2022

I love that the end of the year provides a natural time for reflection. This year, with what feels like increasing turbulence in the world, I have been thinking a lot about the concept of the Gap: the permanent difference between the Actual and the Ideal. While the Ideal can provide a source of inspiration and motivation, it is also a cause of our exhaustion because the more we accomplish, the more we push out the goal posts. In effect, we are always chasing the unattainable.

This year's book, The Five Minute Journal, is a tool designed for all of us who spend more time than we'd like in the Gap. Produced by a company called Intelligent Change, The Five Minute Journal was created on the premise: When you view your world with an attitude of gratitude, you're training yourself to focus on the good in life. Coupled with an inspirational quote, the book provides a simple and surprisingly fun guide to jot down a few things we are grateful for each day. True to the title, it takes less than five minutes to complete.

I have been using The Five Minute Journal nearly every morning for over a year. I find the ritual of starting my day reflecting on the people and experiences I am fortunate to have in my life sets the tone to create a much more positive outlook. In addition, this practice is making it easier to look backwards with a sense of accomplishment for progress made rather than only focusing on how much more there is to do. Hopefully, this journal can become a similarly beneficial part of your daily routine.