Dear Readers,

As it’s still early January 2025, I think it’s fair to wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope your year has started on a high note.

My New Year’s celebration was wonderful. I took some time to relax, reflect on the past year, and begin planning for what’s to come in 2025.

I have some exciting plans ahead, including travel, comedy, and even traveling for comedy! Alongside these adventures, I have two major exams this year that I’m determined to pass. I’ve been working hard on my studies every day to prepare.

One of my key resolutions this year is to stay present and focused on the now. I often find myself thinking too much about the future, and when I do, time has a way of slipping away. Time, after all, is a non-refundable currency. This year, I’m being intentional about how I spend it. I’ve decided to stop giving my time to people or situations I find unimportant. Life is too short to waste energy on negativity or toxic people, so I block them out—I simply don’t want that kind of energy in my life.

As part of this effort to stay present, I’ve been working on building better habits, including improving my journaling routine. Despite knowing how beneficial journaling can be, I’ve struggled to maintain the habit for more than two or three months. Recently, though, I discovered the Five-Minute Journal, and it has been a game changer for me.

Each morning, I spend five minutes writing down what I’m grateful for.

Here are some of my regular entries:

• I am grateful for coffee, my wonderful partner, and the comfort of a warm bed.

• I am grateful for my health and a strong, healthy body.

I also write down three things I aim to accomplish that day:

• Finish the presentation for customer XXX.

• Complete my Kanji study.

• Prepare my lunches for the week.

Finally, I set the tone for the day with a positive affirmation:

• I am a creative, curious person.

• I am a positive person, full of joy.

I do all of this before starting anything else.

In the evening, I take another five minutes to reflect on my day. I write about the highlights and what I’ve learned.

This simple routine has truly helped me focus on the day as a whole, making me more mindful and intentional in how I spend my time.

As I continue with these small but impactful changes, I’m excited to see how they shape my year. Here’s to living with intention in 2025!

Thanks for reading,

Laura xoxoxo