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Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration Paperback – August 11, 2015
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length128 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherTarcherPerigee
- Publication dateAugust 11, 2015
- Dimensions9.88 x 9.88 x 0.32 inches
- ISBN-100399174826
- ISBN-13978-0399174827
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars 469
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4.8 out of 5 stars 948
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4.7 out of 5 stars 1,073
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4.6 out of 5 stars 47
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4.9 out of 5 stars 16
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Price | $13.53$13.53 | $8.89$8.89 | $9.31$9.31 | $13.13$13.13 | $12.02$12.02 |
More from Meera Lee Patel | Discover the unexpected opportunities in facing life’s greatest challenges | Rich paintings and prompts create a space to reflect on what makes you a beautiful individual–and part of a greater whole. | Thoughtful journal prompts and inspiring quotes create a quiet space to recharge and ease the everyday anxieties we all carry. | An illustrated guide for moving through life’s biggest transitions with purpose and clarity. | A beautiful and empowering journal for embracing what makes you special—and charting your own path. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
—Oprah.com
“Meera Lee Patel's uplifting book presents open-ended, supportive prompts and exercises along with inspirational quotes from writers, artists, and visionaries to encourage reflection through writing, drawing, chart-making, and more. With plenty of room for writing and reflecting, this appealing full-color book will make a perfect gift and keepsake, as well as being a powerful tool for positive change.”
—MindBodyGreen.com
"Meera Lee Patel's journal for self-exploration is a work of art on its own, filled with lushly illustrated prompts and advice, and plenty of room for you to discover and create your own beautiful revelations."
—Buzzfeed
"Remarkable, endearing, and absolutely gorgeous. A brilliant travel guide for navigating the nooks and crannies of imagination.”
—Jessica Hagy, author of How to Be Interesting
"I am obsessed with Meera Lee Patel's work. It's bright, calm, zen and botanical. All the things I love."
—SundayBlossoms.com
"Meera Lee Patel is an absolute gem!"
—RedParka.com
“This interactive journal will keep its users mindful, self-motivated, and creative in our world which can so often push us towards unproductive habits and downright chaos. Pick up a copy for those in your life who may not make it to yoga or their therapist quite as often as they’ve been meaning to.”
—Teen Vogue
“[Start Where You Are] invites and empowers us to gain a deeper understanding of what resides in our hearts.” —PsychCentral
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
It took me a long time to become comfortable with where I am.
I spent a lot of my years longing for the past or waiting for the future to arrive, confused about where I was and where I wanted to go.
Admitting to myself that I was confused and unsatisfied was difficult enough; the thought of actually doing something about it was a little too much to swallow. Instead, I welcomed distraction. I ventured down various paths for the sake of going somewhere, even though none of them took me close to where I wanted to go. I explored career paths because other people’s successes made me feel like I should want them, too. I grappled. I swayed. Nothing changed; it’s impossible to follow a dream that has no shape or outline.
When I realized that I couldn’t continue grasping for an invisible idea, feeling, or future, I began doing some of the more difficult work that comes along with introspection. I peeled back the layers in order to find out who I really was, what was most important to me, and what it was that I wanted to cultivate in my life.
The hardest questions are the ones that open doors. Every spread in this book features a universal life lesson paired with an exercise. These exercises, often taking the form of a chart, list, or written prompt, are designed to help you apply the sentiments behind each lesson to your life. As you continue throughout the book, you’ll find that some pages are harder than others – they’ll ask you to dig a little deeper, face some hidden truths, or let go of ideas that you’ve always carried with you.
There is no right or wrong way to complete this book. If you’re honest with your thoughts, these pages will serve as a mirror. You’ll become privy to various pieces of yourself – some that you know very well, and others that have previously gone unnoticed.
The best advice I can give is to keep going. The process of self-discovery is just as important as any realizations that are waiting for you at the end of this book.
Take your time. Use what you have. Start where you are.
