How The Five Minute Journal Positively Impacted my Life
My Personal Experience with The Five Minute Journal
After releasing The Making of a Grateful Heart, my children’s gratitude journal, parents were curious if I’d be writing a gratitude journal for adults, too. The answer is no, and here’s why. Because I wholeheartedly love and enjoy The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change, exactly as it is. I’ve added this journal into my daily routine, and there isn’t anything I would change about it. Simply put, I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel as I fully support this journal and the positive impact it can have.
We’re in a time where being busy is a competition. Who has the busiest schedule and who’s more tired at the end of the day. For myself, I actively strive to not be busy. And, it’s the days that are busy where I benefit greatly from gratitude. The busy days are physically and mentally draining. There’s limited time to take a deep breath, to stay grounded and firm in our being and there’s zero time for reflection. So, carving a few minutes out in the morning and evening with The Five Minute Journal, is my reminder to be still and appreciate the days moments.
WHAT IS THE FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL?
The five minute journal is simply that - a journal that's meant to take five minutes of your time! Taking only minutes of your day is a main selling feature of this journal, because we are in a "busy" world. This journal has two sections, one that you fill out in the morning and one you fill out at the end of the day.
The morning section encourages a positive start to your day - what you're grateful for, what would make the day great and a positive affirmation created by you for you. The evening section reflects on your day in a positive manner as well - three amazing things that happened that day and how you could have made the day better. Both encourage mindfulness and a growth mindset.
THE DIFFERENCE SINCE STARTING THE FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL
I’ve always been a mindful person and prior to having a gratitude journal I’ve incorporated thankfulness in my day. The difference I’ve noticed with keeping a separate gratitude journal is I’m now taking responsibility for my day. My favourite question in the journal is “What would make today great?”, and it’s really put daily life into perspective. This question allows me to focus on each day as it comes, and on what I can control (not on what I can’t). I have goals, and trust me they’re BIG, so keeping my feet on the ground and being in the moment today, allows me the concentration and resilience needed for getting there.
Here’s a look at one of my personal entries for The Five Minute Journal:
TIPS ON HOW TO USE THE FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL
For me, if it’s out of sight it’s out of mind. So, I keep my journal where I can see it, and I’ve made a promise to myself that I won’t brush my teeth in the morning or evening until I’ve written my entry. It may sound silly, but this way it’s guaranteed I will take the time to write because I surely won’t leave the house in the morning or go to bed without brushing my teeth! Whatever works, right?!
Another way to use this journal is to bring it with you on holidays. Record your memories and experiences while on vacation or weekends away, not just your weekdays. I’m on my second journal, and I like to think of it (actually all journals) as a keepsake. It’s a neat way to look back and see where you were on this day last week or six months ago. Growth for me comes from reflection.
I’m a huge believer gratitude can change our day, relationships, business and life. Those who think they don’t have five minutes to spare in a day, are the ones who need to practice gratitude the most. It pauses our day, provides mindfulness and positively shifts our mindset and attitude. If you haven’t yet started a gratitude journal, I highly suggest putting it at the top of your to-do list. The gratitude prompts make it easy, quick and direct!
Why I highly recommend The Five Minute Journal even if you already keep a daily journal!
There are no written rules that say you can't keep more than one journal! Even if you don't want to commit writing in either one everyday, I still highly recommend incorporating them when and where you can. You will find your attitude and mindset is positive, your confidence gets a boost and you will release trying to control things that are out of your hands. Sit back, relax, take five minutes to yourself and write! Your future self will thank you.
Write. Reflect. Learn. Grow.
If you are a journal lover as well, please check out my collection of guided journals that provide 100+ writing prompts in each book.
Happy Journaling!
~ Journals of Discovery