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.

Read more from Mindful Life Insights

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...

It’s 3.15 pm on a Wednesday and I am in the school playground. The usual buzz of children filled the air. As I wait to pick up my kids. My 7-year-old walk towards me. Her small face clouded with sadness. As a mother, I feel an ache in my heart. I kneel to her level and ask her how she is doing. Giving her space yet staying present. Sensing the stress within her. I'm here to help her navigate through her emotions. Our walk home is quiet. Her silence, her lips pulled down, and her marching...

Last night I found myself reflecting on a recent memory that unfolded a few Saturdays ago. It was a simple experience. One that weaves into our ongoing journey of self-awareness and emotional well-being. My sister, visiting from London with her family brought along the excitement for a long-awaited cousins’ weekend. After a delightful dinner, she revealed sleek black velvet parcels from her handbag. And she presented them to my daughters. This was more than just a gift. It was a moment to be...