Gratitude Journal
This month I propose we start a Gratitude Journal.
We have spoken about Gratitude in our past monthly focus, however we have never made it a point to journal.
Gratitude Journals can help us in many ways, like lowering stress levels and giving you a sense of calm and a whole new level of clarity.
You’ll learn about yourself in the process and gain a fresh perspective that allows you to recognise blessings in disguise.
As you continue the practice you’ll be able to focus your time and energy according to the things that truly make you the happiest version of yourself.
Here are some tips to make journalling a reality;
- Set aside time for writing; Choose a time that is realistic – e.g. before bed, or while you have your morning coffee. The goal is to try to make it a habit, so include it at a time that feels easy to achieve. This way you won’t see it as an extra chore. Choosing to journal at night before you sleep is a nice way to feel calm and happy before you fall asleep. It can be done daily or weekly, as long as it’s done on regular basis so you can notice the benefits.
2. Tips for writing; If you feel stuck you can use prompts for writing like
-
- Write about a time you were grateful for something someone did for you?
- List the funny little things you love about what your kids do?
- What is something about you that makes you unique?
- Looking out the window, what is something you’re grateful for outside?
- If you had to give up all possessions, what would be 3 things you’d keep and why?
- Pick a radon photo, and write about why you’re grateful for that memory.
- Write about something in your life you have now, that you didn’t have one year ago.
- Write about something you’re looking forward to.
- Write about something you have learned, that you’re grateful for.
- Think about a time you laughed till you cried, write about that.
- List 3 things that made you smile this week.
- Think about a person who helped shaped the person you are today, & what they mean to you.
- List 3 people who helped you through a tough situation.
- Name someone who did something nice for you, unprompted
3. Fresh topics to write about ; If you’ve been writing for a while and get stuck, you can start looking at things from different perspectives.
Eg If you’ve written about how grateful you are for your spouse, you can write about how you’re grateful for the way your spouse treats other people.
- Ideas to write about
- Recent change in your life
- A family tradition
- A struggle you’re facing
- A recent accomplishment
- something new you learned recently
- You can write about other people;
-
- A person you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Someone who lives far away
- Someone you have a hard time getting along with.
- A stranger who brightened your day
- You can also write about things;
- Your morning coffee
- Your job
- Your favourite food
- The things you use daily
- Your body
- Your sense of smell, sight etc.
- The hobbies you have and enjoy
- You can write about palces
- The city you live in
- Holidays you’ve been on
- Destinations you have travelled to
- Your hometown
- Your bed
- Your desk at work
3. You’re only limited by your imagination; The good thing about the gratitude journal is there are no rules. You can even get others involved with you. Make it a family affair!
Have you done a gratitude journal before ?
If so what was it like, what benefits did you notice, if any?
Keep me posted if you do it for the first time and place a comment in the comment box and or in the Facebook group to let me know how you go.
Lots of love
Em xo
‘Gratitude is the highest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even lie ti express gratitude for ‘ – Zig Ziglar
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