Lately, I’ve found myself wrestling with the feeling that time is moving faster than I can keep track of. Add to that a disquieting sense that days, months, and even years seem to blur together. There’s no halting time — countless anecdotes and pop culture references attest to this (not to mention science).
But I’ve been in search of a way to be more present in my daily life so that rapid-fire time passing slows even a little bit. I’ve found a solution in a product and practice that I’m convinced is one of the best purchases (and decisions) I’ve made in a while: A five-year journal . Each daily page is divided into five short sections for you to fill in on that date for the next five years.
When you reach that date again the following year, you revisit the day’s previous entries — and see what you were up to that day, rediscovering forgotten moments and reflecting on how your life has changed since. When I was looking for the right five-year journal to invest in for myself, I explored a multitude of options. I was struck by the reviews I read: People wrote that their five-year journal helped them stay sane amidst difficult life changes and served as a respite, that it helped them recognize their growth year-to-year, and that it actually helped time slow down.
I’ve absolutely found that to be the case for myself: Writing just a few lines a day has helped me appreciate the small moments in my life, helped set each day apart from the last and encouraged me to reflect more intentionally, but in a low-pressure way. I ended up choosing this clothbound, pinstriped five-year journal with a minimalist yet nostalgic design that fits my casual style. (I don’t think I could’ve gone wrong with any version, however; reviewers raved about every five-year journal I checked out, and frankly, I’ve never seen a product type maintain such high reviews across different designs and brands.
) It blends in easily with my other notebooks and books, giving me peace of mind that it won’t attract snooping. It’s small and sturdy, perfect for throwing in a bag on the go or for traveling with. Plus, it has pages in the back for recording books you read and places you travel.
Its built-in red ribboned bookmark is a nice touch, too (one that I’ve ended up appreciating more than I expected). The real fun, according to reviewers, begins after the first year, when you get to read your old passages: “Once you hit year two, it’s extremely rewarding,” writes a reviewer named Meagan . “You can see five [years] of your life, daily and compare from year to year.
” I’ve also found that it’s easier for me to keep up with this journal than with regular journals since there’s only space for me to write about two or three sentences. “The fact that it only has five or six lines a day takes a lot of pressure off,” agrees one reviewer . If I still have more to say after those few sentences, I can keep writing in a regular notebook.
I sometimes wish there were more lines available, but that’s the point of the five-year journal: You only get so much space, so you choose how to use it. As one reviewer writes, I “only wish I had begun writing in these diaries much earlier.” And I can’t wait to gift them to friends: It’s “my go-to gift item for any occasion,” writes a reviewer named Bree Mae .
“Everyone is always intrigued and excited to try it out.” We’ve found some other great options for you to peruse, including a three-year style, other five-year designs, and versions for parents to write a bit about their children every day. Read on for more.
1. Another popular five-year journal with over 8,000 5-star ratings This elegant option has gold-edged pages, a built-in ribbon bookmark, and a stately blue cover. Promising review: "This is now my third one-line-a-day book.
I love being able to share a quick snippet of my day to keep for future memories. The book is durable, compact, and comes with far less pressure than a traditional journal." — Mag0925 Get it from Amazon for $11.
13 . 2. A version from The Happiness Project This happiness-oriented style includes daily quotes to inspire reflections about life and joy, plus a handy ribbon place marker.
Promising review: "This book honestly changed my life. A coworker gave me a copy about five years ago. With the exception of two weeks while I was studying for the bar exam (joy!), I have written something in it every single day.
When I started, I was in a job (that I'd had for 14 years) that I was really dissatisfied with, so the notes weren't always nice or funny. They certainly weren't all happy. Since then, after moving on to two different jobs over the course of three years, first with a firm and then on my own as a solo attorney, I have noticed how my posts have turned around and are almost always happy posts.
I can look back every day and see what I was doing four years ago, at this point, as I'm on the fifth of five years in the current book. I will be ordering one soon to take me through the next five years. I hope that, when I'm much older, I can look back on my notes and giggle, knowing I've made it to the other side — happiness.
