That’s how I start every entry in my gratitude journal.
Now that it’s November and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share my new hobby and encourage you all to join me in journaling.
I started my gratitude journal after hearing the idea during an episode of the Young House Love podcast. During the episode Sherry mentions that she’s kept a gratitude journal for years and I was immediately interested in the idea. So, a couple days later I bought a cute journal at Target and started writing.
I didn’t want this to end up feeling like a chore, so my only rule is that I write at least one thing I’m grateful for every day. But if I miss a day, it’s not a big deal. I try not to write entries like “I’m grateful for my family” because I want to focus on things more specific to each day (and because obviously I’m grateful for my family).
The entries don’t need to be deep and meaningful either. For example, a couple of my past entries are that “I’m grateful that a new episode of How to Get Away with Murder = cuddle time” and “I’m grateful that my coworker brought in leftover Halloween candy”. Neither of those are momentous events, but after sitting in a cubicle all day, a bag of Swedish fish at 3 p.m. was exactly what I needed to get through the last hour of work.
So why should you start a gratitude journal? Well, studies have shown that focusing on gratitude:
1. Leads to improved physical and psychological health
2. Enhances empathy and reduces aggression
3. Improves self-esteem and reduces social comparisons
4. Reduces stress and increases happiness
5. Helps people sleep better and longer
You can read more about the benefits of gratitude and writing a gratitude journal here. If that still doesn’t convince you, maybe Oprah can convince you (she’s written gratitude journals for over a decade).
If you are thinking about starting a gratitude journal, I’ve rounded up some of the cutest journals currently available on Amazon. I ordered #1 for myself a couple days ago and I'm hoping it's in the mailbox when I get home today! Prices are as of 11/2/16, but are subject to change because Amazon does whatever Amazon wants.
I’m trying to convince my boyfriend to start his own gratitude journal. He’s kind of into the idea, so I might just buy him one in hopes that he’ll actually use it. He would probably be happy with just a plain notebook, but I like these for him. I’m leaning towards the lazy panda.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to start journaling? Or do you already keep a gratitude journal?
We dont keep a journal, but that is a great idea! Every night at dinner, we name 3-5 awesome parts of our day, my girls love doing it! Woudl be fun to make a journal of it and see how girls grow with it!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea!
DeleteI don't keep a gratitude journal, per se, but I do try to list five things I'm thankful for on a regular basis. Supposedly there's even been research done around how just that small act can make you a happier person!
ReplyDeleteI took a journaling workshop recently and the woman really inspired me to "set the mood" when writing. She suggested having a quiet corner to visit with fresh flowers, pictures, and maybe a favorite candle. It really made me WANT to set aside time to sit down and reflect (like a spa retreat for the soul!). Do you spend a few minutes writing or do you jot down quick notes? I think both work- just curious!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Local Shoppe
Love that idea!!!!
DeleteI love the idea of setting the mood for writing and having a spa retreat for the soul! I usually just jot down a few notes before bed, but I really should make more of an effort to reflect on the day. Thanks for sharing that tip!
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