Product details
- Publisher : TarcherPerigee (August 11, 2015)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 128 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0399174826
- ISBN-13 : 978-0399174827
- Item Weight : 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 9.88 x 9.88 x 0.32 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #26,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #117 in Journal Writing Self-Help
- #206 in Self-Esteem (Books)
- #620 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author

Meera Lee Patel is a self-taught artist, writer, and internationally recognized best-selling author. She writes books that help people connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Her books & journals for everyone have sold well over a million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide.
Her latest book, How it Feels to Find Yourself, is a vibrant guide towards deeper self-knowing. Through illustrated palettes, honest essays, and insightful questions for reflection, Patel encourages you to sharpen your internal compasses—so you can discover your purpose, let go of what you’ve outgrown, and navigate challenging relationships with greater confidence.
Her other books include My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown, as well as 3 best-selling journals: Create Your Own Calm, Made Out of Stars, and Start Where You Are.
She writes a weekly newsletter, Dear Somebody, on Substack: meeraleepatel.substack.com.
Meera lives with her family in St. Louis, MO. To learn more about her, please visit www.meeralee.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the journal thought-provoking, with one noting how it combines narrative-based reflection with mindfulness exercises, and they appreciate the gorgeous Pinterest-worthy quotes and creative writing prompts. The book receives positive feedback for its readability, appealing to both adult women and teens, and its colorful pages make it visually appealing. While customers enjoy the fun activities and find it makes a great gift, particularly for friends after a breakup, the ease of use receives mixed reviews, with some finding it simple while others consider it underwhelming.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the journal thought-provoking, with insightful questions and exercises that encourage self-reflection. One customer notes how it combines narrative-based reflection with mindfulness practices.
"...It would also make a great meditation companion. As a writer, I find writing to be very meditative...." Read more
"...It helped me rediscover the big picture. The quotes in the book really make you rethink your thoughts and your answers...." Read more
"...I love this book because it’s fun and calming to look at, the title is perfect to put you on the right mindset to use it and even helps me to just..." Read more
"...It keeps it light and fun, but also gives you some insight into yourself...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing prompts in the journal, noting that the sayings and questions throughout are inspiring, with one customer mentioning there are 58 sets of quotes and writing prompts.
"...The quotes are all very thought-provoking...." Read more
"...This book gives you a blank canvas to write and draw whatever you want...." Read more
"...are short and insightful, and the accompanying art and quotes are lovely...." Read more
"...The quotes were almost consistently intelligent and thought provoking without being trite...." Read more
Customers appreciate the thought-provoking and creative prompts in the journal, with one customer noting how the starter sentences and questions help get the journaler started.
"...I like that it offered me a little bit of guidance so I did not just look at blank pages and feel overwhelmed as to where to begin...." Read more
"...The book eases you into asking tough questions, interspersing narrative-based reflection with mindfulness exercises and goal-oriented analysis...." Read more
"...along with positive inspirational quotes on one side and a question or prompted activity with enough space to complete it...." Read more
"...The prompts are helpful in getting them started rather than just writing their feelings down on a blank page and feeling like none of it makes sense...." Read more
Customers find the journal's activities engaging and thought-provoking, with fun prompts that keep them busy.
"...I love this book because it’s fun and calming to look at, the title is perfect to put you on the right mindset to use it and even helps me to just..." Read more
"...It keeps it light and fun, but also gives you some insight into yourself...." Read more
"Loving this for teen clients. It gets them Journaling in a fun way. It starts them reflecting in a creative way...." Read more
"...The starter questions are great. It was funny and serious but fun. I love when I get a gift right for kids in there 20's...." Read more
Customers find the journal makes a great gift, particularly for friends after a breakup and for little girls, noting it's especially appealing for those who have never journaled before.
"...I think it makes a thoughtful gift." Read more
"...There are already 900+ but I just had to say this made a wonderful gift...." Read more
"...Seriously, I've never gotten more compliments about such a simple gift! Bonus - It's universal!" Read more
"...I found it extremely valuable and it made a phenomenal and thoughtful gift for a friend during a time of adversity to help her stay balanced and..." Read more
Customers find the book highly readable, particularly noting its appeal to both middle school girls and young people, while also being suitable for adults.
