by Kristina Karlsson 💛

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I believe in the power of simple rituals to bring inspiration, clarity, and joy into our lives.

One of my most treasured rituals – and the focus of this recent podcast ep – is something I call Inspiration Fridays.

This little tradition started years ago when my kids were in primary school, and it’s had such a positive impact on my creativity, my energy levels, my business ideas – and most importantly, my alignment with who I truly am. And after a little break during the COVID years, I’m thrilled to have brought it back into my life in a beautiful new way.

Let me take you behind the scenes of what Inspiration Fridays are all about – and how you can create your own version to fill your cup and reconnect with what matters most.

The Birth of a Weekly Ritual That Changed Everything

Back in my Melbourne days, Friday mornings became sacred for me. If I was in town, I always made it a priority to attend my kids' school assembly.

If you’re a parent, you’ll know just how heartwarming it is to watch your child – or their classmates – stand up and perform with bravery and joy. Those moments lit me up.

I’d walk away from the assemblies feeling deeply inspired, and often found myself scribbling ideas into my journal right after.

From there, I’d head to one of Melbourne’s stunning cafés – either solo with my journal or meeting a friend, mentor, or someone doing something interesting in the world.

Melbourne is bursting with inspiring cafés, and being in those beautiful spaces over a good coffee always sparked something in me.

This simple Friday flow – school assembly, café, good company, journaling – became a treasured ritual.

It was in those moments that business ideas, content inspiration, and product concepts flowed naturally. I called them my Inspiration Fridays – and they quickly became non-negotiable.

When Life Interrupted… and the Magic Returned

Like many of us, I lost a few of my rituals during COVID. Life shifted, and with it, the rhythm that had been feeding my soul.

But recently, after a big dream came true – moving to beautiful Sydney – I decided it was time to bring back Inspiration Fridays, this time in a way that suits the new season of my life.

Now, if I’m not traveling, I begin my Friday by jumping into my beautiful Volvo EX30 (which I absolutely love – clean, calm, beautifully designed!) and head off on a little adventure.

I might listen to something inspiring or simply enjoy the stillness. I’ve also signed up to ClassPass and love discovering gorgeous yoga or Pilates studios – many of which are like sanctuaries in their own right.

Then I treat myself to a new café, journal in hand, or connect with someone who inspires me.

Every Friday is different, but the intention is always the same: to create space for inspiration.

Why Inspiration Matters More Than Ever

So often we fall into the trap of focusing only on our never-ending to-do lists. But what about our want-to-do list?

Being inspired, feeling aligned, and nourishing our soul isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. It changes the way we show up in every area of our lives. For me, these Fridays help me stay connected to my values, my purpose, and my dreams.

They help me feel more like me – and that’s where everything flows with ease.

5 Key Insights You’ll Gain from this Recent Podcast Episode

1. How to Make Inspiration Non-Negotiable

Learn how carving out time each week, even just 30 minutes, can create ripple effects in your energy, creativity, and wellbeing.

2. The Magic of Journaling After Inspiration Hits

When you expose yourself to beauty, uplifting people, or creative spaces, ideas start flowing. Captures them in a Dream Life journal.

3. How to Design Your Own Version of Inspiration Friday

This ritual doesn’t need to look like Kristina’s. It can be a nature walk, an hour at a café, or sitting quietly in the sun. The point is to find your thing.

4. The Power of Aligning with Your Values

Being clear on your values is key – and consciously living in alignment with them can transform your everyday experience.

5. Simple Journal Prompts to Reconnect With What Fuels You

Listen in to get four practical questions you can journal on this weekend to start shaping your own inspiration ritual.

Create Your Own Inspiration Ritual

I know not everyone can carve out a full morning or day each week. But your version might start with a short walk, 20 minutes of reading something uplifting, or coffee at your favourite local café.

The idea is to intentionally create space that fills your soul.

If you’re not sure where to start, try this journaling exercise:

• What are five things that gave me energy last month?

• What are five things that depleted me?

• What am I craving more of in my life right now?

• If I had one full day just for me each week, what would I do?

These prompts are powerful for uncovering what truly lights you up.

You might be surprised by what comes through.

Final Thoughts – and a Gentle Challenge 💛

Inspiration isn’t something we should wait for. It’s something we can cultivate.

Whether it’s on a Friday, a Sunday morning, or a quiet hour in the middle of your week – what would it look like to commit to regularly filling your cup?

Give it a go.

Journal about it.

Follow what feels good.

You don’t need permission – just intention.

And if you'd love a peek into how I do it, I share lots of behind-the-scenes snippets of my Inspiration Fridays on Instagram and TikTok – come follow along!

Let this be your invitation to pause, breathe, and welcome in a bit more magic each week 🌿