The benefits of gratitude journaling are well-documented. By focusing on the blessings of life rather than troubles and strife, we develop peace of mind, a sense of joy, and lowered blood pressure.
Some prefer to begin the day on a positive note. Focusing on thanksgiving first thing in the morning jump starts the mind to look for blessings throughout the day.
I list three to five things in my gratitude journal every day, each one unique rather than repeating the same ones over and over. For example, I am always thankful for health, shelter, and food. These are things I do not take for granted. But if I simply mention the items in a generic fashion, I'm more likely to go through the motions rather than truly giving thanks.
So instead, I write about being thankful for increased speed in my walking routine, or the safety of the house in the latest hailstorm, or a fun family meal filled with laughter and good food.
If your morning routine is too hectic, perhaps the lunch hour would be a better time to focus on daily thanks. Who knows... your gratitudes might help lighten an otherwise trying day.
Or after dinner might be more conducive to your schedule. Or while sitting in bed before turning out the lights.
Again, it is not when you journal that matters, but rather, the act of setting aside a few minutes to reflect on the blessings of each day.
Or after dinner might be more conducive to your schedule. Or while sitting in bed before turning out the lights.
Again, it is not when you journal that matters, but rather, the act of setting aside a few minutes to reflect on the blessings of each day.
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Up next... H is for Healing
Yes, gratitude is life changing. I kept daily gratitude journal for a really rough time in my life (at least in my perspective) and it was a blessing that got me through. It's a life choice that changes our perspective to the positive and enriches our every day. My Virtual Vineyard
ReplyDeletethat is exactly what happened to me, Val. And I agree, it does enrich our every day :)
DeleteA gratitude journal is a positive way to start the day... and a great prompt to get those creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using gratitude as a prompt for positive creative thought!
DeleteI've been trying to do this, but I always forget. I don't regularly journal. That has to be the problem... ^^
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I am rather inconsistent if I don't intentionally think about it. But that's okay... just whenever you think of it, take a few minutes and jot something down :)
DeleteYes! I like the idea of not just using the specific health and family blanket.
ReplyDeleteJanet
G is for Genesis
Yes, the generic blanket seems like a cop-out to me. But some days... that's good enough :)
DeleteI try to reflect on the things I am grateful for at the end of each day. I find this helps me to look for things through the day that I can be specific about.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea! I must admit I am not quite so mindful on an hourly basis, but I'd like to try :)
DeleteExactly! Generic isn't that effective!
ReplyDeleteI kept a daily gratitude journal for only about a week, and would add any number of items to the page... whatever came into my mind... specific things. I used to do it at night before sleeping, and it helped me get a good sleep. After a week, I didn't even need to consciously sit and start digging!
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky @ www.mysteriouskaddu.com
I do think once you consciously practice gratitude journaling, it does become more of a subconscious habit over time.
DeletePostive thoughts are a great idea for a journal. Especially the idea of being specific. Even the tiniest little things, like the ability to get Nespresso capsules in the mail ;-)
ReplyDeleteA-to-Z-er Jetgirl visiting via Forty, c'est Fantastique
:) It is often the little things that brings us the greatest happiness :)
DeleteI've only recently started a gratitude journal. Three a day at least. if I miss weeks I do tend to use generic ones to catch up sometimes. It helps me to remember what great things I get to do with great people and yes, it helps change that narrative in my head.
ReplyDeleteLovely! While it is always good to give gratitude each day, I know that always writing it down is difficult. Giving ourselves grace and just picking up again is exactly what I try to do as well.
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