties, however, these new beginnings can bring unexpected and unfathomable challenges. Based on personal experiences at the age of fifty-eight, Cathy Collier provides a spiritual, self-reflective journal to help women push through and navigate this new chapter of their lives.
Why is this journal different?
I created the journal I wished I could find.
FAITH-BASED
I found myself needing reassurance and peace and I found comfort and power in my faith. The journal contains bible verses, Contemporary Christian song lyrics, and prayers.
INteractive Journaling
Each week, there is a theme-based experience with guided reflection questions. Each journey is as unique as each reader.
mindful meditation
Each week includes two mindful practices: music and art. Listen to the song of the week and take an adult coloring page, concentrate on the music & colors and just breathe!
52 WEEKS WITH 4 PAGES PER WEEK
My Experience
Each week is theme-based. I have written about each theme, as it pertained to my experience with resilience, growth, and healing.
Bible Verse & Coloring Page
I have selected bible verses linked to the theme. The coloring page was selected as a time for meditation. Clear your mind and color.
Music Lyrics & Reflection Questisons
Songs have provided great comfort during my healing. I have chosen songs for each theme. A portion of the lyrics are listed, as well as, singer and songwriter credit.
Feeling Gauge &
a Weekly Prayer
The 4th page of the journal alternates. One week includes a feeling gauge and a weekly prayer. Writing down your feelings helps process each emotion.
Gratitude List &
a Weekly Prayer
The alternate week includes a Gratitude List. It's important not to get lost in the sadness or anger, but to acknowledge what is good each week.
What are some of the themes explored in this journal?
- Knowing My Limit
- Trusting His Timing
- Guarding Your Heart
- Hope in The Future
- Reclaiming Your Faith
- Faith Over Fear
- 45 MORE Themes
I'd love to talk to your group!
Women's Events & Retreats
- Women’s ministry retreats
- Church women’s conferences
- Faith-based women’s luncheons or dinners
- Small group workshops or Bible studies
NEW BEGINNINGS & LIFE changes
- Divorce recovery events
- “Starting Over” or “Next Chapter” workshops
- Midlife reinvention
- Empty nest or retirement transition groups
HEALING & HOPE-FOCUSED EVENTS
- Grief and loss support groups
- Caregiver support events
- Faith-based wellness events
- Christian counseling or recovery programs
COMMUNITY & BOOK EVENTS
- Book signings (churches, bookstores, libraries)
- Author talks and readings
- Christian bookstores or gift shops
what others have to say...
Lisa M.
Week by week, this journal invites you to lean into faith, face hard truths, and rediscover strength you may have forgotten you had. It reminds you that bravery isn’t loud or perfect—it’s showing up, trusting God, and taking the next step even when the future feels uncertain.
heather B.
This faith-centered journal was created from a journey of healing. The interactive pages keep your mind busy, while your heart heals. Warm, honest, and hope-filled, this journal feels like a gentle companion, reminding you that God’s presence can reveal courage and bravery you didn’t know you had.
amber R.
Cathy is an engaging speaker who draws women in with relatable stories and faith-based encouragement. Her message of resilience and new beginnings resonates deeply, inspiring women to embrace the next chapter with confidence and grace.
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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
questions you may have...
Is this journal Scripture-based?
Yes. Braver Than I Knew is a faith-based journal that includes Bible verses, contemporary Christian song lyrics, and weekly prayers. No prior knowledge of Scripture is needed—everything is thoughtfully provided, making this journal accessible and welcoming no matter where you are on your faith journey.
Is it appropriate for women in their 60s or beyond?
Yes. While all the themes may be universal, I wrote the book to fill the gaps for women like me—no custody battles, no celebrity platforms, just real life, and real emotions. A space for women in their fifties who are starting over and rediscovering who they are beyond being a wife and a mother.
Do I need to be recently divorced to use this journal?
No. While Braver Than I Knew was written from the perspective of divorce, it is designed for any woman navigating a life transition or new beginning. Whether your change happened recently or years ago—or is rooted in loss, retirement, health changes, or an empty nest—this journal meets you where you are. It is faith-based and includes Bible verses, song lyrics, and prayers, but no prior Bible knowledge is required. Everything you need is provided, regardless of where you are on your faith journey.
Can this be used in a small group?
Yes. However, this book is set up as a journal for a year. The book contains 52 weeks of themes. If it is used for small group, each person would be required to purchase the book.
What types of new beginnings does this journal support?
Braver Than I Knew is designed for women in their 50s (and beyond) who are navigating a wide range of life transitions. While divorce is a central theme, the journal also supports women experiencing separation/annulment/break-up, loss of a spouse, parent, or loved one, retirement or a major career change, empty nest or shifting family roles, medical diagnoses or health changes, changes in identity, purpose, or direction, faith renewal or spiritual rediscovery, and starting over emotionally, spiritually, or personally.
WHo is Cathy Collier?
I was a mom, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, retired reading specialist and wife...and then life changed.
I didn't have children at home, a million dollars, or any answers but I hit my limit. I knew I deserved more. I was determined to make sure the hard days wouldn't win.
