The structure of a gratitude journal keeps me from complaining, comparing, condemning or criticizing and keeps me focused on the things I appreciate.
It is uplifting to go back through the gratitude journals; the diaries not so much.
Now I Keep Gratitude Journals Instead of Diaries
A gratitude journal is better than a diary you because may be tempted to record the difficult events or things that irritate you, whereas a gratitude journal will be overflowing with only good things instead. Another benefit is that you will not likely put anything in a gratitude journal that other people should not see. So the privacy element has been solved.
I am So Happy and Grateful…
This is the format I use to list the things that I am grateful for. I started with three things a day and back then it was often difficult for me to think of just three. Over the years, I have bumped it up to nine things though I often skip days and have to catch up. This habit has forced a shift in focus. Instead of collecting irritants, this perspective causes me to seek out the good things. To vibrate on a different level.
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We have all been given so much just to wake up each day with breath. Everything beyond food to eat and clothes to wear is riches. The more we receive, the more effort we need to put toward remembering how much we appreciate each thing (or give more things away). I heard someone say,
“What if you wake up tomorrow with only the things you expressed gratitude for today?
What would you have left?”
The Benefits of Keeping Gratitude Journals
Now the things that annoy me are in the background. The things I notice more quickly are the gifts in each day. This is part of the transformation of my mind as I remember each thing that happened, each gift I have already received, I become more aware of the good, pleasing and perfect things that come my way.
Gratitude Journals are Way Better than Diaries
Looking through old gratitude journals is another gift. As you go back in time, you can see the kinds of blessings you were enjoying in that era of your life. It can take you back to good times just like a diary or journal. It is a better record of events than a diary too. Because you are recording your blessings, you are doing two things at once; thanking God for the many many gifts He has given and documenting the details of the life you’re living at the moment of being grateful.
I think a gratitude journal makes a lot of sense. It keeps you positively in the moment. If negative thoughts try to creep in, you have a visual reminder of what you are thankful for. My life is centered around positive thoughts and humor so thanks for sharing your methods and of course for sharing your amazing artwork.
thank you! and i can definitely feel that about you whenever i am near you! you are a sweetheart who is a blessing to us all! woohoo for cosigning this idea; that gives it a lot of weight; another gift! thank you aunt wanda!!!
How very refreshing. Baring your heart with sincere words and colorful drawing makes me happy and grateful. your images are light but also hold significant depth… SO COOL !!!
Aww dear cousin this is very sweet of you to drop by AND have a encouraging word to say! I wonder how your site is coming and if I can do you the same favor? Do let me know!