I have rediscovered the gratitude journal. After a conversation with my son Brandon about them the other day, I decided to try keeping one again. This has got to be the tenth or fortieth time I’ve made that New Year’s resolution. But it seems like so little happens on a daily basis these days that eventually I wind up listing the same half-dozen things over and over again…
Brandon had a different take on gratitude journals, however. He says being grateful for three things each day is a good start. But here’s the trick, he says… Don’t just make a list of things you’re grateful for, write a few lines about WHY you’re grateful for that washing machine, how it affects your life. WHY you’re grateful that the neighbor stopped by to bring you some fresh-baked cookies, and how that made you feel. WHY you got a chance to stop by and see your aunt in the hospital, and how that affected your perspective on things… You get the picture.
So I tried it, and here I am over a week later and haven’t listed the same thing twice! I’m finding when I put that journal down and walk away, my whole mood has gotten a shot in the arm. I can honestly say I’m learning a thing or twenty about myself. And feeling grateful makes me happier, makes me smile. This is the journal Brandon gave me for Christmas.
Whatever our life philosophy is, being aware of our blessings is apparently a powerful way to lift our hearts and spirits! In fact, Proverbs 17:22 (CJB) says…
A happy heart is good medicine,
but low spirits sap one’s strength.
Isn’t that so true?! If you’ve never tried keeping a gratitude journal, give it a go. I promise it will make you feel better!
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Picture Source: joandjudy.com
Impromptu Promptlings 
Duh 🤦🏻♀️ I remember when we spoke last week and you shared this I said I was going to implement it into my #1000gifts gratitude journal and totally forgot!!
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Ah yes… Well you know what they say, our memory is the first thing that goes! 😉 Besides you have a new obsession in your life right now! 🙂 Hope little Philip is feeling better now! ❤
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He is back to his ole self and more 😻😹
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Maybe this is the answer. I tried one several years ago but it was an art journal. Draw about the gratitudes.. Mine didn’t turn out so well. Maybe I’ll give this idea ago.
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Good heavens, Beverly! Drawing? That would scare the beejeebers out of me! Yeah, I’d say this is a whole lot easier!
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Your son Brandon is a wise man … gee, I wonder where he got his wisdom? 😉 I had never even heard of a ‘gratitude journal’ before reading your post. Hmmmm … these days I seem to find more to be ‘ungrateful’ for than grateful. Perhaps I should try the gratitude journal thing. Hugs, soul sister!
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Back at cha’ girlfriend! I identify with that having more to be ungrateful for these days. I can get so negative, especially with everything going on in the country. (I’m definitely a “glass-half-empty” type personality.) It’s been affecting my attitude something awful lately, so I really needed to shift my focus. Pleased to say I’m still going! 😀
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It is so very easy to fall into the negativity trap these days … believe me, I’ve spent some time there … part of each day, I’d say. But remember this … if we give up and stop fighting, we will never know if we might have won the fight. And I am pleased to know you are still going!!! Now make sure you keep going, my friend! Love you! ❤
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Have missed you! ❤
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