Many of us have just spent several days recalling all of the blessings in our lives. It makes us feel good inside to realize how fortunate we are. So, doesn't it make sense that doing so on a daily basis would have an even greater positive effect? If you agree, now is a great time to start a gratitude journal.
I have kept a gratitude journal for years. While I usually write in it religiously, I have had times where I struggle to get to it once a week. I can honestly say when I write consistently, it helps me be more positive and focused. A typical entry consists of a list of 5 things I'm grateful for that day. Sometimes that comes out in paragraphs, sometimes in a single word or sentence for each item. I have a pretty great life, so there are often many more things that come to mind than five. However, on rougher days, I really have to dig in to come up with one, much less five things. On those day, I challenge myself to go beyond listing the obvious "my home" "my family" "my kids"...although I will admit there are days when having five kids to list separately comes in handy. :) I digress. On the tough days, I really try to get a little deeper and remember the kind stranger that held the door for me...the unexpected text from a friend just saying hello...a particularly tender or funny moment with one of the kids...the silver lining that the repair man I had to call could actually repair whatever broke and it doesn't need to be replaced...or maybe just being grateful I didn't run into anyone I knew in the grocery that night because my bad day was written all over me. It's an effective alternative to a pity party.
What does any of this have to being organized? Great question. Journaling (gratitude or otherwise) forces you to take a little time to sort your thoughts. This alone means that you aren't letting chaos rule your world (at least for a little while).
Okay, ready to get started? My advice, keep it simple. Any old notebook will do, or if you want a special journal, you can find them nearly anywhere. Just make sure the pages are not predated...this is a guilt free exercise and beating yourself up because you missed a day is SO not the point. Don't put too many rules around it. Write when you can. If 5 words is all you have time for...don't feel bad, celebrate! You did it! Five is too many? Write one thing every day. One thing, one word, one sentence. Just something that you are grateful for. I would venture to guess it will change your outlook and perhaps your gratitude journal will even make the list one day of things you are grateful for!
