"“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
- Robert Brault
I woke up this morning with a heavy heart, just like many other people across the world. As I get older, I have become more aware of the fact that tragedies often prompt people to reflect on their own lives in a deeper way. In the midst of grief and sadness, a lot of us turn to the people, places, and things that bring us comfort. We find ourselves holding our loved ones closer, and being thankful for all we have. I am definitely one of those people. In my time of reflection, I realized from here on out I want to take a moment every day to reflect on the good, to be more kind to everyone I come in contact with, to not take anything or anyone for granted, and to not let negativity win.
Life is too short, and we have to make the most out of each day.
When I first started pop nourish I was posting weekly about my favorite product that week, and I have an ongoing list of items I want to share with you all. One of those things on my list is The Five Minute Journal, and it feels like the perfect time to write about it. My dad gifted me this journal almost 4 years ago, and as someone who loves prompts and journaling this was a perfect gift for me. I actually don't have the physical journal with me here in Sweden right now, but I have taken the concept of that journal and I make my own lists when I remember. What I love about The Five Minute Journal is that is makes you think of "small" joys that may otherwise be overlooked if you weren't physically writing about them. My goal for 2020 is to make gratitude a part of my daily routine, and a great way for me to do this is to become diligent in filling out The Five Minute Journal every day.
Here is an example of what each day looks like:
Here is my answers for today, January 27, 2020:
I am grateful for...
1. My husband
2. Coffee
3. The ability to have instant communication with my family in Colorado
What would make today great?
1. If I could get a blog post out
2. Find good dinners to make this week using some ingredients we already have at home
3. Move my body- whether its a workout at home, a walk, or going to the gym
Daily affirmation. I am...
I am in control, and I am capable of getting things done.
Three amazing things that happened today...
1. Grocery shopping with Markus, one of my favorite parts of the week
2. I found a new dinner recipe I think we both will love
3. I made a to do list/game plan for the week and I am feeling motivated and prepared
To some, grocery shopping may seem boring and more of a chore, but to me it is something I look forward to every week. Coffee may seem like a silly thing to be grateful for, but for me I look forward to it every morning because I find it comforting, and I use that time to wake up and think about the day ahead of me. There are no wrong answers to this journal, you are free to write about WHATEVER makes you happy no matter how big or small. I also love that there is a section that prompts you to look back and find something good about your day.
Gratitude plays a huge role in our mental health and how we approach each day. One major thing I have learned in my studies is that if our mental health is out of whack, then our physical health suffers too. I know for me personally, I truly feel the difference when I am approaching days with positivity vs the days I feel negatively towards everything. Like I said above, my goal for 2020 is to really focus on the good and express gratitude towards my life, my family, my journey, my health, etc.
I encourage you to buy The Five Minute Journal, or at least take time out of your day to write down something (or someone) you are grateful for, and something good that happened to you that day.
I would love to hear what you are thankful for today, leave me a comment letting me know!
xo.
Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash
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