Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash.
Please note that this is not a sponsored or affiliated post. The Five Minute Journal is an excellent gratitude-based journal to utilize, even on your most demanding days.
There it was, my light pink journal, resting on the corner of my desk with only a few pages—one to three at most—filled in. Some prompts remained unfinished or untouched, waiting for words to bring them to life. I have had The Five Minute Journal for about 2 years now. This journal was a gift from Victoria’s Secret PINK’s collegiate program, received during my final year of earning my Bachelor’s degree. I didn’t use it much. It ended up in the pile of self-reflection journals that I told myself that I would one day use. Well, shockingly to myself… that “one day” actually came.
On a random day, I was backed by my need to connect better with myself. This need became clear to me during a selfless encounter with a friend. Together, we both experienced some difficult and unpleasant moments. We have also shared many beautiful and healing moments together as we navigate young adulthood. Navigating our shared experiences with endless conversations only brought us closer together through tons of reflection. Talks with this friend always led us to connecting on something much greater than the world of uncertainties and plot twists. It was our calling in life to nurture the minds of others with greatness and instill the importance of learning and building beautiful connections.
This friend of mine gave me their copy of one of their new self-reflection journals to have. My first thought was, “I am so grateful for this; they’re so thoughtful. But will I actually stay committed?” As much as I loved this journal, it often felt a bit overwhelming. I would pick it up every now and then, but staying consistent was a challenge. But the key takeaway was that they shared how journaling once felt superficial, until one day, their feelings began to flow naturally. That turning point gave me the confidence to dive back into journaling.
After reaching a point of living life on auto-pilot with no true self-reflection, I decided to take on committing to writing daily in The Five Minute Journal. I quickly learned that in order to understand myself, I must feed my spirit with more understanding. I told myself that I owed myself 5 minutes a day of reflection at the very least. Some days were packed with chaos, while some were more simple. What made this journal different from all the others is its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s quick, yet it allows for meaningful reflection without feeling overwhelming.
After two months of consistent journaling, I discovered a deeper level of self-reflection. I realized that each day holds something unique, even in its quieter moments—like a heartfelt conversation with a friend or the simple beauty of a sunset painting the sky. Some days, it’s about taking a step back to determine how to move forward. It’s about finding healthy ways to bring excitement into life and living with intention, ensuring life doesn’t pass by without gratification, positive affirmation, and small victories. It’s about recognizing that life is vast and beautiful—and sometimes ugly. Ultimately, it’s about unlearning and relearning, embracing the knowledge and growth that come from investing in oneself and others. That, in essence, is what living is all about.
Before journaling, there was a lack of self-awareness. I often found myself filling my planner with tasks, keeping busy as a way to avoid confronting the deeper issues I was facing. I decided to take a step back and fully embrace my current life, paying attention to everything from my daily habits to how I showed up for myself and others, and all the small details of simply existing.
After journaling, I learned to sit with my thoughts more intentionally. I began asking myself, “Is this making me feel good? If so, why? If not, why?” It allowed me to be honest with myself and find ways to continuously seek the good.
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this article, it is the importance of giving yourself at least 5 minutes each morning and evening to reflect—whether through writing, reading, physical movement, or meditation. Take note of your thoughts along the way, and with time, look back on how far you’ve come.
Why The Five Minute Journal?
- This journal is perfect for busy days. No matter how packed your schedule is, the simple yet impactful prompts make it easy to jot down a sentence or two.
- It’s highly portable. With its light, airy, and compact design, it fits comfortably into any purse or bag.
- Daily quotes and affirmations contribute to long-term well-being, helping to set a positive tone for a mentally fulfilling day beyond the usual routine.
During uncertain and challenging times, remember to pour into yourself. Share this article with those you care about, and together, let’s embrace who we are and find strength in growing through life’s hardships.
“Attention is the Beginning of Devotion” – Mary Oliver, Writer/Poet (1939-2019)
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