"...They appeal to both adult women and teens because they're somewhat whimsical while still giving off a modern feel...." Read more
"Loving this for teen clients. It gets them Journaling in a fun way. It starts them reflecting in a creative way...." Read more
"nice book for teens. It is sort of a journal with starter pages...." Read more
"...It would be perfect for a teenager who is trying to find their way in this world, but like I previously stated the questions and the overall vibe of..." Read more
Customers appreciate the colorful pages of the journal.
"...The colors are so vivid and bright, they almost jump out at you. The quotes are all very thought-provoking...." Read more
"...The pages are in color and have cute graphics/images along with positive inspirational quotes on one side and a question or prompted activity with..." Read more
"...Some of these pages also include colorful illustrations...." Read more
"...This book is amazing. It is colorful. The quotes are unique and truly do lift you up in times of defeat...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the journal's ease of use, with some finding it simple and quick to complete, while others describe it as lame and not useful.
"...I used a pencil to answer the first question and it was TOO BLAH to me compared to the beautiful quote pictures so i went out and bought some..." Read more
"...It was appropriate and easy to use for middle school age, but also perfect for adults as well." Read more
"...Not helpful to me." Read more
"This book is fantastic. Not only are the exercises interesting, simple and thought provoking, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful...." Read more
Reviews with images

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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2015I ordered 2 of these journals for both of my nieces, ages 17 and 14. When I was growing up, I loved journals like this one. I think it's important that teenagers explore their hopes and dreams and innermost thoughts, and it's even better if they put it on paper. Now that I'm 30, I have so many journals like this one to look back on. I cringe at some of the comments I wrote in those things, but I also smile and become teary-eyed at others. It's fascinating to look back at some of my dreams and to realize I've accomplished them and to marvel at the unique path my life has taken. I wanted to give both of my nieces a similar experience. I didn't want to buy them something that they'll use for a year or so and toss out when something new and more exciting comes along. I thought that this would make a perfect gift because it's something that hopefully they keep for years and can reflect back on as adults. I've included a note in each journal that says something to that extent and lets them know how proud I am of both of them and that I love them.
Now on to the book itself - first off, the artwork is gorgeous. Some of the drawings (they're more like paintings) are absolutely frame-worthy. They appeal to both adult women and teens because they're somewhat whimsical while still giving off a modern feel. The colors are so vivid and bright, they almost jump out at you. The quotes are all very thought-provoking. And the prompt questions really got me thinking myself... so often in life, we forget to explore ourselves, to ask ourselves important questions. We get caught in the rat race, in our everyday hectic schedules and we lose ourselves. Even though I bought this journal for my teenage nieces, it's certainly something that I'd consider purchasing for myself as well. It really does appeal to women of all ages.
It would also make a great meditation companion. As a writer, I find writing to be very meditative. It really assists me in my daily breathing exercises and meditation sessions. It helps me to clear my head, to focus on nothing but myself for a few minutes. I usually use a blank notebook, but this journal would be even more helpful.
Buy this for all the women in your life who need a little bit of inspiration or encouragement, and then treat yourself to one as well!
5.0 out of 5 starsI ordered 2 of these journals for both of my nieces, ages 17 and 14. When I was growing up, I loved journals like this one. I think it's important that teenagers explore their hopes and dreams and innermost thoughts, and it's even better if they put it on paper. Now that I'm 30, I have so many journals like this one to look back on. I cringe at some of the comments I wrote in those things, but I also smile and become teary-eyed at others. It's fascinating to look back at some of my dreams and to realize I've accomplished them and to marvel at the unique path my life has taken. I wanted to give both of my nieces a similar experience. I didn't want to buy them something that they'll use for a year or so and toss out when something new and more exciting comes along. I thought that this would make a perfect gift because it's something that hopefully they keep for years and can reflect back on as adults. I've included a note in each journal that says something to that extent and lets them know how proud I am of both of them and that I love them.I loved journals like this one
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2015
Now on to the book itself - first off, the artwork is gorgeous. Some of the drawings (they're more like paintings) are absolutely frame-worthy. They appeal to both adult women and teens because they're somewhat whimsical while still giving off a modern feel. The colors are so vivid and bright, they almost jump out at you. The quotes are all very thought-provoking. And the prompt questions really got me thinking myself... so often in life, we forget to explore ourselves, to ask ourselves important questions. We get caught in the rat race, in our everyday hectic schedules and we lose ourselves. Even though I bought this journal for my teenage nieces, it's certainly something that I'd consider purchasing for myself as well. It really does appeal to women of all ages.
