> The Gratitude Journal – When you are so low you can find no good in your life, start a gratitude journal. Write down 5 things at the end of every day that are positive, things that made you smile or made you happy. They do not have to be big things, and actually the smaller things will matter more. A dog kiss, a sunrise or sunset, your favorite song on the radio, a hello or a thank you from someone, a really yummy sandwich. When you focus on the positive, no matter how small, it changes your perspective from negative to positive. You begin to see how much good there is in your life at a time when you think there is none. In time, you will seek out those small, happy events to write in your gratitude journal, and eventually your perspective will change. It is easy to get overwhelmed with and drowned by life’s challenges, but staying focused on the positive will bring balance back to you, and give you the strength to get through the rough spots. Check out the timeless Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach for more ideas on appreciating everything around you.
> I think sometimes that if I were only well enough to write a little it would relieve the press of ideas and rest me. Charlotte Perkins Gilman
> It’s like a running dialogue when I write…
> On self expectation – What are your expectations of yourself? Do you fulfill them? Do you never reach them? How can you satisfy those expectations? Reach high. You will feel great about yourself.
> flight
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Nan,
I love your perspective on using your journal to record the small things that bring you joy and happiness in life. Bringing that awareness can cause a more positive focus, a shift in perspective, and ultimately make you feel better about yourself. I love how you pointed this out.
I have chosen your Journaling Prompt post for 11.8.10 as the #JournalChat Pick of the Day for all things journaling on Twitter. I will be posting it on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and my blog Refresh with Dawn Herring.
You are welcome to follow me on Twitter @JournalChat where I post links for all things journaling.
Thanks again for a grateful focus on this post. :)
Be refreshed,
Dawn Herring
JournalWriter Freelance
@JournalChat
Thanks, Dawn. I can personally attest to the power of the Gratitude Journal. When I push myself to find small positive things, their occurrence eventually overshadows negative things. My mood and frame of mind become light again. The transformation is amazing. I will also switch my mood or avoid a negative reaction to something by immediately thinking of something positive – the way someone made me laugh, sailing when I was a kid, pizza, a road trip or a favorite place. Positivity is very powerful, even in the moment like that. Thanks for the shoutouts, too! Much appreciated. :)
A gratitude journal…what a great idea! So often we get all wrapped up in what we “have to get done” that we forget to take the time to look around us and be thankful for what we see/have already. Thanks Nan!
We take SO much for granted, Tara! We forget the little stuff while being overwhelmed by what we think is the big stuff. :) Really, in the big picture, it’s all irrelevant.
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