5.22.2009

weekly reflection


To gain awareness of all the things that make life great I joined Serene Journey in starting a gratitude journal. The second I read about the gratitude journal I knew I needed to keep one. I want myself and our family to live a simpler and more enjoyable life. Seeing the good in life creates a shift in thinking to the positive. Gratitude makes us happier.

What is a gratitude Journal? Here is how Serene Journey defines it:
A gratitude journal is simply a journal you use to capture gratitude. It can be sexy and luxurious or as plain and simple as you want it to be. You can use a simple notebook, some white paper or a diary.
Once you have something to write in you will write 5 things that you are grateful for that day. You can do this right before bed or in the evening sometime. These don’t have to be big earth shattering revelations, as most things you are grateful for are not. These entries are what matter to you and what you are grateful for. This is a very personal venture.

The only 2 rules with a gratitude journal are:
  1. Everything in it must be positive and;
  2. You can only list something you’re grateful for once - no repeating entries.
I have always kept a journal but, in the past I have used it as a way to vent frustrations, work through issues and occasionally record our lives. This journal is different. It will make me see what things make me happy each and every day. I began my gratitude journal this week. I have a small book next to my bed and I jot down 5 things I am grateful for each night.

If you are not keeping a journal like this I invite you to join me!

4 comments:

Carla said...

I need to start keeping one too! Yesterday I was sad about the show we did but very greatful about how beautiful the day was and sharing it with Mark & Sam :)

Sherri (Serene Jouney) said...

Hi!
I'm so glad you liked the article on the gratitude journal. It's done wonders for me in changing how I view every situation. I'm happy for you that you've started one as well I hope you find it as enlightening as I have.

All the best,
Sherri
(Thank you for linking to our site as well :) ).

Unknown said...

Carla, it's a really nice exercise that I know you will enjoy. Seeing the little things in life make the big picture so much sweeter!

Unknown said...

Hi Sherri! The journal is going really well. Some days are easy and some pretty tough ;) But, on those tough days it's nice to really think about what made me happy that day instead dwelling on the negative. So glad I stumbled by your blog via simplemom. :)