It would also make a great meditation companion. As a writer, I find writing to be very meditative. It really assists me in my daily breathing exercises and meditation sessions. It helps me to clear my head, to focus on nothing but myself for a few minutes. I usually use a blank notebook, but this journal would be even more helpful.
Buy this for all the women in your life who need a little bit of inspiration or encouragement, and then treat yourself to one as well!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2017THEE best book i have ever bought! Im a nursing student and noticed my anxiety was getting much worse, it was impossible to fall asleep at night as i was constantly thinking about school. This book allows me to unwind and think about the life i currently have. It helped me rediscover the big picture. The quotes in the book really make you rethink your thoughts and your answers. Your ways of thinking about your life will significantly change. I could never buy a coloring book because I have ADD and am impatient with finishing one page. This book gives you a blank canvas to write and draw whatever you want. With your mind relaxed and focused on your thoughts and how you want to interpret your answers its difficult to become impatient. I used a pencil to answer the first question and it was TOO BLAH to me compared to the beautiful quote pictures so i went out and bought some colored pencils. I didnt know i had the creativity in me once i began. The only con i have about this book is that i wish it was thicker. I wish this book would last longer than it will. The writer is coming out with a second in June which i will be purchasing for sure. The paper used in this book feels like drawing paper, not your average reading book. I am one that is picky about the binding, however i was not going to spend double the price for a spiral bind. OVERALL THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER OPENED. I AM VERY PLEASED! My professor mentioned i needed time to destress and when i showed her this journal she was so intrigued, she purchased one for her daughter the same day. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU MEERA!!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2023I never loved big daunting books with tons of long exercises some of which honestly seem stupid. I love this book because it’s fun and calming to look at, the title is perfect to put you on the right mindset to use it and even helps me to just see it on my table. The activities are short and insightful, and the accompanying art and quotes are lovely. I’ve given it to several other people, all of whom are quite different, and everyone has really found value in it.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2018There are so many styles of journals on the market one gets very overwhelmed trying to pick out a good one. Honestly, I chose this one because I loved the cover, I liked what I saw of the inside pages, and the reviews swayed my decision.
The journal prompts you with out making you work too hard. It keeps it light and fun, but also gives you some insight into yourself.
obviously you should use this journal the way you see fit and feel comfortable. Whether you want to draw instead of right, write poems, stories, even cut things out of magazines and glue it onto the Pages collage style, I really enjoyed the exercises provided inside of the journal, and I am actually feeling this journal out and I’m going to save it to give to my daughter when she is older .
I plan on getting another one for the year 2019. I’m going to basically fill it out as suggested inside of the journal and at the end of the year I am going to go back over everything and use it as a jump off on how to change my life, make changes, what to keep, etc.
There are so many ways you can use this journal and it has so many purposes in your life. I like that it offered me a little bit of guidance so I did not just look at blank pages and feel overwhelmed as to where to begin. Blank pages kind of scare me, I start writing way too much, lose track of my original thoughts, then I get all jumbled up and frustrated, put it in a drawer and that’s that LOL
Basically long story short, this would be a great Christmas/start of a new year a gift for anybody in your life that is going through some personal changes, wants to make some changes in their life, or it will just help people get everything out of their heads, heart, soul, I want to paper, give them a place to sort everything out, etc. like I said so many good healthy benefits to a journal like this.
