



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 awhile: 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.)
Available in blue and gray (I snagged the gray but in five years plan to nab the blue), 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 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 5 [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 5 or 6 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.
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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
Promising review: "This book honestly changed my life. A co-worker gave me a copy about 5 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 4 years ago, at this point, as I'm on the 5th of 5 years in the current book. I will be ordering one soon to take me through the next 5 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
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. 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 makes me remember the day and gives me the good perspective of time. Highly recommend!" — Erica A
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
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 travelling and the gold detailing on the page edges adds an extra special touch and makes having this on my side table look great" — Natalie
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
Promising review: "This is my third 5-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 new perspective after a few years. I highly recommend" — Amazon Customer
Promising review: "This 5 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 color - navy with cream pages and a ribbon place marker. I am really pleased with it." — Erica
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