Conversation Corner - Embrace 'The Done List' and Celebrate Accomplishments

Jack and Jill met at their favourite coffee shop.

‘Hey Jill, have you tried turning your passive journal entries into active reflections?’ Jack said, flipping open his journal.

Jill took a sip of her coffee. ‘Yes, I have! It’s incredible how much more depth and meaning I get from my entries now. How about you?’ she said, looking over the rim of her mug.

‘I’ve started doing it too,’ Jack said. ‘I took a quick note I made about having lunch with an old friend and turned it into a full reflection. I wrote about what I appreciated about the experience and how it made me feel. It really helped me see the significance of that moment.’

‘That sounds wonderful,’ Jill said, smiling. ‘I did something similar with a photo I took of my dog. Instead of just admiring the photo, I wrote about the setting, my feelings at that moment, and why it was significant to me. It made the memory so much richer.’

‘I love that approach,’ Jack said. ‘I also took my shopping list and thought about how each item would be used in recipes and how those meals would make my family feel. It added a whole new layer of gratitude to a simple task.’

‘Exactly,’ Jill said, placing her mug on the table. ‘Active journaling helps us see the deeper value in everyday activities. It turns simple notes and lists into meaningful reflections.’

‘And it’s not just about the past,’ Jack said. ‘It’s also helping me be more mindful and present in the moment. I’m more aware of the things I’m grateful for as they happen.’

‘That’s so true,’ Jill said. ‘I’ve noticed that as well. It’s like a mindfulness practice. By actively engaging with our journaling, we’re training our minds to notice and appreciate the good things in our lives.’

Jack smiled. ‘I’m glad we’re on this journey together, Jill. It’s making a big difference for me.’

‘Me too, Jack,’ Jill said, lifting her journal. ‘Here’s to turning passive journaling into active reflections and all the gratitude it brings.’

‘Cheers to that,’ Jack said, raising his journal. ‘Let’s keep exploring and growing together.’