To live a life of gratitude
is to open our eyes to the countless ways
in which we are supported by the world around us.
Such a life provides less space for our suffering
because our attention is more balanced.
We are more often occupied
with noticing what we are given,
thanking those who have helped us,
and repaying the world in some concrete way
for what we are receiving.
-Gregg Krech, Naikan: Gratitude, Grace & the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection
Gratitude Journal
The process.
The process of journaling is a way to free your emotions on to paper. It is a way to connect with your thoughts and view them with a different perspective. Whether you are angry or loving–it is a conversation with yourself. The thoughts, feelings and questions can be freeing. Writing in th morning is the best time to write and connect on a deep level.
Wayne Dyer always quotes…The Morning has secrets to tell you, do not go back to sleep. I believe this, your mind is still partially asleep & if you have ever been up at 3am, you find this quiet, this clarity, this creative outlet that springs awake.
Not that you have to journal at 3 in the morning, but that does happen.
Questions to help you ponder
Sometimes you may have a hard time thinking of something good to write about because it is often easier to write your feelings of anger or sadness, so here are some suggestions to get you thinking good thoughts when journaling. Always begin with five things you are grateful for –this will help you get in the right place emotionally to share what you feel.
What do you truly appreciate about your life right now?
What gifts and talents do you feel you have been given?
What makes you laugh. smile. What do you love.
Write about one of your happiest memories.
What would you do if failure was not an option?
What do you love about yourself?
Who do you think you are?
What did you love when you were a child?
(play. art. imagination. friends. building things. dressing up. etc)
What’s stopping you from discovering your passion?
List five things that you desire for your life.
What are 5 things people compliment you on.
If you were to die tomorrow, what would you not regret doing?
What does security mean to you?
What are three things you have learned about yourself?
List ten highlights within your life?
List five things to do this year to continue personal growth…books to read, courses, goals, retreats, etc.
Think of five people you have read or learned about that you feel have mentored your life.
What did you take away from them?
My Personal Tips and Tricks: Every evening my family gathers together before bed and we share three or more things that we are grateful for from the day. We brake it down by person and each person shares what they were grateful for throughout the day. Things like: I am grateful I got to go to the art museum with Mom today. I am grateful for long walks through the forest. I am grateful for a job. I am grateful for beautiful music. I am grateful for a healthy family. I am grateful for Dad being home…Each day is different.
Then we each have our own personal journals where we share our feelings or answer personal questions. On my daughter’s eighth birthday I created a Self-Love journal for her. I peppered the pages with personal questions that she answers when she feels like journaling. It is another place for gratitude and personal reflection.
I think getting grateful with your family is a good place for a gratitude journal.
-have a grateful day.
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