Stories and Strategies to help you manage your thoughts. Be more energetic. Build stronger connections with those you care about.
The daily reflection template
Throughout my years in college, university and the journey that followed, diaries, planners and journals have been my constant companions.
Each year I invested in these books.
Every day, I turned their crisp pages.
My focus was on productivity, organization and accountability.
Over time I noticed a transformation in how I used these tools.
Evolving with my needs, wants and experiences.
It was while leafing through Dr Rangan Chatterjees's book, “Feel Better in 5,” that I stumbled upon my third realization.
The importance of making Lifestyle Choices that bring joy.
Inspired by Dr Chatterjee, I started to include small bursts of activities into my daily routine.
This insight added a new dimension to the Self-Awareness and Relationship Dynamics I shared with you in the previous 2 emails.
- A 5-minute family movement morning session in the kitchen before breakfast.
- A 5-minute refreshing cup of tea in the garden and observing the subtle movements in nature.
- A 5-minute midnight moment of journaling. In the quiet and calm night after feeding, changing and caring for my 6-month-old baby.
 |
These 15 minutes a day were transformed into pockets of pure joy filled with bursts of energy.
Skipping one of the daily 5-minute bursts left me feeling a noticeable emptiness.
- I missed feeling hopeful
- I missed feeling inspired
- I missed feeling peaceful
- I missed feeling energetic
- I missed feeling optimistic
Subconsciously I was collecting Emotional data.
My emotions were the central part of my planning.
I was noting the patterns between my actions and my feelings.
Now my planning was not centered around productivity, organization and accountability.
Today, I make sure I have at least 2 hours a day for activities that nourish my soul.
Be it baking, long walks or heart-to-heart conversations with my sisters.
These Lifestyle Choices are what make each day truly fulfilling.
To reshape your day around emotions that bring you joy, start by taking an audit of your day.
Observe the activities that uplift you vs those that drain you.
Collect Emotional data.
Find patterns.
Design your days.
This audit isn’t just about what you do, but how you feel.
To help you on your journey, I've created “The Daily Reflection Template.”
It’s a step-by-step guide.
This tool will guide you in auditing your day.
You can download “The Daily Reflection Template” here.
As we conclude this 3-part email series, I’d love to hear from you.
What topics would you like me to explore next?
Your input is invaluable in crafting content that enriches and empowers us all.
Until the next email, take a moment to reflect on your daily activities.
Warm Regards
Khatija
P.S. Remember, it's often the small steps that lead to the most significant changes. If you're ready to explore your Lifestyle Choices, download “The Daily Reflection Template” and start your emotional audit today.
Mindful Life Insights
Stories and Strategies to help you manage your thoughts. Be more energetic. Build stronger connections with those you care about.
Dear Reader I love simple systems. I have a system for: laundry weekly meals keeping a tidy (nearly) home And because of these systems, I can free up time to do the things that bring me joy: writing, learning, and creating visuals. But lately… I’ve been struggling. And I couldn’t figure out why. So I did what I always do: I slowed down. Checked in with my emotions. And listened to what was really going on The truth? The stress from work followed me everywhere. Like a teething toddler tugging...
Dear Reader The school year begins. It’s Tuesday morning, and like most days, I’m up before the kids. My Morning routine is nearly done: ✅ Hydrated✅ Prayed☐ Walk to school I feel calm, energised, and focused for the day ahead. Soon, all the kids are up… Except my 5-year-old. It’s 7:45 a.m.We’re sitting at the dining table for breakfast.We’ve got 40 minutes (plenty of time) before school drop-off. Then I spot my little one, ever so slowly dragging himself downstairs. He slides into his chair...
It’s a typical Monday morning. And here I am settling into what I call my “green zone.” My peak productivity hours. Highest energy in the day. Where I aim to complete one important task. But today feels different. I’m tired, unfocused and perplexed. The remains of a vibrant but late night still lingering. This newsletter you are reading right now? Almost didn't happen. With a blank screen in front of me. And an equally empty mind. I struggle to find inspiration. Then it struck me. Why not...