Top reviews from other countries
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TReviewed in Japan on April 23, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars journal
The colours are very calming but the binding is not good.
- MarieReviewed in Sweden on April 21, 2023
1.0 out of 5 stars Toxic positivity
No where does it encourage the acceptance of your whole self without judgement or demands. In my opinion it's promoting toxic positivity with it's "just think good thoughts" outlook. Not what I was looking for and will be returning.
-
Sofia ArelyReviewed in Mexico on May 23, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermosoo!!!
Este es mi primer diario en mis 31 años, no soy de escribir mucho, pero esto realmente motiva, ejercicios cortos para gente muy ocupada con muchas cosas en la cabeza, actividades que nunca se te ocurriria pensar o escribir, de alguna manera me ver las cosas con otra perspectiva...
En un inicio este libro era para mi sobrina que es adolesente de 17, pero en cuanto lo vi en persona me consegui el mio, a mi sobrina no le llamo tanto la atencion, asi que termino usandolo mi cuñada casi 38 años la cual quedo igual de facinada, tanto que se compro otro libro de la misma autora
Sofia ArelyHermosoo!!!
Reviewed in Mexico on May 23, 2023
En un inicio este libro era para mi sobrina que es adolesente de 17, pero en cuanto lo vi en persona me consegui el mio, a mi sobrina no le llamo tanto la atencion, asi que termino usandolo mi cuñada casi 38 años la cual quedo igual de facinada, tanto que se compro otro libro de la misma autora
Images in this review
- TRReviewed in Canada on December 8, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Thoughts-provoking and Motivating journal of self-exploration!
In our busy and chaotic life, we tend to forget to think about ourselves, explore ourselves, ask ourselves some important questions and eventually lose ourselves. Journaling is good idea and I started several times and stopped writing. The main challenge is what should go over there. So I liked idea of this beautiful journal that have writing prompts. Unlike some journals, it is not overwhelming and boring, but rather inspiring and thought provoking.
It makes you think and find out about yourself; explore yourself. It brings out your innermost thoughts which you would never had thought of otherwise. When you start writing it, you realise what you have accomplished in life, appreciate the great things in your life, realise your dreams and aspirations, know what do you love, know what motivates you and many more things that will make you wonder “Why I did not think about these things earlier?”
Though I would have loved if journal was be in Hardcover because I would keep it forever, the journal is indeed beautiful from cover to cover. The artwork is gorgeous with so many paintings in vivid and beautiful colors. And, there are many inspiring and thought-provoking quotes throughout the journal. Some pages and quotes are so beautiful that it is worthy framing.
I genuinely think that this will be not only be a great gift (And, possibly life changing) for yourself, but I would certainly consider buying it for family and friends as well.
Overall, an inspiring, motivating, eye-opening and thought provoking beautiful journal which may potentially change your life.
Good luck with your journey of self-exploration!
TRInspiring, Thoughts-provoking and Motivating journal of self-exploration!
Reviewed in Canada on December 8, 2018
It makes you think and find out about yourself; explore yourself. It brings out your innermost thoughts which you would never had thought of otherwise. When you start writing it, you realise what you have accomplished in life, appreciate the great things in your life, realise your dreams and aspirations, know what do you love, know what motivates you and many more things that will make you wonder “Why I did not think about these things earlier?”
Though I would have loved if journal was be in Hardcover because I would keep it forever, the journal is indeed beautiful from cover to cover. The artwork is gorgeous with so many paintings in vivid and beautiful colors. And, there are many inspiring and thought-provoking quotes throughout the journal. Some pages and quotes are so beautiful that it is worthy framing.
I genuinely think that this will be not only be a great gift (And, possibly life changing) for yourself, but I would certainly consider buying it for family and friends as well.
Overall, an inspiring, motivating, eye-opening and thought provoking beautiful journal which may potentially change your life.
Good luck with your journey of self-exploration!
Images in this review
One person found this helpfulReport - tasneemReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on May 15, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun!!
The book really attracts u to write about yourself