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Gratitude Journal

What exactly is a gratitude journal, and why should you keep one?

By Amber LoguePublished 2 years ago 4 min read
14

Have you ever heard of or tried to keep a thankfulness journal? If so, how did it go? Even if this is a novel technique for you, we guarantee that after one try, you'll be hooked and want to continue writing down things you're grateful for daily.

On certain days, you may be extraordinarily upbeat and in love with your life; but this is not always the case. There are certain days when it appears as though there is simply too much to deal with. In any event, keeping a thankfulness journal can be beneficial as we move forward. When we see it every day, it serves as a constant reminder of the things in our lives for which we are grateful.

What is its mode of operation?

When it comes to keeping a gratitude journal, there is no specific formula or procedure. Purchase a spiral ring or another notebook, as well as a pen or pencil, for as little as $1 (or one euro or one pound), and you're done! Select a time of day that is most convenient for you. It should be a period during which you are free to reflect on the world around you without being interrupted.

What is the best way to get started?

Find a peaceful spot to sit, as well as a quiet time to sit there. My preferred method of starting the day is by writing in my journal, but I know others who like to conclude the day by reflecting on the great things that happened to them. Important to note is that this is not your regular journal where you may scribble down all your troubles for the day. You will benefit from keeping a journal since it will offer you the discipline and opportunity to concentrate on the positive aspects of your experience. I try to find at least eight things to be thankful for each day, which may be too many or too few for you depending on your circumstances. You can write as much as you like, but I think that having a little numbered list handy is always beneficial.

What if I am unable to come up with anything for which I am thankful?

You might want to create a mental checklist to help you keep track of the things you want to remember for the day. It could be something as simple as watching your daffodils bloom for the first time in your garden in the early spring months. It could be in response to an uplifting sermon you heard at your place of worship or a fantastic podcast you discovered on the internet, for example. It could be because of the unexpected support supplied by a neighbor, friend, or even a stranger. Maybe it's the sound of birds singing to each other as the sun rises in the sky! It's possible that you appreciate the sensation of a smooth cloth against your skin for this reason. It could be for a youngster who was enraged with the world to burst out laughing. I am grateful for my cozy bed, which keeps me warm and comfortable, and for the beautiful therapeutic waters in the shower. Simply write whatever comes to mind, from the tiniest detail to the boldest and most dramatic statement.

Keep a gratitude journal for everyone who you think will benefit from it.

It is possible that almost every member of the family might benefit from keeping a gratitude journal. Give each member of the family a notebook or assist them in selecting a notebook for their journal. Artistic individuals may find it enjoyable to personalize the cover of their journal with their own artwork. Even a four-year-old could create a daily post by sketching an image that represented the day's activities. Possibly you have a family member who will express their gratitude in the form of poetry or hip-hop. Another member of the family may opt to document their daily thankfulness via the use of photographs. Photographs of a location, an animal, or a loved one.

When should you keep a gratitude journal and what are the benefits?

A gratitude journal is kept by many successful people. What you give your attention to in life is what you will get in return for it. If you keep your attention on the negative, you will continue to experience negativity. By keeping this journal, you are forcing yourself to sit and reflect without interruption at least once a day, on things to be grateful for, even if it is only for 5 minutes at a time. It heightens your sense of awareness of your surroundings and makes you more watchful of your environment. This gratitude journal may also assist you in putting yourself in a good mood.

It takes discipline to start a new behavior pattern and stick with it. Make a commitment to writing in your notebook every day for at least 21 days to establish a habit and something from which you may actually profit. A new habit takes approximately 21 days to develop, according to experts. These diaries may prove to be an excellent tool for improving family communication. For example, perhaps once a week, each family member could bring his or her journal to dinner and share a couple of entries from the previous week that had a special meaning to them.

If you're having a particularly bad day and feel as though you have nothing to be thankful for, be thankful that you kept a journal and look back over the pages of prior entries to remind yourself how appreciative and fortunate you are.

Blessings. x

mental health
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About the Creator

Amber Logue

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