Today we're featuring Jessy, a health educator from Portland, Oregon. She suffered from a major, traumatic brain injury and used the Start Today Journal to find gratitude in her daily life. See what she has to say about using the journal below!

How long have you used the Start Today Journal? 

I started this practice and the journal when they were first released in 2018. I have done it since then daily!

How has the Start Today Journal changed your life?

Every morning, I do my Start Today Journal. It's helped me remember my goals every day. It gives me something to accomplish as I write it down daily. I love it, I believe in it, and I share it with others. This process works! 

For example, when I write down daily that I have $25K in savings, it helps me remember not to go buy something unnecessary off Amazon or buy that shirt I don’t really need. I may want it, but do I need it?

Have you crossed any goals off in your Start Today Journal?

• We don't have a mortgage.

After my accident and going down to one income, not having a mortgage became a priority. We sold our house and bought a new one that was much cheaper. This goal is also helping me work towards one of my next goals: owning two or three rental homes!

• I found the perfect job in the TBI and brain injury world.

I did it and I got the job! Huge for me!

• I don't drink soda. 

I participated in the Last 90 Days Challenge from October to December and wrote this in my journal every day. I haven’t had soda for six months because of that practice. I don’t want it or need it now! 

• I don't eat fast food. 

This goal was also in my Last 90 Days Journal. It works! There are many more, too!

What's something surprising you've found since using the Start Today Journal?

The one thing I found surprising was that...it works! At first, I thought it was silly, but after having a brain injury, loss of memory, and other issues, the Start Today Journal is such a great way to start my day.

The journal helped me shift my perspective to find gratitude every day, which has been so helpful for me after a traumatic, life-changing accident. After having a brain injury, I find gratitude no matter what. Yes, some days it’s hard and I have trouble finding it, so then it’s simple like, "I am alive. I woke up today."

Who would you recommend the journal to?

I'd recommend the journal to anyone who has goals and wants to accomplish them. It’s easy to talk about goals and post about them, but it’s even more motivating to write them daily, so you're constantly reminded of them!

Thanks so much to Jessy who graciously shared her experience with us! Share yours with us by using #STJDreamCatcher in your photos on Instagram or submit your story to us to be featured on the blog!