" — chetsbabe Get it from Amazon for $13.03 (also available in paperback). 3.
A five-year style journal infused with artwork This five-year book features gold accents and illustrations designed by popular stationer Moglea. It has mod-inspired artwork on every page, plus gilded edges. Promising review: "I’ve always wanted to journal but hate the time and actually just hate writing! But limiting it to just a few sentences has helped a ton, and I’ve actually kept up with it.
I love how beautiful the cover is and LOVE the gold-trimmed pages. I didn’t realize this when I bought it, but it might be my favorite thing, lol. Having it look so pretty on my nightstand makes me want to keep doing it.
Also I realized I forgot a lot even though I have a good memory. So, just a few sentences make me remember the day and give me a good perspective of time. Highly recommend!" — Erica A Get it from Amazon for $14.
73 . 4. A version for moms Caregivers can use this gold-edged journal for recording their child's daily moments — or for memorializing their experience as a parent or grandparent.
Promising review: "The Mom's One Line a Day writing book has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. Even after three years, I continue to make a conscious effort to write in it every single day. Some days may be filled with more excitement than others, but the beauty lies in capturing those simple moments and memories.
I eagerly anticipate the day when I can look back and reflect on what life was like when my kids were babies and toddlers. This book serves as a precious time capsule, allowing me to revisit those cherished moments and emotions. It's incredible how quickly time passes, and having a dedicated space to record snippets of each day ensures that these precious memories are not forgotten.
I highly recommend this book to all moms who wish to create a tangible keepsake that captures the essence of their motherhood journey." — R Get it from Amazon for $14.74 .
5. A question and answer style For folks who prefer a guided approach, this Q&A journal spans five years. It has one question for you to answer each day, and you can see how your answers change over the years.
Promising review: "This book is brilliant. I originally bought it as a present but they loved it so much I got an extra one for myself and have even had to purchase a second as I completed the first book. The questions range from funny to thought-provoking and are a great way to check in with yourself and see the developments over the years.
The book itself is a perfect size to put in your bag if traveling, and the gold detailing on the page edges adds an extra special touch and makes having this on my side table look great." — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $8.68 .
6. A three-year style from popular stationer Midori This three-year option provides a little more space to write due to its shorter timeframe. It includes some Japanese text but is mainly in English.
It's also available in a five-year version with a black cover . Promising review: "Another great Midori product. The paper is a little thinner than in their standard notebooks but still fountain pen-friendly.
It’s great for taking short daily notes and then being able to reflect back on and see your progress year by year. The cover is beautiful blue canvas and comes in an elegant red box. Great gift for anyone who loves to write.
" — Sylwia Get the light blue cover version from Amazon for $24.45 or the brown cover version for $23.79 .
7. A rainbow five-year option This style's colorful pages are sure to delight with artwork by painter Kindah Khalidy. Promising review: "This is my third five-year diary.
Because it's only a few lines each day, it's easy to fill out. After your first year through, it's fun to read back over the same date in years past. Even difficult or sad memories are seen with a new perspective after a few years.
I highly recommend." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $15.52 or from Bookshop for $15.
76 (originally $16.95). 8.
Another minimalist version from Letts This smart and simple five-year book contains a notes and contacts section at the end, a built-in pocket (!), and a 10-year planner page. Promising review: "This five-year diary/calendar is delightful to look at and not too big but with enough space for my notes each day. It's a lovely navy color with cream pages and a ribbon place marker.
I am really pleased with it." — Erica Get it from Amazon in navy for $27.63 or in red for $25.
80 . 9. A canvas style Minimalists might also appreciate this canvas-covered journal, which has a handy ribbon bookmark and bright, easy-to-read pages.
Promising review: "I like the simplicity and aesthetic of this book. Easy to write in and small enough to pack with you when traveling. It is so fun to look back on previous years and what you were doing that day.
" — BobbieJo Get it from Amazon for $14.26 or from Bookshop for $15.76 (originally $16.
95). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity..
