Customer Reviews

The 5 Year Journal

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I waited some time before purchasing this book, and was pleased to see the format and directions. I'll keep using it, but I'm dissapointed in the quality of the paper and binding. Although it's only a month old, I took it to the Cape (but not the beach!) and it buckled in humidity. I have a dozen journals, and my favorites now are soft-bound leather covered, with fine paper. Even though it is hardbound, The Artist's Way Journal (Julia Cameron) has held up better for me (hardbound) over 6 years and many trips than this has in one month.

this journal is a fantastic idea except it's a little too structured for someone who's, i don't know... artsy. if you want something similar that promotes the same sort of stuff except in a more relaxed, pro-creativity and fun way, i absolutely love and adore my SARK journal. in fact, you can buy it here, but for some reason amazon doesn't bring it up if you search under "blank book" or "journal," and that's just really silly. so you need to search under "sark"... anyways, if you're someone who wants to just collect your thoughts and save them up, really, this blank book is great. but, if you're buying a journal for someone who writes big and loopy, who loves color and drama and silliness, who smiles a lot and acts sorta goofy- go for the sark one. they will adore it. it's just darling...

If you're like me, and have always dreamt of keeping a journal, but feel you just don't have the time (let alone have any idea where to start!) The 5 Year Journal is for you.

The 5 Year Journal is unlike any other journal I've seen, and since I used to work in a bookstore, I've seen quite a few! Unlike most journals, this one is organized by date - not year. For example, on one page you will see July 5th for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Because of this, you can compare where you are at this day to where you were at exactly a year ago. It's pretty neat! Also, you only have 3 lines to fill, which is really easy for those of us who look at a journal and think "what the heck can I write". Doreene not only gives great samples in the journal, but she also continues to give you ideas and samples through a free online newsletter offered at her website. This really is a no fail journal. (take it from one who knows!)

I have tried for years to adopt the habit of keeping a daily journal. But the task felt overwhelming and I'd quit after a few days. I heard about The 5 Year Journal from a friend and bought one a year ago. I absolutely love it and have had no trouble keeping it up-to-date.

There are instructions in the book to help you get started, and the space for entries is just big enough to allow me to jot down my thoughts without challenging me to fill an entire page with the details of the day.

If you are already diligent about keeping a diary this book won't be roomy enough for you. But I recommend it to anyone who'd like to be able to keep a daily record but doesn't want the job to become too big.

... First Things First. I am in a 12-Step program that requires me to journal each and every night before going to sleep. The process involves a review of my day, and takes a hard and honest look at my behaviors and thoughts for the past day. The task, before using The Five Year Journal, was difficult and lengthy. It was a task that I needed to do, but never looked forward to doing. It was drudgery at its best. I'd always asked myself, "Do I really have to do this tonight?" "Can I get away with skipping a night?" and "I'll do it tomorrow." These are the thoughts and feelings I had whenever it came time to journal my day.

When I opened ¡§The Five Year Journal¡¨ by Doreene Clement and looked at the examples of journal entries I was amazed at how simple they were. Simple, but not half measures. I realized that through this book I could complete my journal entries very simply, using fewer words, but not doing a shortcut in the process. The Five Year Journal has been a valuable tool to use, but even more than this, it is a task that I now look forward to doing. The neat part about ¡§The Five Year Journal¡¨ is the fact that I can easily go back to past days, weeks, months, and years to experience and absorb the growth and wisdom gained through the process of writing and journaling.

In synopsis, The Five Year Journal has been a true gift to my 12-Step program, and my desire to write, journal, and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe that trying to look inside oneself without writing/journaling, is like trying to see oneself without a mirror. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for insight into self, and growth beyond imagination ...

I love this journal! I received it as a gift from a dear friend (God Bless her!) and it has truly been a godsend. Writing in it is relaxing since there's no pressure to have to fill up an entire page. I just write a few lines about the most important thing/event/thought/feeling of the day, and that's it. I also really like the fact that it is printed on acid-free paper and will last for 100 years. This way I can pass it on to my children and they can pass it on to theirs. I highly recommend this journal to all!

i received this journal for my birthday and at first it seemed like a fabulous concept -- 5 years' worth of thoughts within one little book! the way it works is you get 3 or 4 lines per day and an end-of-month/beginning-of-month reflection. well, that's fine and dandy if you're having a day that doesn't require much elaboration. but if you're going through a really wonderful or horrible period, chances are you might like to ramble on for a couple pages. hey, it's cheaper than therapy :-) anyhow, i don't get a lot of use out of this book. i just prefer more space to freely write.

I am enjoying using the journal. It is light weight, easy to carry, and easy to use.

On one page I've written my daily current thoughts and experiences, in summary form. I am looking forward to years from now when all those days and all those thoughts will become the keepsake of memories that I am presently creating evey day.

The workbook sections look very interesting and thought provoking. I have not used them yet, but will soon.

I recommend this book as a gift or esp. just for you. There are also instructions and ideas about journaling that were very helpful.

I rate this journal 5 stars for the absolute positive affect the FIVE YEAR JOURNAL is having on me. I am not a touchy-feely type, nor an arts and crafts type up until now. Something in my gut tells me to work more on the right side of my brain and Doreene's journal is truly helping me do this. All you macho businessmen out there need to do this. You will be genuinely surprised at what you write down in your journal each day. Journaling helps you stay on track with your goals better than anything before. That includes daytimers and Franklin day planners. You will learn a great deal about your mysterious self.
And it's fun too.

Tim Twomey
Professional Engineer.
Berkeley, CA, January 2003

This book has been a great friend to me.It allows me to express my deepest feelings and emotions without being judged. This friend helped me through the most difficult time in my life. To be honest, I can hardly wait to see where I'm at five years from now and how far I've come. My companion is there for me every night, without fail. It accompanies me on trips and waits for me to get home at the end of a day. I've never journaled before this book, and now I can say I'm glad I started, I can't image my life without.