Journaling Through the Storm: How Dr. Kim Lozada Found Light in Uncertain Times

When the world shut down in March 2020, most of us were navigating the unknown—juggling new routines, rethinking priorities, and searching for hope in the midst of collective uncertainty. For Dr. Kim Lozada, a retired educator with a heart for reflection and a deep well of resilience, this time became something more: a chance to slow down, pay attention, and document joy.

On this week’s episode of What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast, Dr. Lozada invites us into her remarkable journey—one that began with a simple journaling habit during the pandemic and evolved into a powerful story of survival, exploring her faith, and finding beauty in the small things.

A Habit Born Out of Crisis

Dr. Lozada didn’t set out to write a book. In fact, when she began jotting down daily notes during the early days of COVID-19, it was simply a way to make sense of the surreal world we were all living in.

“It started with sticky notes on my kitchen counter,” Kim shared. “I just needed a place to put all the thoughts and feelings that were flooding in.”

Like many of us, she felt the impact of isolation and uncertainty. But instead of allowing it to consume her, she leaned into her lifelong love of writing and began capturing moments—some heavy, some humorous, all heartfelt.Soon, these notes turned into journal entries.

Then emails to friends. And eventually, with a little encouragement and a lot of vulnerability, a published book: The COVID Chronicles: A Journey of Faith and Hope.

A Second Storm

Just months into the pandemic, Kim faced another unexpected challenge: a breast cancer diagnosis. Amid doctor visits, surgery, and recovery—all complicated by COVID protocols—she continued to write.

“I didn’t journal for an audience. I journaled to survive,” she said. “It became a sacred space where I could be honest, scared, grateful, and hopeful—all at the same time.”

Through her writing, Kim processed not just the fear and fatigue of cancer treatment, but also the lessons emerging from this chapter of life. She noticed beauty where she might’ve overlooked it before. She tuned into serendipitous moments she called “God winks”—those little signs that remind us we’re not alone. And she held tightly to her belief that even in the darkest seasons, there is light to be found.

Finding Meaning in the Moments

One of the most powerful themes in Dr. Lozada’s story is the idea that documentation leads to discovery. By writing down her daily experiences—whether it was a socially distanced walk, a humorous grocery store outing, or a moment of spiritual clarity—she began to notice patterns of growth and gratitude.

“There was something sacred about capturing the small stuff,” Kim reflected. “It reminded me that life was still happening—and that joy was still possible—even in the hard.”

In a season marked by grief and loss, Kim found healing in community. She began emailing her daily reflections to friends, creating a ripple effect of encouragement and connection. Many responded with gratitude, saying her words gave them permission to feel their feelings and look for the good.

It’s no surprise that her journal entries, initially intended as private reflections, evolved into a published book. The COVID Chronicles is now part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part love letter to the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that our stories—especially the messy, unfinished, vulnerable ones—are worth telling.

Creativity, Community, and God Winks

In addition to writing, Dr. Lozada embraced small acts of creativity during lockdown. From crafting fairy trails in her neighborhood to decorating rocks with uplifting messages, she created moments of magic for others to discover. These playful gestures, which became a local favorite, reflected her belief that joy multiplies when shared.

“I didn’t need a big platform or a perfect plan. I just needed to do something—anything—that reminded people we weren’t alone,” she said.

Kim shared little reminders during her journey that she was on the right path. Whether it was the perfect timing of a song, an unexpected phone call, or a stranger’s smile, these moments anchored her in hope.

Lessons for All of Us

Dr. Lozada’s story is not just about surviving cancer or writing a book during a pandemic. It’s about what becomes possible when we stop, reflect, and trust our own voice.

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:

• Journaling isn’t about being a writer—it’s about being a witness to your life.
  “You don’t need to write pages and pages,” Kim encouraged. “Sometimes one sentence is enough to shift your perspective.”
  
• You never know how your story might impact someone else.
  Her daily reflections, once kept private, ended up offering hope to countless others. “People told me they felt seen through my words,” she shared. “And that helped me feel seen too.”
  
• Creativity is a healing force.
  From painted rocks to fairy house scavenger hunts, Kim used art and whimsy to lift her own spirits and brighten her neighborhood. “Playfulness has power,” she smiled.
  
• Faith and joy are muscles we can strengthen.
  By paying attention to the “God winks” and documenting the good, Kim showed us that optimism isn’t blind—it’s practiced.
  

Why We Shine

At House of Shine, we believe every person has a unique light to share with the world—and that shining often begins with slowing down and paying attention. Dr. Kim Lozada exemplifies this beautifully. Her story reminds us that even in the most challenging seasons, we can find strength through self-awareness, creativity, and faith.

So whether you’re facing uncertainty, looking for clarity, or simply craving a deeper connection to your everyday life, let Kim’s story be an invitation: to write it down, to trust your voice, and to know that your shine matters.

🎧 Want to hear more?
Listen to Dr. Kim Lozada’s full interview on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

📚 Grab your copy of The COVID Chronicles
Available now wherever books are sold.

💛 Keep shining,
The House of Shine Team