I started a gratitude journal in August 2015 right about the time I started blogging. I read about gratitude journaling on, of course, a blog and I loved the essence of it. That particular blogger, and I am sorry that I don’t remember who it is because it was one the very first blogs I ever read, stated that she wrote “My reality is within my control” on the top of each entry. (If anyone knows who this is I would love to give them a shout out here so let me know in the comments…thanks!!) I have done an entry every day since August 12, 2015 and I can’t settle down to sleep without writing my entry. My mantra is be grateful.
Every night before bed, I get out my journal and write the date and the heading “My reality is within my control”. I then list 5 things that I am grateful for from that day. Sometimes they are big, beautiful, awesome events and sometimes it is the simplest of simple everyday occurrences. As it says above, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!!
Since I have been working in my journal for over a year now, it is beginning to get full. I was at Target today and I found a great new journal in the Dollar Spot. It was $3 and a perfect size. It will be a beautiful continuation of the positive energy from my first journal.
I have to admit that I LOVE new journals and notebooks. Sometimes I buy them and I don’t even need them:) This one, however, already has a job and will be used to its fullest. Other places to get journals are Etsy, Amazon, TJ Maxx, stationery/paper stores, etc. The look and price of this journal was fantastic…you can’t beat $3. (I am not getting any type of compensation for listing any of these retail sources. I just want to share a great deal that I found:)
Do you write in any type of journal??
I really need to start doing this everyday. It is a great idea.
Once you get in the habit of doing it, your day doesn’t seem complete unless it is done:)
I very sporadically journel about our life. List the important happenings. One day maybe my kids or grandkids will read it.
Expressing gratefulness is a great way to feel happier. I don’t know exactly how it works, but it does. I’ve been expressing my gratitude daily (or as often as I can) and it’s given me the first moments of peace after a very rough period in my life. If you can, look up Scott Colby’s FB group Say It With Gratitude. It’s an awesome group!
Thanks for the tip…I will definitely look up that group
This is wonderful. I do weekly gratitude lists in my Passion Planner, but I’ve been thinking that I need to start journaling again. It’s such a soothing practice. I journaled consistently from age 11 to 22, when I began having trouble writing by hand due to problems with my wrist and elbow, but there are so many other ways to get my thoughts out.
Thanks Amber
So true that there is always something to be thankful for ?? A journal makes the grateful journey worthwhile ??
Just the process of writing it down has a huge impact.
Gratitude really is so important. Even when life is incredibly hard, there is almost always still something to be thankful for!
ALWAYS:)
I bet I know where you found the great attitude journal, something I need to do.
It’s such a great habit to get into.
I love this idea! I’m going to start implementing it too before bed! Thanks for spreading the inspiration!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Thank you Molly
Great reminder! Gratitude is so important and when I can stay in an attitude of gratitude problems just dont seem like problems any more.
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
I love that…attitude of gratitude:)
I love to journal! Have you read Ann Voscamp’s One Thousand Gifts? I think you would really like it! I also love to buy new journals and notebooks! They are just so pretty.
Thanks for the recommendation…I will definitely take a look at that book…yes, I am a journalaholic
Isn’t that the truth? There is always SOMETHING to be grateful for! (PS I am a journal addict too!)
ALWAYS:)
I love this! I do gratitude daily in my bullet journal and I know it helps me keep my eyes on what truly matters